Sous Chef Rachel

Boy, oh, boy am I behind. I didn't take my computer on spring break and I was behind before that so quarantine time is catchup time. It'll be harder to keep my sous chefs at Purdue, but I'm going to do my best. So as my first sous chef to try to get back on track, I would love to tell you about my friend Rachel.

Meeting Rachel

I actually got to meet Rachel away from Purdue when we both led a Senior Awakening Retreat. I don't have a distinct memory of meeting her, but I do have a distinct memory of walking around campus the week after and she said hi to me. I was in my zone walking to my next class and it caught me so off guard that I didn't even see who it was until she walked by me. Sorry about that one Rachel I still feel bad about it.

Things to appreciate about Rachel

1) Rachel always asks me how I am. It is a simple and common question yes, but she says it because she cares not because it is a formality. Intentionality is a big deal in our interactions and I find Rachel is genuine and intentional with her time and conversations.

2) Rachel has loving and God rooted friendships. This was actually the topic of her talk on the most recent retreat we led. She focused on one specific friendship, but I find that the way she treats people, it is inherent in the friendships she makes. She spends a lot of time being active at St. Toms at Purdue and it seems her friendships root themselves in God and grow from there. I am sure her friends outside of the church are rooted in love as well because that's just how she treats people.

3) I think I've talked about one of my favorite questions: What is the best compliment you've received. Ash Wednesday came and I had an interview after classes in Indiana then drove back for an awesome club meeting. I went to the Union for a meal before I realized I couldn't have meat. I had some time to kill before I went to the late-night mass, so I started to write my first Sous Chef blog when Rachel and her best friend Rachel walked up to me. Rachel tells me "Will, I have something to give you!" I was very surprised because Rachel and I aren't super close. Well, from my talks on retreats/blogs about my past failures to do 40 letters (another one coming) Rachel was inspired to use her gift of writing to write 40 letters herself for lent. I was letter number 1. The combination of being inspired by me to write and the kind words in the letter this ranks as the best compliment I've received. Thank you for that Rachel.

Rachel

I'm sure you are having more success with letter writing than I am. IF and When you hit the mental block where it feels like they are becoming similar or less authentic, I want to remind you that they can and will make a difference and speak from your heart because you are an authentic person. I am inspired by you and thank you for your Christian witness.