marigold Posted March 17, 2012 Author Posted March 17, 2012 [quote name='AnneLine' timestamp='1331921014' post='2401886'] Dear Marigold, this has to be so hard. Truly 'leaving all to find Christ'. Praying.... [/quote] AnneLine: yes, in some ways it is hard. But in another sense it is completely easy
marigold Posted March 17, 2012 Author Posted March 17, 2012 No, only that Mother has involved at least one Senator, 'to let Homeland Security know other parts of the government are watching what they do.' Eeep!
LaPetiteSoeur Posted March 18, 2012 Posted March 18, 2012 [quote name='marigold' timestamp='1332027094' post='2402456'] No, only that Mother has involved at least one Senator, 'to let Homeland Security know other parts of the government are watching what they do.' Eeep! [/quote] Senators can have some effect, so hopefully you will soon be on your way to the monastery!
TheresaThoma Posted March 18, 2012 Posted March 18, 2012 [quote name='marigold' timestamp='1332027094' post='2402456'] No, only that Mother has involved at least one Senator, 'to let Homeland Security know other parts of the government are watching what they do.' Eeep! [/quote] Where there is a will there is a way...
AnneLine Posted March 18, 2012 Posted March 18, 2012 (edited) Where there is God's Will, there's a way. Praying....Ask St. Clare - it is her 800th 'elopement' anniversary. Perhaps she can obtain this grace for you... Edited March 18, 2012 by AnneLine
marigold Posted March 19, 2012 Author Posted March 19, 2012 (edited) Reason #193 why Mother is the best Abbess EVER: [i]Dear Marigold,[/i] [i]I feel as if there is a ghost in chapel these days -- I go in and it seems someone should be there only I don't see them and then I realize it's you not here...[/i] [i]I am going to go check on the date when Homeland Security (there should be another term for them, but I've been to confession and am trying to be good) has to cough up it's decision and make sure it's on the calendar.[/i] [i]How are you doing? I am worried about you. If the insurance payment is not possible for you, let us know. We are doing well financially right now, and while normally people have come with their own past insurance extended for 6 months, if it's necessary, we can cover that from the start.[/i] [i]With much love and many prayers,[/i] [i]Mother [].[/i] I wrote back to tell her that my best friend is paying the whole $900 of insurance costs, that another friend is sending me money for groceries this week, and that other than drowning under 300 pages of music for Pascha, I am fine! God is soooo good. I love Mother so much. Whenever I think of her I feel like I just want to run and hug her. I knew I was onto a keeper when I phoned her at 1 a.m. on Christmas, crying about my parents' separation, and she didn't bat an eyelid. But she also doesn't hand out praise easily, so saying that she feels I should be there by now is A Big Deal to me. Her talking about the chapel has reminded me vividly about what it's like to be there. I wish you all could visit or somehow experience how wonderful it is to be standing cheek to jowl with the sisters and singing heavenly music. Even with sisters you've argued with that day, it's still wonderful, somehow the chapel reminds you all why you're there... Ok, I'm waxing lyrical. So much for being over the gushy stage A lot of the time I go around and the monastery feels like it's 'at a distance', and I don't really remember clearly how it WAS to be there. And other times it just seems so close. Just wanted to share this bit of news with you all! Edited March 19, 2012 by marigold
Lisa Posted March 20, 2012 Posted March 20, 2012 major props for this! Sounds like a wonderful superior!!!!
