second attempt. The brothers commented, “You didn’t let it beat you!” The next day, after a long hike we rappelled over a cliff face, descending 90 feet to the ground. We also got to swim in some cold, deep water in a cave, which was very refreshing and pleasant after the baking hot sun of the desert! Some of our days in the desert reached more than 90 degrees. At one point, a snake came out to sunbathe in the middle of our path, so we had to take an alternate route. Otherwise, we mainly saw benign lizards, birds, and frogs. Challenges and blessings As we drove out of the desert at the end of the trip, I thought about all that I had experienced, both the good and the bad, the challenges and the blessings. I saw how certain moments where our group was stopped and forced to wait made me feel impatient, and how my attachment to my own preferred schedule, pace, and rhythm was sometimes excessive. I saw how our traveling together provided opportunities to grow in the gift of sharing one’s own abilities, food, and other possessions, and of bearing one another’s burdens — even physically at times. I felt inspired to keep growing in generosity. Do you think you have a vocation to the priesthood, or know someone who has? The Marian Fathers would like to hear from you! Please visit Marian.org/vocations. 16 Marian Helper • Fall 2024 • Marian.org
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