Week Nine!

Thumbs Up: This week has been full of awesome adventures! We interns took a walk into Greenwich again and explored a little of the downtown area. Some friends took us out to a lovely dinner on Sunday night which was a treat in food and fellowship. We let goats come to tea. We took a day trip into Vermont, visiting the New Skete orthodox monastery and going to the top of Mt. Equinox. It’s really been wonderful and incredibly refreshing.

Family Style Italian!

Post-Dinner selfie with the Robersons!

The overlook to the Carthusian monastery near Mt. Equinox. The monks there live in total silence!

View from the top of Mt. Equinox!

Thumbs Down: Y’all, I only have one week left. One of the other interns leaves this weekend. Part of the reason we did so much fun stuff this past week (besides the fact that we wanted to) was that this was our last chance, really, to do them together. So that’s kind of sad.

God-Sighting: This past Friday it rained most of the day. It drizzled in the morning, then cleared up before really storming for awhile in the afternoon. It was kind of a slow, boring, grey day (not really what you picture for July). But, as we’re eating dinner (in silence, as usual), I heard a cough. I looked up and Sister is looking right at me, then points out the window. There was the longest rainbow I have ever seen in my life. Slowly other people noticed it too (it helped that I gasped loudly when I saw it!) and we all admired its beauty. It was really special to me for two reasons. First, the rainbow itself: it was absolutely amazing and an undeniable reminder that God’s mercies are new every morning and his promises are everlasting. Second, since it was pointed out to me, it felt like a gift; these women know me so well that they know what will make me happy and excited. It’s truly phenomenal how much these women care.

Other Notes: Things are looking up for my (fast approaching) move to Austin. My roommates and I have been approved to rent a house and are in the process of signing the lease right now! It is a little complicated since there are five of us and very few in the same state at the moment, so prayers for ease of transition regarding all of that paperwork is greatly appreciated!

Also, we are taking a road trip to Maine this weekend, for which I can’t wait! We are going to a goat farm and the coast so, really, what could be better? Please pray for safe travels, especially on Friday and Sunday when we will be driving.

"Lift up your hands in the holy place and bless the Lord! The Lord who made heaven and earth bless you out of Zion." Psalm 134:2-3

Week Eight

Thumbs Up: Baby goats again! They’re just the best! We tried to take them all on a walk the other day which was somewhat successful but entirely hilarious. Also, one of the sisters called me her “right-hand goat woman,” and if that’s not a compliment, I don’t know what is.

This would be me, being a right-hand goat woman :)

Thumbs Down: I’m feeling the weight of transition, namely in that I’m homeless. Not literally (at least not yet) – so don’t freak out. But this week, especially this weekend, I felt really homeless. I’m leaving the convent, the place that has been my home for two months, in 18 days. I’m going “home,” but really I’m going to my parent’s house which is in a different city from where I’m actually going to live. And fingers crossed that this week we’ll get approved for a rental house in Austin, so I can, you know, actually move there and go to school. But even when we do get that house, it won’t be my home – not at first. So it’s weird to not feel at home, and it’s sad sometimes.

God-Sighting: Look at this little goat. 

Our goal this week is to socialize her, because she is so shy and skittish that she has barely been held by humans. So on Monday, when I was feeling homeless, I decided I was going to catch this kid and hold her. It took time and patience, but I finally got her. She freaked out at first, and after a few minutes was just sitting there kind of begrudgingly. Then little Ebenezer came over, so I sang “Come Thou Fount” to them (you know the line, “here I raise my Ebenezer”). I swear to you that when I was singing, I felt that little goat relax in my arms. So I kept singing, and we sat together for over an hour and a half. Me and this little baby goat who has barely been held before. As I held her close, we both let loose of the tension in our bodies and just praised the Lord. It helped me remember what is important and who holds me close. And this little goat? Her name is Chisomo, which means Grace. God literally put grace in my lap. He knows our needs, y’all. He knows our needs and is sure to show us his goodness and mercy and grace.

I held Chisomo again today!

Other Notes: I was so blessed this week, as I am every week, by the healing service over at the retreat center across the valley. It is a wonderful time of prayer, worship and fellowship.