marigold Posted March 20, 2012 Author Posted March 20, 2012 [quote name='Lisa' timestamp='1332210104' post='2404304'] major props for this! Sounds like a wonderful superior!!!! [/quote] She is. My grandma arrived from Sweden with one of my aunts this morning. They are at my parents' house now and I'm going over there in a couple of hours to have dinner. This is the grandma who wrote to me saying I'd broken her heart. I haven't seen her face-to-face in about 3 years and I am SO NERVOUS. I dropped my lunch plate earlier and I keep writing and re-writing long to-do lists. We were so close (I know grandmas aren't supposed to have favourites but I think I am/was hers because we both write ... To put it in perspective, when I went through my police officer stage in my early teens she told me definitively that THAT would be a waste of my life and talents - so you can imagine the effect of deciding on monastic life) and I know that I have changed that. I still love and idolise her, but we both know that there is this other 'something' that has taken priority in my life and I wish wish wish it wasn't something that she is actively opposed to. I don't want to be a disappointment to her, but I know I already am and don't want to make it worse by messing up this dinner. I've washed my hair and scrubbed my face and I'm wearing my cleanest, neatest clothes and there's nothing else I can do except be on time and remember all my Swedish. Please say a prayer that it goes without drama.
Clareni Posted March 20, 2012 Posted March 20, 2012 This was a wonderful series of posts and I wish you all the best. I am still trying to figure out the hyper sensitivity of Homeland Security towards the interstate/intercontinental transfer of postulants, but no doubt they believe they are protecting us. Remember you still have to get past the Transportation Authority at the airport. May the holy Theotokos bless and protect you always. These is are for you. (I should start a thread of Orthodox videos on Youtube). [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AODHeTtWFxs&list=PL08D9A21D57ECBDF4&index=3&feature=plpp_video[/media] [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHnzHDmdqrQ&list=PL08D9A21D57ECBDF4&index=2&feature=plpp_video[/media]
marigold Posted March 21, 2012 Author Posted March 21, 2012 Clareni, you rock! Such beautiful videos, they've cheered me right me up! We are blessed with such heavenly music. When my little charge was sick and screaming the night down, that 10-fold Kyrie Eleison (at 0:36) was the only thing that would make him stop crying. I was annoyed to be woken up, but there are worse things to be kept awake by than his father singing that. Memories
marigold Posted March 21, 2012 Author Posted March 21, 2012 The family dinner was exhausting but there wasn't any explicit drama. Just a lot of pink champagne, even more food, and a lot of screeching around the table. You'd think we were Sicilian or something It was awkward when I first came in, my grandma and aunt were both there ready to pounce and looked me up and down as I came up the stairs. Guys, I only have nun clothes so I think I did pretty well! (Is what I wanted to say.) But then the champagne started flowing, the photo albums came out, and the usual run-through of everyone's childhood and everyone's arguments over the years began, and I could just sit back and relax. Sort of. There was some passive aggressive stuff going on as well, and wounded looks from my auntie when 'America' came up a couple of times - that's a euphemism my mum started and it looks like they've all caught on. But I can deal with passive aggressive. I left as soon as it was polite, after the coffee, and vented to my best friend over the phone on the way home. Today, I've been scheduled to hang out with my grandma while my aunt and mum go shopping, and I should have left 15 mins ago, so... ciao!
juchu Posted March 21, 2012 Posted March 21, 2012 (edited) [quote name='marigold' timestamp='1332324991' post='2404660'] and wounded looks from my auntie when 'America' came up a couple of times - that's a euphemism my mum started and it looks like they've all caught on. [/quote] Glad you "survived" the family dinner. Those can be really hard... But you seemed to have done quite well, dispite the nun-clothes! The Euphemism - this is exactly what my family started to do! I am not going to the convent, I am "moving to Switzerland"... Of course my parents get asked what I am doing (since I did quite a long grad school, everybody kind of assumes that I am now finally to assume a well paid position...) And since I am living in "exile" here at my parents house right now, I hear them talking on the phone, etc. ... And they also started to say that while talking to me. But I am trying to say "convent" whenever I need to say something about it. But the reactions are really quite funny... "Oh Switzerland? Everybody seems to migrate to Switzerland. Of course, the wages are much higher there, there work time less.. It is our own econyms fault that all the smart people leave... Your daughter seems to be right on!" (and me thinking about poverty and hard garden and kitchen work.... ) Sorry to have hijaked your thread, but I had to write this Edited March 21, 2012 by juchu
HopefulBride Posted March 21, 2012 Posted March 21, 2012 (edited) [quote name='juchu' timestamp='1332327876' post='2404661'] "Oh Switzerland? Everybody seems to migrate to Switzerland. Of course, the wages are much higher there, there work time less.. It is our own econyms fault that all the smart people leave... Your daughter seems to be right on!" (and me thinking about poverty and hard garden and kitchen work.... ) [/quote] This exchange and you thinking about the reality of it makes me lol'd. hahaha, I actually find myself tell [i]some [/i]people I'm moving to Washington. Rather than say I'm entering... I thought I was the only one doing that. Good too know I'm not alone. Sorry Marigold, won't happen again. Edited March 21, 2012 by HopefulBride
maximillion Posted March 21, 2012 Posted March 21, 2012 My mum did the same 33 years ago! She told everyone 'she's going to live and work in France' = Enter the Convent.
