I’m updating the blog earlier this week to celebrate my Confirmation anniversary!

This day a year ago, I was busy both freaking out and being overly excited. I’d likened Confirmation day to a wedding—it’s often said the couple barely remembers the day itself, for all the stress and prep that goes into it. So I was determined not to. I remember most distinctly pulling into the mostly-empty parish parking lot, staring up at the building through a foggy windshield. I wasn’t as nervous as I thought I would be. I was mostly concerned with all the people that were meeting me there, rather than the sacrament itself. That part, at least, I knew wouldn’t go wrong. Later, after the Mass and the congratulations and the cake, my car smelled like chrism oil for a week.

From the moment I decided to convert, I likened it to a journey—one that had begun many years prior. Confirmation itself wasn’t the end of the journey, and I knew that at the time, too. I think of all I’ve experienced this past year, and it doesn’t seem possible. I started my post-Confirmation life with a silent retreat. We sat around the dinner table on the first night, doing introductions before the “silent” part began, and I proudly declared that I’d been Catholic for only two weeks. I had a lot of surrogate Godmothers that weekend. They all watched over me, proud that I attended any and every service I could.

I’ve joined a local parish, attending their Bible studies and getting involved in the music ministry. I learned to play handbells and offered my flute in a prayer service. I continue to visit different parishes for different services, from daily and Sunday Mass, to the Stations during Lent, to Adoration and prayer. I’m still learning what works best for me, and where. But I’m in no rush, because I’ve had so many different experiences during this time.

I’ve read a lot of books over this time. A lot. From saints, to publications by various popes, to fellow converts, to religious history. I’ve acquired more books than I can read, both purchasing them myself and from others. I added several new Bibles in different translations to my shelf. I’m inspired in my own writing, filling several journals and starting my own prayer intention book. I’ve composed prayers and poetry. I’ve been consistent in updating this blog most weeks.

I’ve traveled to Rome, waved to Pope Francis, and purchased a rosary in the Vatican gift shop that smells like roses. I’ve worshipped at churches in Assisi. I’ve hiked mountains with Catholic friends while reciting prayers.

If that was all in a single year, how is God going to top that?

I begin year two in the midst of three books. I’m learning more of our Jewish foundation, and garnering wisdom from the saints. I’ve started jotting down notes to finally write the story of my journey, even if those “notes” are just a preliminary title. I don’t know what will happen in year two. But I know it’s gonna be good, if year one is just the beginning.