Hi there everyone! Boy, I've missed blogging. I thought I'd take some time during my vacation to reflect on the past 4 months and let you know a little bit about my life at the convent. In short, it is really great! I am very happy. It isn't always easy, but I know it is where I'm supposed to be right now.
I took 4 college classes at the college that is in our convent. It is great that everything is all in the same building: bedroom, chapel, school, dining room... I took 3 theology courses and 1 philosophy class. In the past (during high school and college) I most enjoyed art classes because art challenged me in a way that nothing else challenged me. Well, I've found a close second. As far as challenging subjects go, philosophy is right up there. After philosophy class I felt both invigorated and exhausted. The best thing I could think of to do with that energy was to run so I did...wearing a blouse, skirt, and nylons. (I hope that you can picture it and I hope that you're laughing because I think it is hilarious.) Actually running in all that isn't bad at all. Don't get the idea that I run all of the time now. No, just occasionally to get rid of some extra energy. Although I do need to be careful not to gain weight what with the great meals we have. It never occurred to me that there would be so much candy and chocolate around all the time, but living with so many women I supposed it is inevitable.
The adjustment from teacher to student was hard. I found myself squirming like crazy during class. In college I would sit through class with no problem. I wouldn't even get up during the break. Apparently my body has changed because now I'm literally the first one out of the classroom headed to get coffee. Thankfully, I still do some teaching. I volunteer in a nearby school a couple hours a week and teach a CCD (Sunday school) class. I miss teaching but am so thankful for the opportunity to take this time to focus on praying and learning. (Don't worry I'll be back to teaching soon enough!)
Life at the convent is very busy, but it is a different sort of busy than before. I have a schedule that I follow each day. Some times it is annoying and frustrating to have to follow the schedule. Mostly though, I'm thankful for it because I know that if I stick to it I'll get everything done that I'm supposed to do. Having a schedule is helping me to develop some better habits like being in bed at a reasonable hour, only watching a half hour of TV a day (the national news), and of course putting aside time for prayer.
I really enjoy the amount of time for prayer in my day. Don't think that I'm up way before dawn praying in chapel. My alarm goes off at the same time it did when I was teaching which isn't bad especially considering that I go to bed about 2 hours earlier now. The first thing I do in the morning (after getting dressed) is to head to chapel for prayer, meditation, and daily mass. It is a great way to start the day. We have a beautiful grounds around the convent. I really like going outside everyday for praying/being in nature/getting exercise. I am so thankful that God sent me to such a beautiful place. It helps me to feel okay about living away from Vermont (most of the time anyway). I love when we have silent retreats. Silent retreat is a day of silence for prayer and reflection. I didn't think I'd like being silent so long, but I love it. Every retreat has ended with me wishing it had been longer.
I could go on and on, but I think I'll stop here. Hope this gave you a little taste of what my new life is like. :)
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