AnneLine Posted March 21, 2012 Posted March 21, 2012 When I entered (35+ years ago) we had to manually take our telephones in and turn them in at the phone office. And disconnect the phones in person while you were there. I wish you could have seen the face of the clerk when I handed in the phone, said I wanted to turn off my phone, and then said, no I won't need a phone where I am going... I am entering a convent. Wish cell phones with cameras had been invented back then.... would have been a great photo.... I remember all those family gatherings... and the odd and hushed conversations that ended when I walked in the room... and the aunt who promised me her china set if I would just NOT do this thing.... and the uncle who disinherited me for 'abandoning my mother.' Oh yes. But they mean well... they just literally don't see the One we see.... and that really does make a difference I think, because what we are doing makes no EARTHLY sense... so how could we expect them to understand on a human level? Marigold, I pray that all your security issues get resolve F A S T (at least Phaster than the Phorum!) and that you will remember to pray for the security people as a pet project because OBVIOUSLY God has put them in your way for a reason. They need prayers!
AnneLine Posted March 21, 2012 Posted March 21, 2012 Funny and true story.... MANY years ago in the 1970's (when I was starting to discern), I visited a Carmelite monastery that at that time made beautiful, hand-made and hand painted statues. I purchased this beautiful one that was a combination of Christ the King, Christ the High Priest and the Sacred Heart. I was concerned about it getting broken in my luggage, so I carefully wrapped it in every bit of spare clothing I had. Never before had Jesus had the opportunity to wear a nightgown, sweat shirt and turtle-neck sweaters all at once! At the airport, I put my bag through the (brand new) x-ray machine and didn't think much about it. Suddenly I had a bunch of security-type people around me, asking what I had in the bag. and would I please take it out. I looked at them as if they had just landed from mars, but of course I complied... but the look on their faces as I removed all the clothes and night clothes to reveal - a statue of Jesus!? - was priceless. They explained ot me that apparently it was covered in lead based paint and looked a WHOLE LOT like a machine gun! And it was buried in clothing! Very suspicious indeed! May all your run-ins with security be equally easily explained!
