I have learned many things from these past 8 weeks in VHS. Before taking VHS I didn't even know where my parents met. My parents' love story demonstrated the differences of dating years ago and dating now. Since my parents didn't have facebook or texting, their relationship relied on verbal communication, which is different today. My mission statement help set goals that I want to accomplish in the future. I will bring my mission statement to college with me to remind myself to stay on the right track. 

I was surprised by Sister Colleen's story. She really changed my perspective of nuns. I had always thought of nuns to be old, strict, and plain. But sister Colleen really opened my eyes to the changing face of catholic life. Her reflections also helped me during my stressful days of senior year. I will definitely remember them in college. The movie "The Way" made me want to go on a pilgrimage. Maybe after college I will take my own throughout Europe. It seems like an awesome experience and I am really considering going on one. 

IVF

There are many pros and cons of IVF. Obviously bringing a baby into the world is the first and foremost pro (which outweighs the cons) in my opinion. Another pro of IVF is the research the doctors can use with the leftover eggs. So many scientific advancements could be made if they could use them. However, if the eggs are used at medical waste, I believe that is a major con for IVF. All of the unwanted eggs, or what they can use, should be used and not just thrown away.
The church's teachings about IVF does not change my opinion. I believe that they are still stuck in the past. If a catholic family wants to have a child, but can only do so through IVF, why can't they? They would be still raising they child as catholic, it doesn't make them any less of a person. God gave us these doctors for a reason.
The cost does not really affect my opinion. I would probably list it under the cons. But, it is a medical procedure. For the people who pay that much money for IVF means that they are serious about having a child and will ultimately give anything to have a child. I think that says a lot.

Abortion

I have only seen the Gosnell case on local news not on national news. I believe it did not make national news for many reasons. One reason is that all of the patients that were affected were poor minorities. If this happened in a clinic where it affected rich white women, this would be all over the news in a second. Secondly, I think the news is really sensitive to the "a" word (abortion.) I think by maybe showing this people will respond differently. Not that I would say this but it could be possible that pro life people would respond, "They should not be getting abortions in the first place." Of course, that would be an extremist point of view.
I believe that he should get more attention though for people to see how disgusting this man is and maybe set an example that if there are other places like this, that they eventually will be found.

The Changing Face of Marriage

The facts in the article Happily Never After do not shock me. It makes sense that people who are looking to get married want to find financial stability in their partner. If someone is uneducated and is looking for a job, I do not think that they would want to "settle down" in a marriage. It is sad that people need to find that financial stability when looking for a partner to spend the rest of their life with. When I am married I plan to have children and establish the domestic church in my household. I hope that my children will follow the actions of my husband and I. We will set a good example by going to mass and being a good dear neighbor.

While watching the first video about marriage, I did not know how to react. When I get older I hope to find a loving husband who is also my best friend, like the couple in the video. However, I believe that the couple in the video is almost too good to be true. I think they did not stress the hardships that can come with a marriage, they just glamorized the all of the good parts of marriage. From all the marriages I have encountered, none of them looked like that couple. I would like to see an interview of this "couple" 5 years from that interview once they have children. I think their views on marriage and comments would be different. They would still be in love, but I think there is a different kind of love once you have children.

Pope

• There are many topics that are important for the next Pope. These topics include homosexuality, abortion, war, and the role of women in the church.
• I imagine the church to be more modern. The church needs to have an open mind to the changing population. Some challenges the pope might face would be the the acceptance of homosexuality. 
• Women can only reach the position of under-secretary in Vatican departments, the number three post after president and secretary, which so far have been held by ordained men. Currently only two women are under-secretaries, one a nun and one a lay woman. The Church also teaches that women cannot become priests because Jesus willingly chose only men as his apostles
• I would change the role of women in the church. They should be able to reach the same position as men. Even if they cannot become pope, women should be able to have the same rights and reputation as male priests.  

Let Your Like Speak

     I can apply what Parker J. Palmer says about doing what makes you happy and not worrying about what others think. This is most relevant in my life while I make the decision to pick a college. While deciding, I have to remember why I want to go to college and focus on what will make me happy.
I can also relate to how Palmer describes "wearing other peoples faces." When I make the transition from high school to college I need to learn to show people my true colors. In college, hopefully I will not pretend to be someone I am not.
     Palmer also says that we must "experience darkness." He says that learning from our failures is important to gaining success in life. I will take his words of wisdom into action. Every time I encounter a failure, I will take it as a learning experience.  

Mission Statement

To see the beauty in everything that God has created. I will take the time to appreciate all that God has given me and to count my blessings.

To become more patient with myself. Life is a journey with many twists and turns and I must have faith that God has a certain plan for me.

To go onto college and receive a doctorate in physical therapy. By doing so, I can help and rehabilitate others and help them regain their physical and emotional strength

I must except my failures and learn from my mistakes. Everything in life is a learning experience and I will take advantage of that while I am still young.

To find happiness, fulfillment, and value in living. Life is short and I intend to discover all the pleasures and joys that life has to offer.

To find inner peace within myself. I must accept who I am and realize that God out me on earth for an important reason.

To love more. Love is stronger than death and I will love my family, friends, others and most importantly, God.