bird by bird

I met up with the Sistas today. First I went to the Multicultural Center where I saw that not much has changed. When I asked Sister Veronica if many people were coming to her Native American Culture class she said, "No" (that hasn't changed). Then Sister Veronica reminded Sister Ida (rather harshly) that it was her turn to stay at the center and miss mass (that hasn't changed). Then Sister Teresa Ann asked me about "the romance department" (which hasn't changed) and when I told her that I was as single as ever, her face lit up and she suggested a calling to Sisterhood (that hasn't changed). After a brief chat, Sister Ida rode with me to the monastery for daily mass. We sang "Piano Man" the whole drive, just like we used to. Mass was great, and I felt like a celebrity. Hugs from swarms of nuns is enough to make anyone feel good about his or herself. I stayed for lunch, liver and onions :( and afternoon prayer :). This is me and the Sistas la...

A Sista Email... one of my favorite kinds! Dear Amanda, At the wake last night I saw your Mom and Allison.  It was great to greet them even if it was only a couple of minutes.  I miss you more now that we are talking about putting up the Christmas cribs.  I am not sure why that reminds me more of you.  We also started teaching at Norswiss dairy.  It is 30 miles to the north on hwy 81.  We don't sing piano man on the trip. Will you be able to stop in when you are here for Christmas or come to Mass with Mom and Allison? Maybe you would like to come and visit with Edyta.  She is faithful in coming to class.  How long will you be on vacation? We keep busy as I am sure you are also.  It sounds like your classes are harder that teaching English 101. Have blesses Advent days and I hope you can visit us. Love,  Ida This picture was taken last December. The Multicultural Center puts up a display of nativity scenes from around the wor...

Today I was thinking about nuns and hippies... because they are so much alike. Hippies wear old, used clothing, so do nuns (the Benedictine order, at least). Hippies love the environment and recycling and so do sisters. They were green before it was cool to go green. Hippies like sitting down in protest to make a statement for change. Nuns like sitting down in prayer often for change. Hippies love animals and are vegetarians. Nuns love animals and often are vegetarians. Hippies wear Birkenstocks. Nuns wear Birkenstocks! Hippies love the harmony and peace of nature. So do nuns!!! The similarities could go on for days!!... ok, ok so I suppose that not all hippies or all nuns fit these descriptions.. but for the sake of my argument, they do.

When Sister Ida finds a bug in the office, she puts it on a napkin and sets it free outside. When I find a bug in the office, I find a napkin and smoosh it until I hear it squish. I guess that's why she's a Sister and I'm just a Manda.

I've been avoiding it.. but I think it's about time I tell a story of my own, instead of just copying and pasting what other people have to say. So here it is.. the first segment of my "Nun Series: Stories of last summer" Nun story #1: Piano Man Sister Ida, my favorite sister and also one of the oldest and sweetest at Mother of God Monastery, was my Wednesday night driving/teaching buddy. Every Wednesday at 7:00PM I would pull up to the Monastery to pick her up, she would greet me with a warm hug, and we would head down Highway 81. Together we taught ESL to Spanish-speaking farm workers at a little country church 30 miles away. I always looked forward to our car rides and conversation as well as class itself because I couldn’t wait to hear what would come out of this sweet little nun’s mouth. Before setting out, we would pray for animals to stay out of our driving way (for each specific animal in fact, deer, cats, rabbits, etc.) and for our students to continue ...

It's nice outside and I just got an email from Sister Ida! Good Afternoon Amanda, We went to Hamlin last night and did not sing piano man and I miss you but we do have good help in Sr. Sharon and others. Ruth was there after being sick a couple of weeks. 6 Latinos came and your two. I hope all continues to go well for you. Take time to play in the snow and do sculptures! I made a snow rabbit last Sat. Love, Ida I just love my sistas! "Sister Stories" coming soon. A good day.