marigold Posted March 21, 2012 Author Posted March 21, 2012 [quote name='AnneLine' timestamp='1332354486' post='2404789'] When I entered (35+ years ago) we had to manually take our telephones in and turn them in at the phone office. And disconnect the phones in person while you were there. I wish you could have seen the face of the clerk when I handed in the phone, said I wanted to turn off my phone, and then said, no I won't need a phone where I am going... I am entering a convent. Wish cell phones with cameras had been invented back then.... would have been a great photo.... I remember all those family gatherings... and the odd and hushed conversations that ended when I walked in the room... and the aunt who promised me her china set if I would just NOT do this thing.... and the uncle who disinherited me for 'abandoning my mother.' Oh yes. But they mean well... they just literally don't see the One we see.... and that really does make a difference I think, because what we are doing makes no EARTHLY sense... so how could we expect them to understand on a human level? Marigold, I pray that all your security issues get resolve F A S T (at least Phaster than the Phorum!) and that you will remember to pray for the security people as a pet project because OBVIOUSLY God has put them in your way for a reason. They need prayers! [/quote] Thank you! Good reminder to pray for the people who are in the bureaucracy. That phone incident must have given you quite a kick I have started to almost enjoy dropping the nunshell - at least when I know my life doesn't depend on their reaction. [quote name='AnneLine' timestamp='1332354754' post='2404792'] Funny and true story.... MANY years ago in the 1970's (when I was starting to discern), I visited a Carmelite monastery that at that time made beautiful, hand-made and hand painted statues. I purchased this beautiful one that was a combination of Christ the King, Christ the High Priest and the Sacred Heart. I was concerned about it getting broken in my luggage, so I carefully wrapped it in every bit of spare clothing I had. Never before had Jesus had the opportunity to wear a nightgown, sweat shirt and turtle-neck sweaters all at once! At the airport, I put my bag through the (brand new) x-ray machine and didn't think much about it. Suddenly I had a bunch of security-type people around me, asking what I had in the bag. and would I please take it out. I looked at them as if they had just landed from mars, but of course I complied... but the look on their faces as I removed all the clothes and night clothes to reveal - a statue of Jesus!? - was priceless. They explained ot me that apparently it was covered in lead based paint and looked a WHOLE LOT like a machine gun! And it was buried in clothing! Very suspicious indeed! May all your run-ins with security be equally easily explained! [/quote] That is AMAZING. You security rogue The only one I've had so far is last summer when I tried to take the sisters some reeeeally nice English plum jam. They were right at the bottom of my backpack so I completely forgot they were there when we went through security. And of course they have this 100ml rule now. So my bag went through the scanner, set some alarm off, and the security guy emptied my entire bag out in front of everyone. My unmentionables were right there on top of the pile! I told him he should just take the jam home since it was so good, but he threw it in the bin with me watching. Sr. M. was very understanding when I called him some rather unpleasant things
marigold Posted March 21, 2012 Author Posted March 21, 2012 [quote name='juchu' timestamp='1332327876' post='2404661'] Glad you "survived" the family dinner. Those can be really hard... But you seemed to have done quite well, dispite the nun-clothes! The Euphemism - this is exactly what my family started to do! I am not going to the convent, I am "moving to Switzerland"... Of course my parents get asked what I am doing (since I did quite a long grad school, everybody kind of assumes that I am now finally to assume a well paid position...) And since I am living in "exile" here at my parents house right now, I hear them talking on the phone, etc. ... And they also started to say that while talking to me. But I am trying to say "convent" whenever I need to say something about it. But the reactions are really quite funny... "Oh Switzerland? Everybody seems to migrate to Switzerland. Of course, the wages are much higher there, there work time less.. It is our own econyms fault that all the smart people leave... Your daughter seems to be right on!" (and me thinking about poverty and hard garden and kitchen work.... ) Sorry to have hijaked your thread, but I had to write this [/quote] [quote name='HopefulBride' timestamp='1332336175' post='2404685'] This exchange and you thinking about the reality of it makes me lol'd. hahaha, I actually find myself tell [i]some [/i]people I'm moving to Washington. Rather than say I'm entering... I thought I was the only one doing that. Good too know I'm not alone. Sorry Marigold, won't happen again. [/quote] [quote name='maximillion' timestamp='1332352332' post='2404774'] My mum did the same 33 years ago! She told everyone 'she's going to live and work in France' = Enter the Convent. [/quote] LOL! I love this, it makes me feel so much better to share all these little things - makes the way forward a little easier, knowing and speaking to people who are going through the same stupid little things, or who went through it 30 years ago. Some things never change HB: no problem, anytime!
marigold Posted March 21, 2012 Author Posted March 21, 2012 Yikes! Mother just wrote to let me know that an officer from Homeland Security is doing a 'site visit' next week! Keep up those strong prayers!
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