Did you all feel the earthquake around 5:30 this morning? It sounded like someone was pounding on the door and the house shook. I thought something had hit the house. The picture of Virginia with her dad from her wedding that I keep on the computer fell over as did a couple of pictures from the bookcase and the clock on the hutch. Other stuff moved closer to the edge of furniture. I didn't hear the news that there was an earthquake somewhere in Illinois that was felt here until I got to work.

I'm getting ready to go to New York and celebrate Mass with 60,000 other Americans and Pope Benedict. It was great when I thought I would be going as American to join with the other participants representing the American Catholics who were unable to go and pray as one great body of Christians. Since I have heard Pope Benedict speak, I am glad to be able to hear in person his great pastoral message. When he said "God bless America" on the White House lawn, it touched my soul. The Holy Father seems truly a pastor following the path of love and compassion. I was surprised when he got off the plane at how short he was. I was glad to see signs of joy when he greeted America. The way he waved was just cute. Although I often disagree with President Bush, I was thrilled about his greeting of the Pope and glad of his reverence and grateful that he was able to seem to relax and enjoy being with the Pope in spite of their difference. I'm so excited. I hope I can sleep.Tomorrow comes early and it will be a long, long bus ride there and back with lots of waiting in between but I know it will be worth it. I will be praying for all my friends and family while I'm gone.