Home Away From Home
Early tomorrow morning at the break of dawn, and in the cool climes of Spring, the monastery bus will depart for Kenville. At this point one hopes there is still a monastery for it to return to.
While the bus is well-oiled and running smoothly, the monastery is a different story. It’s not quite in ruins, but as of this evening The Great Fire of 2009 threatens this ancient (circa 2005) and historical landmark.
Displaced monks have scattered and now roam the far countryside. Why, I expect to see some of them in Kenville. If you should see any, please give them a cup of hot tea and a warm slab of homemade bread; they’ve had it rough recently. And if they’re chewing with a thoughtful, faraway stare, offer them a little hope, won’t you? Remind them that everything possible is being done so that the doors of the monastery might once again open in silent welcome to all who care to enter.
And while it won’t quite be the same, I have decided to blog this coming weekend’s pilgrimage here on the temporary page. It will be a scaled-down version, but spartan simplicity is not unfamiliar territory for your spry old scribe. Maybe this will be like one of those weekend renovation shows where the owner is sent away and comes home and surprise! everything is new and improved. This old monk would have a hard time hiding his smile.
