It's been a little too long since I've been able to write here. My computer has proven to have a fickle personality. Some friends stopped by for a surprise visit today and Fr. Basil just so happens to have the magic touch. He got my computer running again. Let's hope it lasts.
So much has been going on down here in the south. Most recently we celebrated Thanksgiving, took a glorious trip to Holy Archangels Monastery, and took part in the blessing of our new women's monastery, The Nativity of our Lord, in Kemp, TX.
We started out on Monday morning by driving down to Kendalia to Holy Archangels Men's Monastery. I love this monastery. The brother's there are absolutely wonderful. They are so gracious and loving. Every time we go none of us ever want to leave. It was truly a time of spiritual refreshment for us all.
We camped out at Blanco State Park (women are not allowed to spend the night on the monastery grounds). The park is about 10 minutes from the monastery and is really nice and very kid friendly. The park ranger told me that this is the most beautiful time of the year to be there. He was right. The trees were bright orange and yellow and the brown and gold of the grass was so lovely. We spent most of our time at the monastery, but during the "quite times" of the monastery we went to our camp and fished and played.
Thanksgiving was spent at my brother and his wife's house with all the immediate family in attendance. I have a sweet family and resolved to make more of an effort to spend more time with them.
Saturday morning we drove out to the women's monastery, The Nativity of our Lord. Metropolitan Jonah came out to bless the property and gave a wonderful sermon on monasticism. Among other things, he talked about the necessity of monasteries and what a blessing they are. I agree. I wish all Orthodox christians had monasteries close to them so that they could be blessed by the love, grace, hospitality and words of wisdom the monastics share. They are excellent examples for those of us living in the world-especially our children.
My girls never want to leave monasteries when we visit them. They always love the monastics and they seem to somehow comprehend the beauty and holiness of that calling. I feel the same way.
Well, there's much more to share, but no time now. A blessed week to you all!
I'll post pictures as the week progresses, but I'll leave you with a pic of this tree that overshadowed our camp.
