Lapsing - A Reflection

One of the pleasures of mission is the quiet moment that you carve out for yourself to celebrate your connection to God.  My habit, since picking up a copy of The Upper Room at the Little Rock Air Base, was to read daily it and enter the focus, prayer, and suggested readings.

This week though, my reading and writing lapsed and I found myself with a blank in my journal that went from February 26th to today.  Of course, when I picked up my devotional booklet, I immediately realized it was March and I now had NO devotional for March/April.  Being as we live in the age of the Internet, not having a devotional is a temporary matter and when we return home, I'll subscribe to The Upper Room.  There just isn't anything quite like holding the Word of God in your hands, in a BOOK.  But . . . I digress.  Back to that lapse and what we were doing.

Thursday night we drove up to the GlenMary Center in Owensboro, KY.  Meeting some of the other Sisters was such a joy.  Izzy, Sr. Darlene's mini-Schnauzer, made a bee-line for Sr. Bernadette, the convent's 92 years young, doyen.  Izzy makes her place with Sr. B. whenever she visits.  Tucked in at her side, Sr. Bernadette  crochets away her time, making scarves and prayer shawls for distribution to the various mission centers.   Cathy, the lay member of the group, cook and all around general factotum, is a bright light that welcomes any and all who walk through the front door.  When she is not watching over Sr. B, she is finding ways of making life run smoothly for the very busy women of the GlenMary Center.

After a morning of prayer, breakfast, and errands, we all met again to attend noon Mass at St. Stephen's Cathedral.  

The Gospels overhead as you enter

Holy Family side altar

Stained Glass Reflection

The Tabernacle of Our Lord

Peace to All Who Enter Here

Main Altar and Side Altars

Enter - All Are Welcome

After lunch we set out for a one hour drive to southern Indiana to the little town of St. Meinrad where is found the St. Meinrad Archabbey a thriving community of 90 Benedictine monks who pray, work, and live together.  Serving as a retreat center and fully enrolled seminary, the grounds are open for visitors who are welcome to join the monks in prayer - particularly at morning and evening prayer.  There will be a separate post celebrating the beauty of St. Meinrad Archabbey so please be sure to return.

It was on our way home that my lapse in reflection was cast for the immediate future.  An ice storm was bearing down on us and with our arrival home Saturday, we hurried over to the church hall to prepare the hall to receive guests if shelter was needed.  We deep cleaned the kitchen, bathrooms, and hall in preparation for the possible delivery of 40 cots and supplies that would be needed for sheltering.

Fortunately, only the smaller shelter at the local Baptist church needed to be opened but we had been prepared to be awakened throughout the night for a possible call to service.  Sunday afternoon found us holding firm at home after morning Mass and by mid-afternoon, we were getting rain, snow, and sleet, each taking its turn to plague us.  And let's not even talk about the wind.  By Monday morning we were awakened to a snowy world covering about five inches of ice.  We were going nowhere.

But, we had much work today and after prayer and a quick breakfast, we started our work as we kept one ear bent to the phone lest we get a call and have to hurry out after all.  Clothes sorting for Mother's House and for the Clothes Closet in Steele made headway.  Blankets were washed (the fruits of Sr. Bernadette's busy hands), and hygiene packets prepared for distribution to various agencies.  It is the simple things like a fresh toothbrush and toothpaste and a bar a soap that can make such a huge difference in some one's life.

In between these activities, I fit in my Bible study and Vespers and so ended our day.  Now I easy back into my usual routine and see what this day - Tuesday - will bring.  Still being housebound (the cars are trapped in ice), we rely on the kindness of friends with trucks to get us around if need be.  Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday and all plans for Father being able to travel to our parish, are on hold.  Sister and two friends (who picked her up) are at church changing out altar coverings for Lent and burning last year's palms to make this year's ashes.  
On days like today, when stillness is over the land, I can't help but think of this:

Psalm 46:10

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; 

I will be exalted among the nations,

 I will be exalted in the earth.”

Mission Report #31 - Hospitality Part II

Hebrews 13:2  Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

When I think of hospitality, I automatically think of food and drink offered to a drop in visitor.  Today, as always, the offering of even a small portion of a small cache of food, can speak volumes about the person doing the giving.  A thank you and a small taste is enough to convey appreciation and respect, as much for the offering as for the person offering.  Saturday's gift of food to us, though offered not from one's want, was nevertheless, the same kind offering that conveys friendship and hospitality.

