Vocation Station without Sister Denise

[passionheart]

[quote name='TheresaMF' post='981861' date='May 15 2006, 09:08 PM']
Visiting my college this past weekend, all my friends kept asking if I'd be able to write them from the monastery. Now, I think I would be allowed four letters per year to people other than family. Four letters! Pretty grim number, when I hear all these different individual friends and groups I know clamoring to hear from me. They'd be hearing from me once every two or three years. I hope my family can pass on news.

But this also leads me to agree with Jenny. If I wrote all those people who want to hear from me even every other month, all I'd be doing is writing letters! (Not to say I'm that popular, b/c I'm not, but people add up quickly.)
[/quote]

I know that is cause of concern from some of my friends but it is cloistered order so people must get used to the idea. Some of my friends are already talking "Road Trip. Although, I wonder in light of the Buffalo Sabres eliminating the Ottawa Senators from the Stanley Cup playoffs, I might be in for a loong wait

However, sometimes you are allowed treats as well.

Today, I received an email from a friend of mine who I met at one the SMME retreats. We kept in touch and she entered the Domincan Monastery in Farmington MI. Well, as a cloistered order she is allowed to write but she can't really email except at Christmas. She received permission to email her buddies because she is now a novice with the name Sr. Mary Rebekah of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, O.P. The order gave her permission to share this special moment in her life with us with pictures as well. So each community has its own rules.

P.S. For all the phatmassers who was with me about 2yrs ago at the SMME retreat, the person I am speaking about Nadine Bond.

Edited May 16, 2006 by passionheart

[brandelynmarie]

When I think about the Farmington Dominicans...I think about them as the Dominicans with the ducks! (Check out their website!)


[url="http://opnuns-fh.org/index.html"]http://opnuns-fh.org/index.html[/url]

[HisChild]

Hello, everyone. Peace and all good to you. It's been only a month I know. And I'm sure you are all shocked to hear from me. But I am not in Portsmouth anymore.

I really don't have the time to get into it right now, as my plane leaves soon and I have to finish getting ready but I wanted you to know what happened. After a week of my stay there, I started having some health issues like high blood pressure, swelling of my legs and ankles, dizzy spells, weight gain. I thought it was nothing, the adjustment period, you know? But then, I think, from the stress of it all, I started really getting 'cloisterphobia', a term they coined because the monastery grounds are so incredibly small (outside) and the monastery itself only really houses up to 12. Even the 7 that were there, you really couldn't go anywhere within the monastery without being in the same room as someone else. There are a couple of us there who were going batty from lack of space, including one who was solemnly professed, so it isn't a newcomer's cross!

Anyway, after going to the doctor a couple of times, with the recommendation to see a specialist, and with some of my struggle behind the cloister, the sisters (and me, but mainly the sisters) decided that while they loved me, felt that I fit in with them well, and seemed to belong. . . that I wasn't called to cloistered life.

I am feeling . . . bereft. I'm not sure where to turn to be honest. I've decided, for now, that I am not going home to Phoenix. That might change, but I felt that, during this immediate 'post monastery' time, I wanted to be with a supportive friend who would accept me, and wouldn't pity my situation. I don't know how long I'll be there, if I'll settle there or go back to AZ, but I'm leaving in about 2 hours for Dallas.

I'm not sure what I'll do. I will try to come online when I can, but I'm not sure how frequent I will be able to write on here. PM would be easier for me, if you'be something specific to say, or ask, rather than in a phorum, simply because my friend has dialup and when she's not at work, she's online a lot too. (I may go get a router, so I could hook up with her but that might make it even slower.)

It's a very small apt, where I am going, and she smokes but it was the only place I thought of to go. Please pray for me.

Denise

PS, I will also, after I settle in to TX, change my name here, as it no longer applies.

[OLAM Dad]

Denise,

While I'm sorry that things didn't work out for you in Portsmouth and about your health issues I'm also glad to have you back here with us. You've been on quite the roller coaster, emotionally, I'm sure. Please know that you're in my prayers.

