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...
