The altar is chiseled with grape vines and angels. It is awesome, holy space. Eucharist is slowly given to each Sister and to every baptized Christian as they kneel up near the altar. At the conclusion of the service, first the priest, then the sisters, then the visitors file out silently to begin their day. Joel and I walked outside, silently kissed goodbye, and went our separate ways.
Breakfast is simple.
The only spoken words during that time are in prayer. The silence helps me unwind and to take in the beauty of the early morning at is streams through the convent windows. Guests at the convent are required to attend the morning worship and the 5pm service called Vespers. Guests are free to sleep, read, chat, or go for long walks. I usually find myself engaging in all of the above.