Almost Heaven . . .

. . . West Virginia  (So are you old enough that this song is instantly in your head?)

We spent a few days of Easter week hiking and relaxing in the Mountain State.  Joe arrived home (from Rome) late Tuesday night, and we were off by 0800 Wednesday.

Len had planned a hike to occupy the afternoon before checking in to our vacation rental.  The first clue that we weren't in the cozy suburbs anymore? 

Snow dusting a spiderweb!

Indeed, we enjoyed our best snow of the season that third day after Easter!  ;-)  I realize that's not saying much--we had a paltry snowfall this year.

 Icicles

 ALMOST dressed for success--no boots--only sneakers!

 Rebecca said it felt as if we were walking in Narnia.

 She rolled this snowball as we hiked, carrying it on and on,

 until the building of the snowman.

 One of many creek crossings.  One way (snow) or another our feet were bound to get soaked.

 Building up a crossing spot for the (ahem) less agile among us.

 A few reminders that it was actually spring.

 Followed by a well earned reward!

 A 12.7 mile hike was scheduled for day 2.  It took us about 8 hours.  Here's our snowy start:

 Can you see the paw prints and tail trail?

 Chillin'

 Plenty of creek crossings again.

Our return to Narnia.

 Tired, but still smiling.

 Day 3:  Blackwater Falls (a boardwalk, not a hike this time)

 Dinner at Hellbender Burritos (named for a local salamander)--huge, unique (chili, cheese steak, BBQ, etc.) wraps.

 Becca had the kid size (?) !

 On our way home, we stopped at the fascinating nature center.

The sandbox includes molds for making pawprints.

We planned to drive home in time for Saturday's 5:30 mass because Len had to leave early Sunday morning for his spring kayaking trip.  He was kind enough to let me follow a billboard down a long, windy road to an alpaca farm.  The store was closed (too bad) because it was shearing weekend (cool!). 

The owner was so welcoming, showing us around the barn and allowing us to watch the shearing process.  Fascinating!  She and Len also shared some shop talk about sheep dogs, alpaca reproduction, etc.

We had a wonderful trip, thanks especially to Len, who organized almost everything.  What a guy!  Other unshown highlights:  domino games, hot chocolate, horseshoes, hanging out by the fireplace, movie nights, knitting time,  etc.

A Blessed Easter

I pray you're enjoying a happy, holy Easter.  Here is the latest update from Rome:

 

Happy Easter to all of you back in the USA!!!

 

The past couple of days have been crazy but amazing!  On Good Friday, we had a retreat in the morning for the boys and then went to St. Peters to wait in line for the Liturgy of the Passion.  We were able to get awesome seats for this and some of the boys were able to get very close to the Pope as he processed out at the end.

 

Yesterday, we were very busy!  We visited St. Mary Major, St. John Lateran, the catacombs, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and many  other things. 

 

Today, Easter Sunday, we got up early so we could get a good spot in line to get into St. Peters Square (sorry...international keyboard that does not seem to have an apostrophe) for Easter Sunday Mass with the Holy Father.  Well, we did get good seats, front row!!!  It was a beautiful Mass...some of the boys even made it on the huge screens that they set up in the square for those who are far away.  It was a beautiful liturgy.  Afterwards we went to Trastevere for a nice sit down lunch as a group and the boys are now playing sports.  Tomorrow is Assisi and then we head home.  We have been keeping all of you in our prayers, and look forward to seeing everyone Tuesday night!  I hope you are all having a blessed Easter!

More From Rome

Another update from Joseph's trip leader:

Thy Kingdom Come!

Greetings again from Rome!  It has been a great trip so far and all of the guys have been fantastic!  We've been very busy, so I can't say everything we've done, but here are some highlights:

On Wednesday, we had one of the more special moments of the trip, getting to attend the Papal audience.  We were very early and got in the 2nd and 3rd row, but most of the boys were able to be right on the fence when the Holy Father drove by in the popemobile!  Also, our group was welcomed by name by the English speaking priest who welcomed the groups and introduced the Pope's comments in English.  When we jumped up and cheered, Pope Benedict looked our way and waved.  That afternoon we got to visit St John Lateran and then climb the Holy Stairs on our knees (these were the stairs from the Praetorium that Jesus walked up during his trial with Pilate...brought to Rome by St. Helen).  Then we went to the Church of the Holy Cross which has many relics from the Passion, including wood from the true Cross and one of the nails.

Yesterday we saw the Colosseum and Roman Forum before going to St. John Lateran for the Mass of the Lord's Supper (long but beautiful...we got seats but not very close...a lot of people pushed ahead of us in line).

