July Update

I spent a week in our central convent in Enfield when the two sisters that I live with were both away on retreat. During that time, I helped a sister prepare for her 50th anniversary celebration of religious life by stapling programs for the Mass and folding and placing prayer cards for the dinner tables. I also answered the phones for the convent. There aren't a lot of phone calls that come in, but I got to enjoy the air conditioning, TV and DVD player, and the quiet time. I also met the grandmother of one of the children that I taught CCD to while I was a novice in Enfield. She brought the girl, Jasmine, with her the next time she came and we had a reunion. It was nice to see her and always interesting to be reminded of how small the world really is! I brought my own coffee maker with me to the big convent, and liked the convenience of having it right there in the  morning. Unfortunately, I couldn't travel with it, because there wasn't enough room in my suitcase!

Then I went to the summer home that the Connecticut sisters have in Goshen. It is on a lake and is such a lovely, peaceful place. I read outside, prayed, and journaled. I also used the kayak and paddleboats there and watched movies. The two sisters that I went there with had as much fun and relaxed as much as I did. We had a nice time together.

After this I took a train to visit my family in New Jersey. I went to a water park with my extended family, which included my cousin and his ten month old son. I also went out to eat with my mother and sister, and spent time with the playful cat that lives there.  She doesn't like to be pet that much, but she loves to chase and catch strings. I also saw my friends and their newborn son, Peter Daniel. He is three weeks old and just so precious! It was wonderful to spend time with this couple at this threshold of their lives, to reconnect with them and to see them in a new way.

Now I am at Lodi, New Jersey, where I am helping at our infirmary. Our retired sisters who need extra care live there. I mostly work with the activity director, playing games with them, or just talking to them. Each day is different there!