Week One!

Can you believe it’s already been a whole week?! I arrived last Wednesday, driving up from Albany with two women in their 80’s who are “still sharp as tacks.” ß Mother Miriam told me that, and I’ll admit I was nervous, but she was right and we’re all good friends now!

Thumbs Up: THE GOATS ARE AWESOME. I LOVE THEM. There are about 20-25 goats in the regular herd, plus four bucks and about 10 little babies. The wee ones are SO cute and are really friendly, so I’ve gotten to hold and play with them.

Thumbs Down: Summer can be cold here!! It’s been in the 40’s and 50’s the past couple of days, so I’m praying for warmer weather!

God-Sighting: so many! But, one huge blessing is making new connections through mutual friends and reconnecting with others not seen in years. I am being continually reminded of how small the Anglican/Episcopalian world can be, and I love it!!

Other notes: The Sisters of St. Mary are a 150 year-old Episcopalian order. There are four sisters currently living at the convent, and I follow their daily schedule of prayer, and help our wherever I’m needed! We’ve had a lot of visitors this week, and lots of special services, so my jobs have including everything from washing a golf cart to weeding a flowerbed to doing dishes! I’ve also had some down time to read and explore a little bit of the beautiful property. I’ve included some pictures of the people (and animals!) I’m spending my time with!

Peggy (L) and Hattie (R), associates of the Sisters. They flew the same day as me and drove me to the convent! Also, we have become best friends since then.

Me with a six-day old kid

Tiani

Rye

Little Charlotte

Bonus: the retired Archbishop of Canterbury and his wife are visiting! Lord George and Lady Eileen Carey are AWESOME and I have so enjoyed spending time with them. Also, they take selfies. Apparently Eileen got George a selfie stick for Christmas!

Lastly: I do have cell service and wifi, so I’m still 100% contactable as usual. You can also follow me on twitter (@montanarindahl), where I occasionally share funny things some of the sisters say (#nunconvos). If you’re of the letter-writing inclination, I can also receive snail mail at

Montana Rindahl

St. Mary’s Convent

242 Cloister Way

Greenwich, NY, 12834

I promise to enjoy hearing from you, but not necessarily responding!

I’ll sign off with a brief prayer said at Compline every night:

"Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the joyous; and all for your love’s sake. Amen."