Entering The Convent, The Orthodox Way

[PhuturePriest]

Oh, your message thing isn't working. I [i]suppose [/i]I forgive you for not responding to my message yet, then.

But really, I echo the statements by Clareni. I have learned very much from you, and I hope you've learned or have been helped by me in some way, such as deepening your desire to be a Religious over getting married to a stupid guy thanks to me and my antics. ::

[AnneLine]

I'll be happy to do it, VSers and Marigold.

I will say my goodbyes Marigold, because I will be off-board from Sat - Tuesday (most likely) or at best will have minimal check-in capabilities. I'm going to visit a very sick friend, and don't think I'll have a lot of internet access.

It's been a joy to have you on the Board --

You and Sr. Juchu and Antigonos remind us that all of us are seeking God and praising Him and loving him together. As we seek God's face, this is what we need to focus on ... serving God better each and every day and loving each other as He loves us.

I wish you every joy in your religious lilfe, and when and as you have tough times (you know they will happen) remember that we are loving and praying for you, and lift us up to God in the Divine Liturgy and your everyday prayers as well.

Look forward to hearing from you and sharing your messages with VS. Godspeed Sr. Marigold!

Edited May 3, 2012 by AnneLine

[Carmelshrimp]

I'll say goodbye now too Marigold. I'm going on retreat form this weekend to next - by which time you'll be there. Every prayer and blessing on your life with God. Seems to me that anybody with such a great sense of humour should be fine - even if you do like kittens! I'll keep you in my prayers while I'm on retreat especially.

[marigold]

[quote name='FuturePriest387' timestamp='1336080259' post='2426646']
Oh, your message thing isn't working. I [i]suppose [/i]I forgive you for not responding to my message yet, then.

But really, I echo the statements by Clareni. I have learned very much from you, and I hope you've learned or have been helped by me in some way, such as deepening your desire to be a Religious over getting married to a stupid guy thanks to me and my antics. [/quote]

Your words, not mine, Miles! It's been a pleasure. The world is your oyster. Find out what makes you happy and fight to do it. I'll be praying for you every day.

[quote name='AnneLine' timestamp='1336083653' post='2426667']
I'll be happy to do it, VSers and Marigold.

I will say my goodbyes Marigold, because I will be off-board from Sat - Tuesday (most likely) or at best will have minimal check-in capabilities. I'm going to visit a very sick friend, and don't think I'll have a lot of internet access.

It's been a joy to have you on the Board --

You and Sr. Juchu and Antigonos remind us that all of us are seeking God and praising Him and loving him together. As we seek God's face, this is what we need to focus on ... serving God better each and every day and loving each other as He loves us.

I wish you every joy in your religious lilfe, and when and as you have tough times (you know they will happen) remember that we are loving and praying for you, and lift us up to God in the Divine Liturgy and your everyday prayers as well.

Look forward to hearing from you and sharing your messages with VS. Godspeed Sr. Marigold!
[/quote]

Amen. Thank you - for everything. We'll be in touch.

[quote name='Carmelshrimp' timestamp='1336118021' post='2426946']
I'll say goodbye now too Marigold. I'm going on retreat form this weekend to next - by which time you'll be there. Every prayer and blessing on your life with God. Seems to me that anybody with such a great sense of humour should be fine - even if you do like kittens! I'll keep you in my prayers while I'm on retreat especially.
[/quote]

Hee hee, and there's me thinking being such an incurable clown is going to get me into trouble! Thank you so much for your prayers and friendship.

[marigold]

Having a bit of a wibble. This is scary. Today I sent away my laptop and collected the last of my clothes from my room at my former employers'. I said goodbye to my best friend. I'm staying at my parents' over the weekend - I haven't had my own space here for a few years, but sleeping on the floor is not helping the feeling of losing everything with no guarantee of getting anything in return. I wish I could say I had the spiritual strength to give everything away simply for the love of Christ, without minding whether I get anything back, but that wouldn't be true. It's not the material things, not really, but the prospect of being really far away from my friends, and releasing control over my future.

I can't find the right words. Off to make some tea and watch election coverage.

[PhuturePriest]

[quote name='marigold' timestamp='1336165587' post='2427136']
Having a bit of a wibble. This is scary. Today I sent away my laptop and collected the last of my clothes from my room at my former employers'. I said goodbye to my best friend. I'm staying at my parents' over the weekend - I haven't had my own space here for a few years, but sleeping on the floor is not helping the feeling of losing everything with no guarantee of getting anything in return. I wish I could say I had the spiritual strength to give everything away simply for the love of Christ, without minding whether I get anything back, but that wouldn't be true. It's not the material things, not really, but the prospect of being really far away from my friends, and releasing control over my future.

I can't find the right words. Off to make some tea and watch election coverage.
[/quote]

You wouldn't happen to have a copy of The Story of a Soul, would you? Saint Therese has a lot of things to say about when she first entered, and I'm sure it would help you. If not, know that everything will get better. Soon enough you'll be so happy you can't put it in words.

Election coverage and tea... I'm not sure that's a good mix, at least not for me, anyway. Half the time I'm angry and I'm making unneeded angry movements with my hands, and the last thing I need is hot tea flying all over me.

Edited May 4, 2012 by FuturePriest387

[FutureCarmeliteClaire]

Marigold, I am going to say goodbye before I forget.

Even though we haven't really talked much on my time on Phatmass, I have learned so much. Whenever I post advice threads, I always see your wonderful advice. I will miss you so much. Good luck and God Bless, Marigold!