We (the interns) walked into town on Sunday to go an adventure and get ice cream! It was almost 3 miles each way but not too hot – although the native Northerners would disagree (it was a whole 82 degrees!)!

Also, story time: (skip if you like; it has nothing to do with this week, or my internship in general) check out my timehop from today. 

I had completely forgotten about this, but four years ago I was lifeguarding all summer and preparing to start my freshman year at The Abbey (how time flies!). I was feeling excited but nervous and happy but terrified -- not totally unlike how I feel about starting a new school and moving to a new place now. Anyway, at work one evening I asked a little girl who was having her birthday party at the park if she was homeschooled. She was, and we had a short conversation but I thought nothing of it. We closed shortly thereafter and somehow her family was still in the parking lot when I walked out – parked right next to me. The parents asked, “How did you know?” and I couldn’t explain it; I just knew. I told them I was homeschooled so I had a knack for picking fellow homeschoolers out in a crowd. So we talked for a few minutes and these parents were so amazing and encouraging to me, affirming in my actions and in my character and they barely knew me! And the last thing the dad said was “It was so wonderful to meet you, and I know the Lord is going to bless you at your school and all that you do.” we had no idea how true that would be. In the past four years I have been beyond blessed by my family, my friends, my church, my teachers, my school. I’m not sure how I could doubt that things would change now…

“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine” Isaiah 43:1

Week Seven!

Real talk: Yesterday, I forgot it was Wednesday until I was already in bed. My bad folks.

Thumbs Up: I went back to the Queen City y’all. It was basically the best long weekend ever. I went to Chick-fil-A and Amelie’s, saw friends and, of course, the reason for it all – celebrated the wedding of the lovely and wonderful Kara and Becker. I really can’t put into words how wonderful the whole trip was; I had no issues or hangups with my flights, I met friends I planned to see and more that I didn’t, I had so much fun.

you can take a girl out of the south, but you can't take the south out of a girl

BAC Adoration Chapel -- a great place to start the weekend

Yay friends!

I noticed at the reception that everything in front of me provided a pretty good reflection of me (note the "M" on the cork, and the Lighthouse on the bottle :) )

I'm just going to say this as many times as possible -- I totally called this

English major brunch!

Finn: cutest puppy in the world!

Thumbs Down: That super awesome weekend? It wore me out! I forgot about the fact that I’m introverted when I made all my plans, so I booked myself solid, which rocked, until I needed to sleep 6984615 hours to recover as soon as I got back to the convent. The first few early mornings back were a little rough (more on that later).

God-Sighting: Can it be everything? I am so, so blessed. I saw Jesus everywhere and in everyone. Every smile, every hug, every conversation, every bed/floor/mattress I slept on – all showed the hands and feet of Christ to me. Also, this great sign was waiting for me on my door when I got back :)

Other Notes: I am so grateful for technology. While traveling, I was able to catch up with a friend, talk to my family, keep up with the Confederate flag news and even watch it come down – all from my phone. How blessed are we that we live in a place where all of this is not just possible but normal?!

Judge me if you want for loving this app, but Snapchat let me be as close to present as possible when the Confederate Flag came down from the State house on Friday.

Okay, also – You know those people who say it only takes 21 days to form a habit? Like, “just do it for 3 weeks and you won’t be able to stop!” Yeah, I will personally attest to the fact that that is BS. Simply not true. Don’t believe everything you read on the internet, kids. Seriously. Take mornings, for example: I’ve been in NY for over six weeks, waking up at 6:22 Monday-Friday and 7:22 on Saturday and Sunday. This weekend? Didn’t wake up before 8a once. So there you have it.

And yes, I realize that I was only gone for a few days and that’s not a whole week, so to be fair, here are some pictures of the raspberry bed we’ve been working on clearing! It used to be totally overgrown, but we interns have been digging up most of the bushes, just leaving/transplanting a few. They may make a gardener out of me yet! (although based on the evidence with the 3 week habit thing, we may be out of luck…)

I transplanted these bushes all by myself!

See that green tangled mess behind the nice separated plants in front? Yeah, the whole thing started like that. But, guess what! We finished today and now the whole thing looks like the front bed!

I am rested. I am restored. I am blessed. I am loved.

"The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever."

Psalm 23

Week Six!