I'll try to write again soon, we are keeping all of you in our prayers!

From Rome

Joseph is in Rome for Holy Week.  What an experience!  Here is an email update we just received from the trip's leader (Joe's Confirmation sponsor):

Thy Kingdom Come!

Dear all in Christ,

Greetings from Rome!  We are doing great, perhaps a little bit tired, but having a great time.  Yesterday, when we arrived in Rome, we spent a little time getting settled, played a little soccer, and then went to visit the city.  We stopped in St. Peter's square briefly and then had a chance to do some shopping before visiting the Legionaries' other seminary (the Center for Higher Studies) to look at a cool exhibit there of the Shroud of Turin.

Today, we went to St. Peter's early in the morning for a private Mass at the tomb of Bl. John Paul II.  After that we had a tour of the inside of the basilica with Br. N., climbed to the Cupola, had lunch, and then visited the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel.  We wrapped up with a visit to the Fountain of Trevi.  We´ll make it an early night tonight because we're getting up early again for the general audience with Pope Benedict.

I'll try to keep you posted, we are keeping you in our prayers, and when we receive the Pope's blessing tomorrow, it also extends to all of our families, so you will also receive this special blessing!

Better Than the Alternative

For a few years now I've been flipping out about my approaching 50th birthday.

Thirty felt young--for goodness sake, my first baby was barely a year old then. 

And 40 was no big deal.  Heck, I had a baby at 43!

But this half-century mark has been looming like a dark cloud on my horizon:

• For the first time ever, I was embarrassed to state my age.
• I dreaded becoming lonely and frail (despite the fact that the older generation of my family is busy and cheerful).
• I worried about becoming insignificant/obsolete, having my children outgrow me.  They are a huge part of my life.  Would I stop mattering as they naturally and rightly mature and move on?

Fifty didn't equal elderly to me, but it felt like the beginning of the end.

 

It may sound silly to you, but my angst and sense of foreboding were growing steadily.  Once in a while I'd joke that growing old "beats the alternative," but that wasn't enough to actually turn my attitude around.

So what changed?

I had been reflecting on discerning and following God's will, and on those who abandon themselves to Him.  Blogposts and In Conversation With God nudged my mind.

For ages I've believed myself committed to doing God's will if only I know what it is.  But how do I know? 

Of course there's plenty of guidance out there, most of which I'm too lazy to seek out and read.  But one day a thought passed through the noise and struck my consciousness:  until further notice, I can assume that God's will for me includes growing old (or at least older).

Go ahead--laugh.  I think I did, too!  ;-) 

Yet that simple idea has turned my attitude around.  God wants me to live, and live for Him.

 

If any of my fears become reality, so be it.  I can cope and offer up any hardship.

 

Growing old, like growing up, is meant to be.  Happy birthday to me!

 

 

Photos taken by Lauren during our June vacation in the Smoky Mountains.

Roman Moment

It was our third day in Rome.  We had been to the Pantheon,

Piazza Navona and its fountain,
the fountain of Trevi,

and two basilicas:  St. John Lateran

 

and St. Mary Major, as well as the church that houses the original image of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. 

(This is a mosaic outside; the painting is inside.)

As darkness approached, Len and I prepared to make our way across town to our bed and breakfast.

Footsore and weary, we planned our route--three separate buses were required. 

Bus stop #1:  We find the correct place to stand, but the electronic info board shows a 12 minute wait for our vehicle.  We decide to walk on to our connection.

Bus stop #2:  We can take the #46 or #60.  Okay.  Here comes a #60 Express--what about that?  Doors open before we can decide, but it doesn't matter.  This bus is JAMMED, and no one gets off.  Oh, well.

Check the sign.  Yes, the express will work.  We'll be ready for the next one!

Waiting.  Waiting.

Now what?  Down the hill, there are blue police lights blocking the street.  What's going on?  I didn't hear the crash of an accident.  Maybe a pedestrian was hit.  Look at all those cars and buses (buses!) completely blocked down there.  We are far from our destination.  How long is this going to take now?

Okay, wait a minute.  There is no traffic from the side street above the lights, either.  I wonder . . .  Can it be?  He was at the Spanish Steps today . . .

Oh, my goodness!  Here comes a hoard of motorcycles from the side street!  We're being motioned to stay on the sidewalk.  It must be!  Yes!  Here he comes in that glass topped car!

And just like that, Pope Benedict XVI rode right past us as we stood on the curb amidst no crowd (unless you count his extensive entourage).

Len cared more about watching than filming, which is why the pope leaves the frame for a few moments.  It was a great decision--I'm a bit sorry I've only seen Lauren receiving her high school diploma on the small screen.