Back to the Basics: New Photos

PHOTOS: For those who have been here before and
for those who want an idea of what it's like.
(Remember everything here is done by hand, bit by bit since 1992.)

You can enlarge photos on the blog to see them better
by clicking on each picture.

Kitchen and dining room in the convent where most of the meals are taken.

Here I am in my new purple flannel pajamas in my agua fria bathroom!

Above is the new garden made by the novices. It is on the backside of the convent.

Taken from the top of the convent. You can see construction of the new chapel: el divino nino.

Progress is being made on the retreat house. M. Arely is now living on the main floor. The new passage to the top is in between the 2 buildings, under the scaffolding.

View of the area from the convent. You can always hear dogs barking, rooster, music, cars.

To the left of the last arch on the left is my lovely room here. You can see the beautiful courtyard garden in the center of the convent. It has special meaning to me because I helped creat it. A few years ago when I was here with a group from Coeur d'Alene, we designed and constructed this area. It went from hard dirt to a glorious garden. My friend Molly and I designed a tile and glass mosaic inside the fountain not long ago as well. It still has no flowing water, but that is a long story.

Anyway, my time is wonderful. I am trying to adjust to freezing cold showers and I'll soon be washing my clothes by hand, but it's a great experience. Sunday night I scoured and washed the tiles and the grooves in between in the main dining room for about 3 hours. It's great because there are few "conveniences" here. The great thing about menial work is the freetime it allows one's mind. While completing a simple task which doesn't require much thought, you can think about anything you want or nothing at all. My back is a little sore, but who cares. I got an amazing massage from my sister Vanessa last night. I'm well cared for certainly. I've also been trying to take advantage of prayer opportunities. Mass twice a day, holy hour etc. I just go with the flow. The food is good. I'm trying to eat less. So far it's working. It's not easy, Mexican love sweets, but they know I'm trying to be healthy so there's not too much pressure.

It's been great because each day seems to go at just the right pace. Not too fast, not too slow. I dare say, almost healthily. I know you're probably screaming at me right now. I know, it's not fair! I do pray you find balance and peace amidst your day. Make it happen, for no one will do it for you.

Stay tuned. More to come.