Notes from the Field - Now that my year of service is over and I'm home with my family for Christmas, I've had a lot of time to think about my time as the staff writer for Franciscan Mission Service.

In late September, I joined 48 other women and men from across India who had gathered together for a consultation on the impact of religion and culture, namely the impact of religion and culture on the empowerment of women.

"Into this darkness, the Light shines. In a brokenness where anything and everything that defines us seems now to divide us — be it race or creed, sexual orientation or immigration status, political party or socio-economic standing — God steps in."

GSR Today - Sometimes I am asked if I think there is hope for Haiti. I have heard this question more and more as we approach the end of 2016, a year that has not been kind to Haiti. While I am no expert, I can say that on day one of my most recent assignment for Global Sisters Report, I felt hopeful.

Catholic faith tradition teaches that God continues to reveal the God-self as mercy in the face of Jesus Christ and this same Jesus Christ is made manifest in the lives of Christians. Thus, conforming and configuring to the image of Christ has been the call as well as the challenge before Christians, especially during the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy.

"At the river’s edge we sometimes wonder what is up and what is down. Winter reminds us of the depth of our everyday. Can you see it?"

It is mid-morning on a warm Friday in the Philippines capital of Manila, and dozens of patients are already in the waiting room. A nurse uses a microphone to remind them that there is a queue and everyone will get their chance to consult with the doctor. The Canossa Health and Social Center serves as an oasis of calm and order in the slums of Tondo, one of the most economically poor sections of the city of 1.7 million people.

"God did not send the Christ-child in order to make us wizards who know everything, understand everything and control everything. God was in Christ not to make us wizards, but to make us good. And the wonder of it all is that grace may find us in people and places that are least expected, often with danger all around."

“Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people."

GSR Today - It's been fun collecting Leinenkugel's beer carton boxes throughout the year. A repairman recently came to the house and saw two stacks of those boxes in the corner. "Gee, lady, you sure like your beer!" he quipped as he walked by.