To the Most Reverend Bishop Daniel Jenky,

            I am writing regarding my yearlong journey with the Apostles of the Interior life and my fellow Samuel groupers.  Words cannot express the love and happiness I have experienced from and with my fellow Samuel groupers.  I decided to join the Samuel group upon the suggestion of my Spiritual Director, Sr. Raffaella. 

            I did not know what to expect or how Samuel Group was going to change my life.  But somehow I couldn’t keep my excitement down.  Maybe it was Sr. Raffaella being excited for me, but deep down inside I knew something big would happen in my life.  The biggest change in my life took place about half way thru the year when I finally let go of my worriers and expectations.  Coming in at the beginning of the year with huge expectations, I was deeply disappointed after the first two sessions where I was expecting some miracle to occur.  However, I learned that God works in his own way, and at his own time.  So, I struggled to let my expectations go and hand myself over to him.  I still haven’t completely turned myself over to him, and I still worry about my future and my academics.  But I have traveled a distance and I have come to enjoy a small amount of peace. 

            One of the greatest gifts bestowed upon me by the Sisters and Samuel Group is the beauty of Adoration.  Spending an hour with God alone, I have never understood the joy and peacefulness of it until this year.  I had never experienced such peace, such love.  Even though I do not fully understand it, knowing that I am being held in my fathers lap is a reassuring thought.

            Samuel Group and the Apostles of the Interior Life have helped me to love God and to hand myself over to Him.  I still have a long way to travel, and I have already set out on my journey.  I don’t know where my destination is and when or how I will get there.  But, I have learned to trust Him and my love for Him grows with each day.  Having the support from my fellow members and the Sisters gives me the strength I need to keep going and with God’s grace I will reach my destination. 

In God’s Grace, 

Merrine