Alice's scrapbook created during the Sept. 6 PVM Sabbath Day.

The following Sept. 6 Sabbath Day reflection was written by 2008-2009 Providence Volunteer Minister (PVM) Alice Liu.

Waiting on others to arrive that morning gave me a chance to accomplish mission #1 for the Sabbath Day: to take a peaceful rest in the "loving embrace" of the sofa.

The day began with our presenter, Katy Stallings, sharing the books that her parents read with her as a child. Everyone shared her favorites. Mine was "Alice in Wonderland" in my 3rd-grade Chinese textbook in Taiwan, as that was how I eventually selected my own English name of Alice!

After that, we were asked to make a scrapbook, storybook or any notations in the hope to share more about who we are and where we have been.

I was certainly elated, as I had wanted to make my very first scrapbook! The next thing I found myself busy cutting, pasting and trying to tell my own story of all that I have experienced since arriving at the Woods in late July.

Meanwhile, the sun was shining beautifully outside, the pastures were green, the horses and the alpacas were roaming in the fields. Rachel was sitting right outside under the bright sunlight in the yard, working on her storybook. Nicole was also off to her own quiet corner for the deep self-reflection and contemplative experience. We were all very into our praying through storytelling process!

When the sharing started, Nicole shared chapter one of the beginning of her own biography. She also shared a simple drawing of the place that she stayed.

Then Rachel shared her side of the personal journey in time.

I took the photojournalism approach of including photos of the new friends I met at the 20th anniversary of PVM celebration and my mom and me at the commissioning liturgy.

I also reflected upon all the various countries and cities that I have lived in or traveled to from birth until now, which made quite a union of all the geographic circles. All that made me who I am today. I, myself, am a union of all the cultural and geographic experiences, while witnessing God’s presence in my life, all the time. "God is good. All the time. All the time, God is good."

Julie and Katy generously shared what they wrote in their books.

After all our sharing, Katy asked, "Who do you wish to thank at this time?"

I dedicated my story to people I am grateful for, from my parents, brother and sister-in-law, and friends to all the saints that have inspired me along my life-journey!

Katy concluded with a very well chosen song entitled, "Holy as a Day is Spent," by Carrie Newcomer.

The lyrics reminded me of the ways of St. Therese of Liseux, the Little Flower — doing little things to honor our almighty God. Her motto was, "love is repaid by love alone." Surely, during this Sabbath Day, we were surrounded by the memories of the love that we shared with our families while growing up; the love of loving what we are doing as PVM volunteers; and the love of Julie, our director, in taking care and looking after all her PVMs.

Going to one of my favorite restaurants, an Indian restaurant, further topped off the Sabbath Day. We enjoyed each other’s fellowship, friendship and learning to see the presence of God in our lives. We are truly blessed to be here serving God’s people at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods with the Sisters of Providence, where God’s peace, serenity and love is present among us all. Amen.

Alleluiah! Alleluiah!! Alleluiah!!!