Winding Down

My Washington Journey is almost at an end - I have one week left at St. Placid Priory!  I haven't written in a while because things have been hectic, but I'd like to fill you in on what's been going on.

Last week, S. Anamaria finished her classes - we had lots of big projects and it was a sprint to the finish line, but everything was completed on time.  Then, last Saturday, she graduated from St. Martin's University!  I watched with amazement and pride as she received her diploma - she worked SO hard for the chance to walk across that stage.  After the ceremony, we had a huge party here at St. Placid's.  Everyone who came had had some influence or contribution to S. Anamaria's American journey.  It was really moving to see how many people have supported her and continue to care about her and the work she will do when she goes home.

Two sisters from Tanzania who are living in the US came to visit for the graduation festivities, so we had four African princesses grace us with their dancing for the weekend.  I loved getting to know S. Agatha and S. Beatrice - it was a window into Anamaria and Redempta's world, and I learned a few more Swahili words.  It was so fun to watch them all interact and talk, like they were at home.  And they welcomed me into their visits with true Benedictine hospitality!

Since the graduation party, it's been a mix of activities and emotions.  We were all exhausted on Monday, and it's been strange having some important things to do - like apply for summer jobs and wrap up my duties here - and having my real "job" be finished.  The night Anamaria finished classes, we both went up to our workroom in the evening just out of habit!  We laughed at ourselves, but ended up looking at pictures and just enjoying the time together. 

I'm feeling very bittersweet about coming home.  I am going to miss each and every one of the sisters so much!  They have truly become my family here, and I have learned so much by being in their presence.  I'm excited to come home and share this experience with all of you who have been reading my blog throughout these nine months!  I know it will take a while to transition from monastic life to living at home, and I might die of sun exposure after living under clouds for so long!  But, as Anamaria says, when things change, we must adapt.  The relationships I've developed over the past nine months are about to undergo a big change, and I have to be ready and open to adapting to my new situation. 

My lesson this week is to let God be my strength.  In every challenge and in every change, I can depend on myself and my faith - a faith that I have grown and tried to live more every day during this phase of my journey.  I can always walk tall knowing that I am a channel of God's love.  No matter where the journey of my life takes me, no matter what joy or pain I go through, I know I can rely on God to walk with me if I am open.  I don't always want to listen, but when I do, I know God will be there.

Peace and love.