[TheresaThoma]

Good bye, God Bless and I'll miss you!

[maximillion]

[quote][color=#282828]It's not the material things, not really, but the prospect of being really far away from my friends, and releasing control over my future.[/color][/quote]

This is part of the real sacrifice of oneself, and the aspect that brings ultimate joy in the giving.
It does seem very scary and an out of control thing to do, and it is. I know that you know this is the first big step to giving up ALL control and handing Him your will. Once this step is completed, it can seem like ages and ages before it's enormity can be reflected in Vows /Tonsure. Entrance can be so low key - yet so high an apparent cost.

With you in prayer every step of the way. Encouragement! He is holding your hand and has your heart resting next to His own.

[AnneLine]

[quote name='marigold' timestamp='1336165587' post='2427136']
Having a bit of a wibble. This is scary. Today I sent away my laptop and collected the last of my clothes from my room at my former employers'. I said goodbye to my best friend. I'm staying at my parents' over the weekend - I haven't had my own space here for a few years, but sleeping on the floor is not helping the feeling of losing everything with no guarantee of getting anything in return. I wish I could say I had the spiritual strength to give everything away simply for the love of Christ, without minding whether I get anything back, but that wouldn't be true. It's not the material things, not really, but the prospect of being really far away from my friends, and releasing control over my future.

I can't find the right words. Off to make some tea and watch election coverage.
[/quote]

Totally normal feelings. Actually a good sign....

It's the feeling of being half way between two worlds... and it just happened so suddenly for you. Two weeks ago you were still trying to sort out the visa problems! So just give your heart and soul some time to adjust and you'll be fine....

Be gentle with yourself, enjoy what will help you to relax, and know our love, prayer & and thoughts folllow you.

[AveMariaPurissima]

Good-bye and God bless you, Marigold! You'll be in my prayers!

[Immanuel]

Thank you for sharing your journey with us. God bless you Marigold.

[regina_coeli]

No matter how difficult it is to detach from all that is familiar,the phamily is with you in prayer every mile of the way!

[HopefulBride]

Marigold,

This is hard, I am very happy for you and yet it's sad that VS is losing yet another valuable member. I pray that you have a safe journey to the US and that your family continues to heal through this separation.

Blessings,
HB

[Mary's Margaret]

God bless you, Marigold.Thank-you for sharing your journey: our prayers will be with you the rest of the way.

[LaPetiteSoeur]

I promise to write you letters!! Prayers as you enter, and may God's peace be ever in your soul!

[Feankie]

Marigold,
I've been silent on the board for months, but that doesn't mean I haven't been reading.....and praying! I'm so happy about your entrance and wish you much peace and happiness. May our Lord and His Blessed Mother embrace you, protect you, and lead you on the path of holiness.

[Guest Papillon]

How beautiful! I just went on a retreat at an orthodox monastery near me which is very small - 3 "mothers" - and the whole joining process seems so different, like less of a formal process and application and more of a sense that "I think I should live here now" and working out of all the practicalities.

[marigold]

[quote name='Mary's Margaret' timestamp='1336262628' post='2427484']
God bless you, Marigold.Thank-you for sharing your journey: our prayers will be with you the rest of the way.
[/quote]

Thank you so much! Keep them coming. It's only by the prayers of friends that I'll persevere

[quote name='LaPetiteSoeur' timestamp='1336266146' post='2427507']
I promise to write you letters!! Prayers as you enter, and may God's peace be ever in your soul!
[/quote]

I can't wait for the first one! Will be very much praying for you and interested to hear how things pan out.

[quote name='Francis Clare' timestamp='1336314879' post='2427632']
Marigold,
I've been silent on the board for months, but that doesn't mean I haven't been reading.....and praying! I'm so happy about your entrance and wish you much peace and happiness. May our Lord and His Blessed Mother embrace you, protect you, and lead you on the path of holiness.
[/quote]

Thank you! As I said, only the prayers of others could possibly have brought me this far, and they are what will keep me going. The last few weeks have been overwhelming in just having to accept all the love and generosity and not have anything to return the favour, or even show how grateful I am. My priest reminded me that what I have a limitless supply of is prayer. So that's what I'm trying to give back for every person who has helped me on the way. Trying being the operative word, but I'm going to keep trying.

[quote name='Papillon' timestamp='1336341825' post='2427754']
How beautiful! I just went on a retreat at an orthodox monastery near me which is very small - 3 "mothers" - and the whole joining process seems so different, like less of a formal process and application and more of a sense that "I think I should live here now" and working out of all the practicalities.
[/quote]

Yes, it is a very different mentality. My entrance has been unusual in its level of paperwork and formality, although much of it has been just that, a 'formality', since I knew the community well and had lived with them by the time I applied on paper. Thinking back I only applied officially when we were starting the visa process; my acceptance was already settled by that point. I hope you had a restful and fruitful retreat! My cogs are whirring now, trying to figure out which monastery it was!

[marigold]

Hope though I did, my passport has still not been returned by the courier service. I'm getting towards annoyed at them since I had to pay £20 for it to be delivered in '3 to 5 days' ... This was last Monday after the visa interview. Today is a Bank Holiday in the UK, which probably means no post even for private delivery companies. No passport, no plane tickets. I swing between thinking this in-betweeny period has been nothing but blessing - a difficult and lonely blessing, but blessing none the less - and wondering why I'm having to wait at every.step.of.the.way.