It was time for Jane, Brenda, and I to return home from our trip to Charlene's (see Part I) and a stop in Dyersburg for a quick meal was in order before we arrived home in time to get to evening Mass.  Rachel, Wes' wife, had walked us outside and as I thanked her yet again for the extra care she had provided for us, she then offered to reopen the cafe (though it was long passed closed).  She could offer a simple sandwich and chips and beverages.  

Main Room - Click to make me bigger

Not to put too fine a point on it but, I was stunned.  Rachel's offer was so generous and so completely surprising.  I think, at some point, I had to lift my jaw to close my mouth.  But, she is drawing me along, claiming it's not trouble at all to put together some sandwiches and soon Jane and Brenda were following us in.  

What a treat as we not only enjoyed a delicious chicken salad sandwich but I also enjoyed the best fruit tea I've ever had.  I decided if the recipe was in the cafe cook book, I was buying a copy of that book.  And, it was.  There was also the divine chicken salad recipe and innumerable other luscious goodies to explore and make.  

As we ate, Rachel told us the story of the building that houses the cafe, a one time church that was moved to the property.  The Hales Point Baptist Church was originally on the Mississippi River, holding its first service in 1950.  Sunday school rooms were added in 1952.  In 1998, Ronnie and Charlene Roberts purchased the building and moved it to its current location.  It was moved in three section and transformed by a year of renovation, many gallons of paints and hard work.  The kitchen was added as part of the renovation and the old church was recreated and became Just Divine Tea Room.  I think this is an apt name.

Banquet Room - Click to make me bigger

The beautiful space, above, used to be a garden area producing not only flowers, but all the vegetables they used.  As awareness of their business grew, special event parties just naturally evolved.  The garden area was eventually converted into this beautiful banquet room.

Rachel and Wes (and by extension, their whole family) were the epitome of hospitality and were a fountain of information about the history of the area.  For anyone in southwest Tennessee, be sure to treat yourself to a lovely couple of hours enjoying the grounds, the cafe (open til 2 pm), and kind hospitality.

Hosts Rachel and Wes Cunningham

Other Postcard from Paradise, such as this one, can be found HERE.

Mission Report #31 - Hospitality Part I

We've all heard of Southern Hospitality (SH).  But, how many of us, who have not experienced the South, really have an understanding of what this means?  I thought I did but discovered that my knowledge of SH was a very shallow thing.

Coming as a stranger to Caruthersville, I entertained the idea of working with Sister, reading a lot on my down time, and taking the occasional excursion with Don.  What I got were warm greetings, people introducing themselves at church, strangers coming up to say hello and to learn about us, chatting at the church door, invitations to dinner, invitations to ladies meetings, coffee's-on-me moments, remembrances of those I knew were sick and people letting me know prayers were still being offered. 

There have also been phone calls offering company and a desire to show me around and seek out the special places, the little gems, that are hidden in an area that has fallen on hard times. In Luke 11:33  No man, when he hath lighted a lamp, putteth it in a cellar, neither under the bushel, but on the stand, that they which enter in may see the light. And there are, indeed, some lights hiding under the bushels of this county.   

Seeing some of these places reminds me that in a time of great economic difficulty, people still yearn for and strive for beauty.  Whether it is an antique shop that is more like grandma's attic or a quilting shop at a dusty four-way stop on a very rural road, beauty and creativity stays alive.

On Saturday, my new friend, Jane (and friend from Don's youth) , called to invited me for a drive over to Tennessee with  her and her friend, Brenda.  Objective:  Visit Charlene's Colony of Shops.  Add one part antiques, one part dramatic home decor in any style you might seek, a comfortable women's clothing store, and a cafe open to only 2 p.m.  We arrived after 2 p.m. so no luck there.

Our first treat was to meet Wes Cunningham, who is married to the owner's daughter, (Rachel).  He followed us through the antique shop, pointing out this and that, talking about his wife's enjoyment of photography (yes, my camera was out), and his failure at blogging.  Wes would rather be out in a canoe and I can hardly blame him.  There are times when a canoe sounds like a real good idea to me, as well.  Lucky Wes has made it part of his lifestyle.

