Day 27-Part II

Saturday, May 2, 2015

Abbey of Gethsemani

I had a joyful surprise today. My brothers, Greg, Tim and Warren and nephew, Evan, came to Richmond, KY this weekend to visit my niece, Rebecca. We are planning to meet for a meal tomorrow. Greg, Evan and Rebecca went to the Kentucky Derby this morning along with 170,000 other people. Warren and Tim came to Gethsemani. This was a last minute decision. For 23 years I have made a annual retreat to the Abbey of Gethsemani. This is the first time a member of my family has joined me.

We had a delightful afternoon. I took them through the Retreat House, showed them my room, the Abbey church, we toured the grounds and then we sat in the conference room and talked.

It has been a long time since we have sat down for a nice, long chat. What a gift to relax and talk with my brothers. We shared memories of our parents, spoke honestly and openly about our own lives and laughed so hard I thought they monks might kick me out.

We ended the day at the Abbey Gift shop where the Mint Julep Fudge was flying off the shelves. As they were getting in the car Warren said: “We hate to leave…but we’ll be back” Like most, they fell in love with this hallowed place. My heart is filled with joy. Thank you Lord for this incredible gift.

I count it all joy,

Pastor Vallerie