Steak Burgers from Omaha with Love

This past weekend, we may have had the best BBQ Steak Burgers EVER of the Summer at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Convent in Sound Beach, NY, thanks to two extraordinary ladies, Sarah Campbell and Lisa Paulsen, with whom we share a unique sisterhood.

Lisa from Omaha, Nebraska, and Sarah, originally from Nebraska but now from Charleston, South Carolina, renewed the blessing of their friendship with us for a few days. It was wonderful to catch up on events in our lives and to share memories of what brought us together, along with the serenity of the surroundings in Sound Beach, NY.

Lisa's and Sarah's relationship with the Sisters and staff at OLPH began when Sr. Joanne Zielinski, DW, relocated from Omaha, Nebraska, to OLPH in her retirement.

Both were immeasurably helpful to Sr. Joanne and the Daughters of Wisdom leadership in coordinating her move. When the time came, Sr. Joanne chose a farewell dinner at an Omaha Steak House.

The friendship didn't end with the move, as both visited with Sr. Joanne on several occasions, and Lisa was with her at the time of her passing. Sarah shared that something Delegation Leader Sr. Catherine Sheehan said at Sr. Joanne's wake this past April stuck with her. She said, "...' and Joni brought us the gifts of Lisa and Sarah. And we get to keep them.' I managed not to cry, but that was everything for me." For her, it was not the end of a friendship but the continuation of something already budding underway (more friendships). And so, the visits and sisterhood continue.

Sarah said, "Here's the thing about people in Nebraska—food is our love language." That was shown through a perfect mid-western BBQ that included Omaha steak burgers, frankfurters, and kielbasa with all the trimmings.

Lisa said of the enduring friendships, "I just feel better spending time with them. ... it's enriching for sure; there are so many stories to be told of the experiences that they've been through. And they're pretty diverse. You know, I think that is amazing in itself. And you know, around the world how the congregation is continuing to thrive and grow, right? I think it's because they speak that love language."

Sr. Catherine Sheehan, Lisa Paulsen, Sarah Campbell, and Sr. Evelyn Eckhardt.

Thank you, Lisa & Sarah, blessings until we meet again!