Thumbs Up: It was 4^th of July weekend! It rained all day on the actual 4^th, but that just meant we extended the celebration to be two days long, complete with burgers, ice cream cones, talking dinner and even fireworks! Also, the rain gave me lots of time to read, so I found this pic especially fitting :)

Thumbs Down: Week Six. This week has been different and good and exhausting and restful and busy and boring and just plain weird. I think it’s hard because this is the longest I’ve been somewhere besides school in three years (our Europe trip last year was six weeks long, but we never stayed in one place more than two). I felt really settled into the routine at first, but for some reason this week it wore me out. I’ve taken a complete break from reading since Saturday evening, which is good but different. I’ve had quite a few real, questioning, thought-provoking conversations, which I enjoyed greatly but made me tired. I’ve made lots of progress on the “planning for the future” front, but I don’t feel like I have, I just feel tired from sending emails and doing paperwork. I feel like I need a break, so it is a good thing I am going out of town this weekend!

God-Sighting: Y’all, I saw the CUTEST video yesterday. I don’t know how to link it here because it’s on facebook, not youtube, but this southern little toddler recites Psalm 23 and it is the most precious thing. It’s nice to be reminded in childhood joy that though we may walk “through the balley of the shallow of deaf,” we shall fear no evil. It is rest to the weary soul to know that amidst my attempts to plan and stress and worry about the future, God’s got it. Really.

Other Notes: We went black raspberry picking this week! There are lots of wild bushes here, so it’s a little bit of an adventure to get to the berries, but we handled it. :)

We got to meet one of the sisters when she came home for a day visit; she has been in a nursing home recovering from an injury. She’ll be back for a longer stay in about week, so I am looking forward to getting to know her more.

Lastly, I am so so so excited to be headed to Charlotte this weekend! I leave tomorrow, so please send up some prayers for safe travels! I can’t wait to be in the land of friends, heat and Chick-fil-A. Oh, and Kara and Becker’s wedding will be nice too, I’m sure…

Actually, this is the end: check out these pictures of Little Beth taking complete advantage of her adorable and diminutive size to stand four-footed on my back and eat my hair.

Week Five!

Thumbs Up: We had pancakes for dinner on Sunday! For a person who ate pancakes twice a day, once a week, going four weeks without was a sacrifice. I think I ate eight. Also, Sunday night is talking dinner, so two thumbs up all around on that one.

The sign from the goat pasture to the convent 

Thumbs Down: One of our baby goats was sick part of last week and over the weekend, and it’s been raining quite a bit. But, the little guy is doing much better now and we have sun predicted for all weekend so things are looking up!

God-Sighting: Y’all, I get to be with Jesus in the Eucharist every single day here. every. single. day. That is precious in and of its own right. But what I have been savoring (literally) about this experience is how tangible Christ becomes in that moment. For a person whose love language is touch, this is immeasurably meaningful. Every morning I let the wafer sit on my tongue and take a sip of wine and I feel the presence of Christ warm me from the inside out. I know it’s really the wine, but it feels like Jesus is giving me a hug. And I really, really, like that.

a butterfly the 4-Hers found in the goat pasture

Other Notes: Time is weird here. Not bad-weird. Just different-weird. We don’t fill each day to the brim, which is (still!) an adjustment for me, but they are so routine they seem to pass quickly anyway. I feel like this past week has been crazy – which is why this post is a day late and not as thought-out – but I couldn’t tell you what made it that way; I would even tell you I read more this week than usual. So it’s weird. But that’s okay.

The third and final intern, Grace, came this weekend! We are all sharing kitchen, garden and goat duty.

Sarah, Grace & Me

The baby goats are getting big! Sarah and I gave one a bath this morning and it took both of us to hold him still and keep him from jumping away! But, we have another mama goat due later this month, so we’ll have at least one more tiny kid before I go home!

Lastly: I have spent a good portion of this past week trying to look ahead to moving to Austin and trying to figure out a housing/roommate situation, as well as get connected with Christian community down there. Things are looking up, but prayers are always appreciated in that department! I hope to tell y’all more (in a more coherent way) next week, but for now, time for bed!

My read for next week (Thanks Jojo!)

“Guide us waking, O Lord, and guard us sleeping, that awake we may watch with Christ, and asleep we may rest in peace.”