Several people have tried to identify the piece of furniture he is standing next to but so far no one has any idea of what it is meant to be used for (including Wes).  If it weren't for the door, it would look, for all the world, like a fireplace mantel.  The interior is lined and backed with a light weight metal.  It's a mystery.  I decided that it was used as a Priest Hole which had magically found its way from a 16th C English manor house to the tiny town of Hall, TN. Jane thought I had a hyperactive imagination.  She's probably right. 

 

Charlene's Antique Shop

Some friendly lions

When I'm antiquing, I can never resist looking behind a curtained doorway or a semi-closed door.  You never know what treasures you might spot.  

More treasures waiting to see the light of day

A quick stop at the clothing stored freed me from a bit of money since I'm a sucker for earrings, and especially Cross earrings.  Forgive the bad picture.  I can't do selfies worth a darn.

. . . and then it was on to the main event.

Walk into Charlene's and after a few minutes, you will think that you have fallen down Alice's rabbit hole.  This place is just one enormous surprise.  If there is a decor style to be sought, you will find it here - in its own little room. 

No space is wasted.  Even the Ladies and the Gentlemen have their role to play in the decorating and sales themes.

Here are a few more treasures

Part II will be posted tomorrow.  This quote from Hebrews will tantalize you.

Hebrews 13:2  Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

In the Company of Friends with the Finger of God

The Tornado That Wasn't

Sitting at Granddaddy’s Deli, here in C'ville, sipping coffee, tapping out this document, and musing on the past 24 hours.  Living in California, we are used to living with earthquakes.  It’s so normal that, for many of us, it’s just background noise in our lives.  Occasionally it calls attention to itself, but for the most part, no one notices the little wiggles and shakes of whatever fault line one is nearest to.

I've met so many people outside of California that wouldn't dream of living there because the idea of experiencing an earthquake is terrifying.  They are sneaky things; they give no warning.  The effects can be devastating.  I, personally, have felt some good shakes but the only evidence around the house has been the stopped pendulum clock.  I call those near misses.

And, I suppose, last night and experiencing my first tornado warning (not watch, but warning) could be called a near miss too.  Several things happened to me last night for the first time.

1. The warning (that means there was a sighting)

2. Prepping the safe room (a re-enforced closet in the middle of the house)

3. Pillows to cover our heads (whilst we are IN the closet)

4. Shoes (in case we end up outside - which doesn't bear thinking about)

5. The watch (a downgrade from a warning)

6. A heavy weight rising from my chest

7. My brain starting to fire correctly again (it was doing a lot of stuttering)

8. My breathing started to regularize

9. I slept through the night and woke to sunshine and calm winds

The only good things I can say about tornado warnings is that friends from near and far are calling, checking in, updating, and praying.  The phone was not quiet for a couple of hours as the funnel twisted and turned and eventually headed off to Tennessee and was last seeing heading towards Kentucky.  

As a local just said as he headed out the door at Granddaddy's - "What the hell is going on with winter?  Last week it was ice and snow; this week we are dodging a tornado."  

Well, yeah.  That's a big "pretty much" and a Ten-Four.  

When I heard that the tornado had turned, I was swamped with an enormous sense of relief (see 7. and 8. above).  There is nothing more confusing than thanking God for salvation from the storm and then praying for the safety of those in it's new path.  No matter where they go, if they land, someone is going to be effected and usually its not pretty.

So, in the balance, if it's earthquakes or tornadoes, I think I'll stick with what I know.  I doubt if I'll ever live in a tornado zone and I'll be glad of it.  But, now, I have a real appreciation of what the people in such areas can go through.  You don't need to be in a tornado to get it.  All it takes is a warning and the relief that follows when the big funnel in the sky turns away.

On My Own - Reflection

One thing that has really been growing in me during mission is the desire to cook.  I'm not only around a good teacher all the time, but she also inspires us to stretch our possibilities.  For Don, that was actually being responsible for cooking for a week (this was like diving into the deep end of the pool and you can't swim) and discovering that he was actually capable.  For me, it was the desire to slow down, learn to take pleasure in the planning and enjoy the fact that the best foods are the simple ones.  Which brings me to the recipe card I have created for you below.

