Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Tuesday, 9/18
Hi -- Thanks for visiting my blog. A beautiful sunshiny day. High in the 80's, lows in the low 50's. The air is so clear that it's a pleasure to just BREATHE. My allergies haven't bothered me once since arriving. That's the plus. The minus is that the mosquito bite count is at 21. That's with multiple applications of eau de Deep Woods. T would say that nature is best observed through the window of an air-conditioned car. The convent, The Dwelling Place at Mt. Tabor, is located on Rte 122, which is more like a driveway than a road. Best to hug the edge of your side of the lane when rounding a bend. The monastery sits on 24 acres on a mountaintop. There are six buildings, including an octagonal sanctuary with picture windows through which to view the land and trees, a large gathering house with kitchen, dining areas, t.v. room (satellite - but I think I'll still be missing "Desperate Houswives"), living room, several offices and bedrooms for the infirm (currently unoccupied) and retreat houses. The sisters are: Sr. Judy (prioress), Sr. Eileen (Ass't prioress), Sr. Jan, Sr. Kathleen, Sr. Carolyn, and Sr. Mary. I'll share a bit about each sister over time, but to start w/ Sr. Judy, as prioress she oversees the workings of the convent (are convent and monastery synonymous?), which includes making financial decisions, planning liturgy, and if I understand correctly, guiding the souls of the convent community. She's a woodworking artist and has a studio on site. In addition to all this, she also sings in a community (town) choir and works as a volunteer EMS. She does jaws of life, water rescue and recovery, search and rescue, and one other harrowing task that I can't remember. And, she's 60! Re teaching, today I worked for two hours with a student in Algebra (!). Good thing I learned the equations myself last night. The young woman is a 2002 h.s. graduate who works full time in a grocery store. She makes weekly two-hour round trips here to the College to brush up on her math in preparation for spring enrollment. I also made a lesson plan for literacy instruction tomorrow. Well, it's time to head back to the mountain for evening prayers, supper, and compline (prayer and blessing at 9). Those last moments together when we stand in a silent circle, Sr. Judy going one by one to each to bless her, is a time of pure peace and contentment. Wishing you peace and contentment.
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4 comments:
Dear Stacey,
The whole experience sounds very interesting. The daily prayer life of the nuns follows an ancient tradition. By the way, a convent is usually applied to a group of religious women who are active outside their living area. A monastery is usually a group of religious, traditionslly men who take a vow of stability,which means they stay in their living area. In the case of the sisters you are with, I suspect that at one time they may have had a vow of stability and that is why the house is called a monastery. You might ask them.
Please pray for all the family.
Emjoy your work, and try to get
some relaxation.
Love,
Mom and Dad
Hi Hon,
I was hoping that you would not have to teach any math and that was the first thing! As for the sisters and their monastery, they did say that they had taken a vow of stability so I think it is properly a monastery rather than a convent.
You forgot to say that nature is best observed through the window of an air conditioned car . . . going 55 miles an hour!
Love you,
T
the work that the sisters and you are doing remind me of the song 99 1/2 song by Mavis Staples.
http://play.rhapsody.com/mavisstaples/wellneverturnback/99and12?didAutoplayBounce=true
That is a perfect place to get closer to God. The serenity and beauty of the nature speaks of His great love. You reminded me of my life during the misisonary training. Except that we were more rigid because we need to get up at 4a.m. for the dawn worship and jogging. I miss all those memories. Cherish every moment with Him.
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