We arrive yesterday in early afternoon after making good time from our last stop at Little Rock AFB where we spent the night at the lodge. This is the third lodge we've enjoyed staying at and I have to admit, this is one of the nicer perks of being retired military. Quarters are as good if not better than hotels and the cost is half of any Best Western level hotel. Breakfasts are to be had at the base golf courses and the food is always good. One thing they don't stint on in the military is food (at least in my experience). So, after a good night's sleep, breakfast, and Mass at the base chapel we took off for the final 3 1/2 hours of our journey to Missouri.
I haven't been here in 20 years. Kris as 9 the last time I was here. Even with big tornado damage is 06, things still look pretty much the same. Now that we are here without children, with no relatives living here, and all past memories (mine) put to rest, I am looking at Caruthersville with very different eyes.
Being here on a mission puts us in a whole different category of visitor. For one thing, one doesn't just visit C'ville. Except for the casino, there is nothing to attract a visitor to stay for a while. We have no family here anymore so a stay now is a purposeful event.
Meeting Sr. Darlene has been a treat and since last night, we have been in a marathon of conversation, prayer, cooking, prayer, developing our idea of community and prayer and, and, and . . . . Her mini-Schnauzer, Izzy, is wildly entertaining and maintains full command of the yard and especially command over the squirrel population.
Sr. Darlene lives alone in her mission assignment. Since hers is also a formation house, there are women who come here to discern their vocation to the religious life. The house is set up for as many as four more women. Don and I share a room with two twin beds. Welcome to the land of Donna Reed and I Love Lucy. LOL This warm and welcoming home is designed for hospitality, a service that the GlenMary sisters are always prepared to provide.
The idea of living in community was not an idea I considered as I prepared myself for this experience. We soon discovered that work and responsibilities would be easy to divide up and we would be as much independent of each other and we would be in union with each other.
Our greatest moments of union in the course of the day is praying the Liturgy of the Hours, a series of formal morning and evening prayers that incorporate old and new testament readings, Psalms, Canticles, and other optional readings that are designed to deepen our understanding and love of our Faith and draw us closer to God and what He wants for us. After morning prayers today, we sat around the kitchen table for about an hour and a half as Sister explained the basics of the Liturgy of the Hours. I took detailed notes and decided to also look online for instruction.
Thoughts for reflection that have already been aroused within me are -
Finding peace within myself, I must acknowledge that we are not of this world. We are here to be with Christ. What burdens me, give to God. Ask how He wants to use me in His service in the battle field of the world. Discover how I can let God work through me.
As I type this, I am preparing for Mass this evening. This will set the evening rhythm for our week with Mass on Sunday, Monday evening and Wednesday evening. Thursdays the community gathers for a rosary. There will be work at Mother's House as we had anticipated; there are repairs to be done around the house; the garage is a challenge as sister is deeply afraid of snakes. She found one in there two years ago and hasn't gone in since. Yes, it's cold and the snakes may be dormant. Doesn't matter. So Don and I may be exploring the garage for her. No, I'm not fearful of snakes. Some of the elderly of the parish need help so our two sets of hands will be added to hers.
But it is early days and the possibilities are wide open and I'm sure there will be opportunities that will arise as the need arises. It is definitely going to be an adventure. Please pray for us.
God bless you all.
3 comments:
Hal and I were driving home just now and I told him I had been in your blog every day and nothing. Well, guess what?
I'm so glad you made it and that you are finding your place among the permanent. Snakes aren't so bad when they're asleep. May it be cold where you are. :)
While you are gone:
I have asked my neighbor to look at our owl box/house when we are not here so that he could come up with a quote for installation. Hal's birthday is in Feb. and I had hoped it would be possible as a present. I'll let you know what he quotes me.
Have a great experience there. Say hi to Don. b
I have enjoyed reading about your experiences Anne. I think those snakes will be asleep right now :)
Well, I'm with Sister on the snakes. I wouldn't go in there, either. Hope you and Don charm the pants off them (interesting visual -- snakes with pants) and get that taken care of. It sounds like you are getting what you hoped for (so far) out of your mission. That's wonderful. I look forward to more.
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