Joyana Jacoby

I grew up in central Wisconsin and now live in Chicago. My heart has residence in many places including central Mexico. I served in Leon, Guanajuato for two years as a Good Shepherd Volunteer. I went ready to "listen exquisitely to another way of living on the other side of the border." There, I accompanied women in a sewing cooperative, taught English, and worked at a girls' boarding school. I learned new depths of patience and human resiliency, how to walk in a relaxed manner, and the meaning of being a woman in today's world.

While ready to return 'home' after 2 intense years of growth I knew I would have a lot of unfolding to do upon my return. The From Mission to Mission Re-entry Workshop provided me space to continue to unpack and put into perspective the many struggles and joys I had witnessed and lived. It was a sacred space to honor my experience, including the painful and difficult parts, share stories with people who really listened and allow for 'my spirit to catch up with me.' Having the opportunity to spend a weekend with kindred spirits was pure gift and helped me as I moved to integrating what I learned in Mexico into life here. 

I am currently the Service Immersion Coordinator at DePaul University where I have the opportunity to accompany students during transformational immersion experiences. 

Sr. Anna Marie Reha SSND

I fell in love with the people and place of Guatemala and after living and ministering in rural Guatemala for 10 1/2 years it had become home.  I went to Guatemala with the intention of staying for ten years and I knew at the end of this time that it was important to return to the U.S. and study for my Master's Degree as well as reconnect with my family, friends, and congregation.  Going and learning a new culture and language was simple compared to re-entering the US.  Once I had returned all I wanted to do was go back "home". 

The From Mission to Mission Re-Entry Workshop helped me to honor my experience and the great love I have for the people of Guatemala. It also helped me to feel better about being back as well as re-orientate me to how I could be present and to serve here.  By the end of the workshop I could say "I am home" and "I miss them very much".  Through the workshop I found I could laugh again and be whole.  Today I minister in the rural Diocese of New Ulm, Minnesota in Hispanic Ministry, where my heart has been opened to new experiences and new people.

Fr. Dennis Moorman

My name is Fr. Dennis Moorman and I am a Maryknoll Missionary Priest.  I served in northeastern Brazil for ten years, where I worked with Catholic communities on the periphery of the city where most of the poorer class of people lived. I also entered into an inter-religious dialogue with the Afro-Brazilian religions as well as maintained a pastoral presence with the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered communities.  These were some of the most fulfilling and gratifying years of my life so when I was asked to return to the United States to work in Vocation Ministry I was feeling reluctant and fearful of the change.

Participating in the From Mission to Mission Re-Entry Workshop helped me to process this experience with other missioners who were going through a similar life transition.  I am especially grateful for the perspective I gained of how the violence suffered by those I accompanied had a vicarious effect on my own life.  This awareness inspired me to seek help for the trauma I experienced and now I am studying to help others resolve traumas from their own life experiences.