FINDING IT
With so much disheartening evidence about our planet in peril, we must search for ways to lift up our soul, be it ever so small or seemingly insignificant. In July after the long lockdown our first retreat visitors were welcomed and the community’s smiles lit up as did both women who came. And what were the chances that both were named Sandra and while here each found the peaceful quiet they were looking for.
One visitor toured the aquaponics and fruit tree area. A year ago Sister Miriam was thrilled to see countless avocado blossoms covering a 5-year-old tree and that now had borne fruit. While showing the first successful fruits, the visitor exclaimed, “Look, there’s a bird nest in the tree!” And it had eggs for an added surprise. Sweet! Next on the tour was the butterfly garden at the north end of the monastery where tall avocado trees planted 7 years ago seemed to be “fruitless”. And yes, that observant newcomer found several ripe avocados which the gardener herself never knew were there.