We had a horrendous storm last night.  We and our neighbors all suffered great loss of property, the most tragic was the complete decimation of the crops.   We had many broken windows, uprooted trees, and other extensive hail damage.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

But even now, we find cause to rejoice and bless God.  We are so thankful that none of our sisters suffered so much as a scratch, we all had beds, food, and a roof over our heads (albeit a leaky one!).    We are grateful for generous neighbors and friends that stayed up with us till 2 AM helping to board up windows.   We deeply appreciate our  beloved employees who came to work in spite of damage at their own homes and helped us clean up debris and salvage what we could.

I find myself most thankful for my sisters in community – I am moved to tears to see their selflessness as everyone works to clean and care for our monastery.  Elders and young working side by side, uncomplaining even though the work is tedious and backbreaking.  I am humbled and deeply grateful.

May God be praised for His goodness to us.

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this                                                                      is God’s will foryou in Christ Jesus.                                                                              -1  Thessalonians 5:18