Michael

[All4HIM]

Denise, you are always in my prayers. Well, it´s somehow silly to say that, but if you ever need/want to talk, feel free to contact me (first via PM and then on the phone?)---

I will always think of you, whatever happens!

Laura

[benedictaj]

Dear dear Denise, you are still very much in my prayers. Please keep in touch, I'd love to hear from you. I got your letter just a day after or so after you entered. - thank you so much for your support. I'll keep you updated with how things are with me. Shall we keep in email/IM contact?

Like Michael said, this must be quite a rollercoaster, and do know that I am here for you.

God bless you always, and do not forget our Lady cries with joy for love of you! My love and prayers always.

edited to add - I think if you ask dUSt he will change your sn.

[SisterAli]

Denise-

As you already know from me....I am praying for you. Please let me know if there's anything I can do for you.

God Bless You dear,

Ali

[HisChild]

I'm in Dallas now. Again, I'm not sure how often I will be able to be online until I know quite what I am doing. I finally got to my friend's house. And as you can see, Dust changed my name.

I suppose, regarding the health issues, it must have been God's will that I only go there for a brief time, and then start a new journey elsewhere. Perhaps that is why I felt called to come here, instead of back to Phoenix, although who knows if AZ will be my final destination. I have hope that He will guide my path.

What is odd is that I didn't have any of those issues before I entered, I've already in the last week lost some weight, my BP is back to normal, I haven't had any dizzy spells in 4 days and my leg swelling is all but gone. Go figure.

Anyway, thank you for your prayers and support. I'll write soon.

God bless you.
Denise

PS Memtherose, yes, I'd like to keep in touch with you. Since my friend is on dialup, I may not be using my IMs that often. But email is fine, either on here or regular email.

[brandelynmarie]

Denise, Hello...I am so sorry that it did not work out for you in Portsmouth...You have been in my thoughts & prayers for the past month & will continue to be so...We know that the PCPA's in Ohio will continue to be part of your journey...Peace be with you...

[homeschoolmom]

<sigh> I miss her too.

[Scott_TX]

Denise, your in my prayers.

[Mercy me]

You were missed. You will continue to be in my prayers.

[HisChild]

I have a few things cooking, as far as options go. LOL I asked our Lord to knock me off my horse and do so quickly, but wow, a day later and He's giving me a few options. Pray for me that I do His will. God bless you.



Denise

PS I pray that you are doing well, all of my fellow phatmassers. Thank you for your prayers.

[SisterAli]

I'm so glad that the Lord is giving you some options I will continue to pray for you that you will do HIS will...for your life. May God be with YOU...


Ali

[alicemary]

Denise you tried it, that is all that really matters. The Lord will continue to speak to your heart. May you find peace.

[Laurentina1975]

Denise,

Please get in touch with me if there is anything I can do....I am not far from Ohio..

Do you still have my number?

Let me know if you need anything!

I haven't been posting on here much (if at all), but I skim and was suprised to see you here.

Let me know if I can offer you any assistance, whatever it may be, just ask.

Prayers,
Lauren

[avemaria40]

I'll be praying for you and I'm sorry I didn't work out But it's awesome to see you on again

[HisChild]

Thank you all for your prayers and your kind notes to me.

Please pray for me as I am going to drive back to Phoenix this weekend for my brother's wedding. (He doesn't know I've left the monastery, so that will be a surprise for him.)

I will also be picking up what very little clothing I have and a few kichen things.

I have opted to spend a few days with a friend who is a sister, just regaining some balance in my life and hoping that, in that atmosphere of a religious community, I might be better able to discern what it is He is asking of me.

Know that I keep you in prayer. Please continue to pray for me.

God bless you.

Denise.

[Piccoli Fiori JMJ]

Denise, as glad as I am to see you back, I am also sad that things have turned out the way they have. You will be in my prayers as you seek what God's Will is for you. Keep us updated if you can, please.

[Birgitta Noel]

Denise,

You are in my prayers. Know that God will never abandon you! I'll pm you soon. Welcome back! B