Day-5 and Beyond

Hey folks!  Sorry for the delay in updates, but our internet access has been sporadic.  First order of business...after a great day at the ROM, dinner at a cool place called Hemingways, really sweet goodbyes with the Sisters, the purchase of a hockey sweater wearing gnome, a trip to the harbor front, and lunch at Gretzky's (thanks Dulembas!), we were readmitted to the US...whew!  The Emerich Center is a neat place, and a powerful example of a few individuals living into a vocation, and rekindling the flame of faith.  More details about all of this when we have longer access.  For now, enjoy these pics from the last couple of days.  And keep praying!

Day 4-Now that the Queen has prepared the way...

After our usual routine of breakfast, morning prayer, and discussion time, we headed out for St. James Cathedral in downtown Toronto.  As you can see from the plaque below, we missed the Queen by just a few days!  We got a wonderful tour from a very nice lady named Nancy, who serves as the archivist for both the Cathedral and the Diocese.  We learned so much about this, the most historical building in Toronto proper, and also about the city and region as well. 

After Eucharist at the Cathedral, complete with a meet and greet with the Vicar, we moved on to Holy Trinity Church near the Eaton Center.

Holy Trinity literally bumps up against this GIANT mall.  Their ministry to the thousands of people who pass by each day, and to the marginalized across the city, is a powerful witness.

Next we ventured into the vast mall itself.

After some browsing, we hit the subway again for a quick trip back to the Convent. At Compline, we were surprised when the sisters broke into an upbeat song complete with clapping, all in our honor.  Richard recognized the song from Procter, and gave a stunning performance of grace and athleticism to help us learn the Choreography.  Photos withheld to prevent possible physical violence (he might kill me!)  ;-)

Another great day...full of time to reflect on what we believe about God, and what God might believe about us.  Some folks worked this out in the Sisters art room.  

Stay tuned for the University of Toronto, the ROM, and dinner with Hemmingway.

Day 3-Feelin' Hot, Hot, Hot!!!!!

Day three was our first full day with the Sisters.  That meant breakfast at 7:45, followed by Morning Prayer, and a discussion in our meeting space on how we form our beliefs about God.

We then headed for the TTC (Toronto Transit) for a rather lenghty but interesting subway/bus ride out to the Toronto Zoo.

The good news was that we had the Zoo nearly to ourselves...the bad news was that it was because it was another VERY hot day (exhibits A and B, the really bummed out polar bear and tiger).  In fact it was so hot that many of the animals were either hiding or just too hot an tired to do much but stare back at us.  For our part, we tried to drink plenty of water, and ride the Zoomobile whenever we could.

We also made a Canadian friend!

After dinner we took a long and much needed rest until Compline.  We then gathered again to talk more specifically about each of our individual beliefs about God, and to check in on how our journaling work was going.  We have been looking back on the activities of each day to look for times when we felt close to, or far from God.

So far we are seeing a lot, laughing a lot, praying a lot, talking a lot, and hopefully growing closer to each other and to God...a lot!  Next Update: St. James Cathedral (we just missed the Queen by 4 days!), Holy Trinity Church, The Eaton Centre, an Richard does choreography...if THAT doesn't bring you back, I don't know what will!  In the meantime, here are a few more random pics:

Day 2-Canada, Maid of the Mist, Toronto, and Compline with the Sisters

Hi folks!  Day two of our trip was pretty eventful.  After breakfast, we headed out to the River Chapel at the Center for Renewal to do Morning Prayer.  However, despite lots of bug spray and real determination, some really nasty mosquitoes and flies chased us into the main Convent Chapel.  After looking around the beautiful chapel, and learning a little about it and the ministry of the Franciscan nuns that were our hosts, we prayed, loaded up, and headed out for the border.

Much to our surprise Canada let us in!  ;-)  We took in a few of the sights around the falls, and then headed down to the Maid of the Mist.  What a cool (and wet) ride!  We were all really glad to get cooled off on what turned out to be a really, really hot day.

A 2 hour drive later (most of which was spent sitting in traffic on the 401!) we arrived at St. John's Convent.  We joined the Sisters for a meal that was spent in complete silence.  That took some getting used to, but we all decided that it was a neat experience.  After the meal, we got a tour from Sr. Mary, including their beautiful chapel(s).  We then settled into our rooms, which are each named for a Saint, and include information about "our" Saint's life and ministry.  The Sisters couldn't be more gracious and welcoming...we are truly blesed to be here!

After a wonderful and peaceful Compline service, we met in our meeting room to begin to talk about what it is that we believe about God.  Then it was off to journal, read, and relax in our rooms (ok, a couple of us did watch a little world cup action).

Wednesday, we are going to brave the Toronto Mass transit system and head out to see God's creatures at the Toronto Zoo.  Pray for us, and we'll pray for you!

We're Off!

Our brave band of Pilgrims headed out this morning, supported by a blessing from Father Foote and the prayers and well wishes of our families.

Along the way, we enjoyed some "fine dining" in Mansfield, Oh, learned that Ashland, Oh claims to be the "World Headquarters of Nice People," found that sometimes a seatbelt can hurt as well as help (one drew blood from Richard...but he is ok!), and mostly laughed a lot.

After settling in at the Center for Renewal at Stella Niagara, we made it out to take in some amazing night time views of God's power at the American Falls.  We then came back to the Center for prayer, journaling, and a game or two of Euchre.

Thank you all for your continued prayers!  Tomorrow, Maid of the Mist and Toronto.  Stay tuned...

Almost time to "flock" north!

Only a week or so until we head out on our J2A Pilgrimage adventure.  Check this spot for updates, and keep praying!!!!!  Blessings-Joe