Catherine's Cafe Vocation Blog

I am borrowing words from the St. Croix Objibwe, Big Drum People.     I just finished hearing and seeing the eyes and faces of Mitchell La Sarge and Wanda McFaggen     from a PBS Wisconsin series   Tribal Histories.    My heart is full.     What does that have to do with sharing about Dominican life?   Yesterday I participated in an all-day virtual assembly of Sinsinawa to facilitate our ownership of a new land acknowledgment that connects us to the people who enjoyed the place we call The Mound long before we existed. We were led to ponder what will enable Sinsinawa  community to connect with or support Indigenous Resurgence and Justice? Mitchell La Sarge shared a great love and concern for the younger generations of their people, many who are turning to drugs or leaving the traditions of the Big Drum People. He searches the youth to learn what are they passionate about. Dominicans might also ask new generations. What are you passi...

A couple of weeks ago, some of my co-workers and I noticed that we were working with more international clients than usual; clients from different countries, primary languages, cultures and traditions, and professional experiences. As a job counselor, this presents many unique opportunities and challenges. Imagine, also, the hundreds of stories and relationships that ensue. In addition to native born US citizens (mostly from the north Midwest), I am currently working with clients from Egypt, India, China, Uganda, Somalia, Cameroon, Syria, Mexico and Brazil. In the course of my working relationships, I am gifted with stories about families, dreams and goals, values that influence decisions, present hardships and concerns, and more. My world view and heart expand every day. The stories I hear bring realities of others into my own. Some days, like this past Friday, I am moved beyond words to tears. Through all of these experiences, I become better at my work and in personal relat...