Click to make me bigger

I didn't have green bell peppers on hand but I DID have lots of red, yellow, and orange ones.  Go figure.  Anyway - I carefully followed the simple directions, set it all up in two layers and voila, bell pepper casserole.  The one change I did make was to add more milk.  The recipe called for 1 cup but it also said to almost cover the ingredients so it was actually more like 1 3/4 cups of milk.  The result was a soft, easy and tasty side dish.  I think if you use less milk, the dish, itself, might be more solid.  Either way, it is delish.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Click to make me bigger

After about a month in C'ville, I got out in the car on my own for the first time.  I have to admit, it felt unsettling.  I left with my journal in my purse with the idea that I would eventually stop in at the Roundhouse for coffee and some writing.  But first I tried to find the house that Don lived in from ages 13 - 15.  It's a tiny, wood frame house that was build over 70 years ago.  I'm sure that every modern day code known to man would be broken today if such a house went up, but back then codes weren't the thing and yes, the little house is still standing.  But, alas, I could not find it.  (Don did show me how to get there today so I'll post the picture later).

I continued driving around town and was quite sure that I must have been looking very suspicious.  I expected the C'ville police to stop me, I was driving so slowly.  But, none of C'ville's finest were in evidence.  I drove down an alley and spotted the balcony apartment (bottom right).  At the river's edge, the soybean plant is the jewel in the crown of that particular spot on the river.  Driftwood can be found but for the most part is quickly swept away by the currents.  A quiet park with solitary benches sit empty, waiting for the warmth of spring and the heat of summer to entice visitors to take their ease.

I left the park and felt a sense of uneasiness wash over me.  This wasn't my home.  I was a stranger.  A turn at any corner might bring me to areas where I don't belong.  The Roundhouse wasn't as alluring to me as it had been when Don was with me.  Journaling and coffee will have to wait another day.  I don't feel the fit yet.  I need to give it more time. I turn around and go back to the house.

Small Paradises - A Reflection on Feeling At Home

What makes you feel at home?  For me, the answer revolves around comfort, warmth, and feeling welcome.  We find this in the homes of friends most readily, but, cafes are high on my list of places that make for feeling at home.  I have Latif's in Turlock, Green Grub (formerly known as House of Java) also in Turlock, and my much loved Hamilton's Cafe in Hughson. 

We have found that when traveling and on the road, collecting eateries that aren't commercial, can lead to good vibes, good people, and a good dining experience.  Here we were still in New Mexico and heading into Oklahoma.  We stopped in for breakfast.  We plan to stop here again on our way back.

Route 66 Restaurant

Niece and aunt keeping the Route 66 spirit alive.

The Roundhouse is a popular eatery that has been in Caruthersville forever.  I've been there five times, in 1980, 1985, 1994, and twice since we arrived for our mission.  It is one of those places where I feel very much at home.  I feel like I really belong there; like I really know the place.  The mood is timeless and I LOVE their deep fried chicken liver.

Roundhouse

This morning, after distributing food out of the food pantry in Steele, MO, we had breakfast at the Steele Family Restaurant.  Along with a full menu, they have a Sunday buffet with a huge selection of food and for only $7.95.  The waitress and her family settled in Missouri after escaping out of New Orleans when Katrina hit.  The plan was to eventually return home but they like where they had found refuge so well, that they decided to stay.

Steele Family Restaurant

Each of these places has provided a little piece of paradise for the people who work there and/or own and work their places.  The family in New Mexico took a risk and became successful business owners at a little spot on Hwy 40; the Roundhouse owner has the built-in wall space to claim bragging rights for her son who plays major league ball with the Seattle Mariners; and one lucky lady found refuge from the storm in a friendly community and was able to rebuild her life.

Mission Post #30

This morning, breakfast table conversation focused on our reaction to the people and things and events that surround us.  Our reactions are too often focused on what we see on the surface and we will learn only a limited amount from what we see there. 

It takes a willingness to give an action, an event, or a person the time to grow into who or what is really being represented.   Are the low number of people at an event perhaps just the right number of people after all. Would we have had the conversations we had or noticed the things we noticed if there had been more people?  Would we get to know the real beauty of the gifts a person has to offer if we hadn't taken the time to be open to them?

God asks us to be patient.  He encourages us to not have the answers right away.  He asks us to take time to let the stories unfold.  Each layer is important and God will show us in His own time.  These are lessons truly worth learning.