As many of you know, I was raised Roman Catholic and always dreamed of studying at the University of Notre Dame, or at the very least I dreamed of attending a football game there. As time passes, we may forget about our bucket lists until something happens to remind us.
In my case, just a few months after our return to the USA from Madagascar, my wife Patsy mentioned my desire to attend a game to a parishioner at St. Mary’s in Stuart. The next thing we knew, we were on our way to South Bend to attend an Irish football game against USC last October. Someone else put us in contact with Notre Dame graduates (Domers) in Stuart who told us about the Inspired Leadership Initiative (ILI) program. One thing led to another and now, I am living out one of my bucket list items.
Because of living overseas for so many years, I subconsciously crossed off my Notre Dame bucket list item, but God had other plans. Never cross off a bucket list item because it’s part of who God has created you to be. Since mid-August I have been on the campus of the University of Notre Dame, pinching myself as I walk the campus, attending classes and cheering for the Irish at all kinds of sporting events. I’m filled with joy each day as I learn something new. I get to dialogue with the members of my cohort four times a week and interact with students from throughout the world. I attend and participate in classes on poverty, business and social entrepreneurship. I spend time with top professors hearing about their passions, and attend lectures from visiting faculty, listening to inspiring speakers.
Everyday is a new experience. Being vulnerable within my cohort is a highlight of the my time here, while attending sporting events and exercising spiritual rhythms are icing on top of the cake. Thank you for your prayers and support of my endeavors. My life is full of joy and I thank the Lord that I never crossed off this bucket list item.