Long Days Journey Into NIght

So it's been a while already. Over a week since my departure, and the world has been turned upside down. I spent last weekend traveling from Cleveland to Combermere and the trip was amazing. John and I got to visit a ton of friends have a blast, cry a little (mostly me), talk like an African-American women, drink some Jameson (the hero of the weekend), go to mass at a Shrine, visit a museum dedicated to Jell-O, go to a bar in Toronto named Woody's (sorry Aunt Jennifer) And a few more exciting adventures. It was really an amazing journey/pilgrimage for me.
The first week here has been interesting to say the least. It was a much faster adjustment than the last time I came here, but I also have much more to figure out. I spent most of the week working on the MH Farm (St. Benedict's Acres) which was awesome. I got to harvest 4 kinds of squash which I actually planted the last time I was here. That was a miracle to me. That I got to plant, harvest, and store this food which will now feed myself and many others throughout the winter. I got to do the same thing with the cabbage that I planted also. It is amazing to think about how far away from food production I normally am and how close I am at this point. Truly a blessing.
I also got to move a lot of wood around. I think that is going to be a large portion of what I do this winter, but that is alright. Its good work, and we'd freeze if someone didn't do it.
It is already 3 Celsius today which if you don't know is about 37 Fahrenheit so basically absolutely ridiculous. I have already had to pull out my hat and gloves which I thought I wouldn't need for another month. Anyway it is still a blessing to be here. I had a rough start this week, but with a little help from Our Lady and St. Theresa (whose feast day was Oct 1) I have been thriving. I feel a peace that I haven't felt in a while here. I feel joy in my heart, which I often struggle to find. It is going to be a challenge to be here for so long, but I can't wait to get started.  The program I came here for starts this week, and I think its going to be devastatingly difficult. I also feel it will force me to see my true self and dispose of it for the white robes of Christ. I am excited to pick of His burden and follow...

Slowly I Turn Step by Step...

So I was told that I was going to be accepted into this program a long time ago. Actually before I was even sure I would apply. I got home and took my time filling out the application and sending it. I didn't really push the people to fill out the letters of recommendation I asked from them. I did my usual wait til the last minute if its right its right.

I tell myself that a lot, "Don't worry, it'll get done." That isn't how it should be though. I should be more on top of things. I should do things when I say I will. The Lord must really want me up in Combermere though because earlier this week I received an informal email saying that I had been accepted, and yesterday I received another with the official document because it was too late to mail it.

I think I'm a little scared to go in some ways. It is an intense program. Not only that, it is also a very intense communal life. Which is something that I want, but it is still pretty hard for me sometimes. It is definitely going to be practice for my future.

Today is one week from the leave date. I am getting kind of nervous. I know that I am supposed to be there, but that doesn't make leaving any easier. It also doesn't make me any less of a less crazy. I still haven't gone to get a winter coat, although that is schedule for Monday, or long underwear, gloves, ice skates, any washroom supplies, or basically anything on my huge list of shit to bring. I plan on doing it all next week. You know when I'm not doing all the other shit I have to do. "Whatever it'll get done," is what I keep telling myself.

I'm excited too though. Don't get me wrong. I can't wait to see my friends up there and to get this started. I really do love it up there.
7 Days, its the perfect number.

Almost Out the Gate

So I've been convinced that blogging will be a good way to keep in touch with people while I'm in Canada. If you didn't already know I will be spending 8 months in the Great White North, living with a religious community in Combermere Ontario. Here is their link: http://www.madonnahouse.org/ I will only be able to get on once a week, if that. I figured this would be an easy way to tell everyone what I am doing instead of sending out 20,000 emails updating each person. I leave September 24th. I just thought I'd try to get things set up. This part is easier than going to buy a winter coat that will withstand 40 bellow and that actually has a little style...so I figured I'd do this first. I hope that you can enjoy this and that it helps us stay in touch. My google voice number which you can call or text anytime is 1(440)941-3616. I will respond to you when I can, but at least this way I'll have a phone number and a way to talk to you guys. I'm really very excited to go back up to Madonna House. I hope you all have a good year. Keep in Touch.If you want to exchange snail mail with me, which would be awesome, just send mail addressed to Joshua Trefney to the general address on the Madonna House Website, or if you want to send me care packages with things from the real world.