I've finally got a few minutes at the library where I can get on line to up-date...
Dears,
October 9, 2011: So far, so good! I’m settling in well at L’Abri, and thus far, it is great. Not exactly what I expected, but then whenever is anything we’ve never experienced exactly what we imagine. It’s actually better, I believe, in that the students and staff make you feel right at home, and they keep me up to snuff on the schedule, etc.
First thing I did after putting my things away was to go to the huge library in L’Abri’s great room. The first book I picked up has been amazing! I don’t have it with me at present, so will have to guess at the title: Letters from a Skeptic by Boyd and Boyd, or something close to that. Anyway, I rested from my journey in the library while reading, and it was wonderful.
I’m currently sitting at the local Starbucks and just had an interesting conversation with a gentleman from Orange County , California ; his name is Clark . Clark and I were talking about some alternate books written about Moses—books with a different perspective. One of the books, he tells me was pinned by Freud. We had a nice conversation about different perspectives on Bible history, and I was able to share a little about my confidence in the historical accuracy of the Old as well as the New Testament. I have invited Clark to join my blog family, and he promised to do so. So, having said that, Welcome Clark; I look forward to your following along on this journey.
I was going to describe L’Abri to you now, but instead, I spent time chatting with Clark ; so, I’ll save introducing you to L’Abri and my fellow students for another entry.
I need to let you know that in order to encourage study, L’Abri does not offer internet service. So, though I will most likely write each day, there may be several days between postings. I have to walk a considerable distance to get to Wi fi, and though I will enjoy the walk, I have to work it between scheduled activities. So, please bear with me and keep checking in. I will most likely send out an email after each posting, so as to give you a reminder. It means the world to me that so many of you are checking in, even though I realize you are still having a hard time getting comments posted.
Blessings to you all, and I do hope you will write me soon. I look so forward to hearing from you.
Hugs…
October 11, 2011 L’Abri day Three.
Greetings! I am loving it here! Can’t believe the blessings that continue to flow my way!
Massachusetts L’Abri is located in an old mansion (my friend told me this is on a mansion technically in that it has many rooms, but that homes like this are common in New England) built by a farmer as a gift for his daughter in 1840. It is amazing to reside in a home that is 171 years old—charming is an understatement! There are at least three kitchens that I know of (get this, one is called “the butler’s kitchen;” how cool is that! And, I’ve counted at least five fireplaces. Of course, the fireplaces (modified with wood stoves) are a must in the winter, as this house is far too large to heat simply by oil. There are three floors (including the cellar which contains the laundry room, work shop, bike storage, tool shed, and room after meandering room of I have no idea what) and two wings off the main portion of the home. I still get lost when trying to navigate my way from place to place. Curling plaster, chipped paint, and creaking floors only add to the incredible charm of this well decorated and lavishly ornate Colonial style structure. And (this is the best part) there is this huge library with gorgeous mahogany walls and book cases. I believe I could fit the better part of my Winchester
We maintain a well held schedule here. We have the basic three meals, as well as Morning Tea, Afternoon Tea, and High Tea on Sundays, also Coffee at 8:00. The day begins with breakfast at 7:45, and they won’t start any meal without everyone present. Meals are served in a variety of locations, so it’s a challenge for me to find everyone from meal to meal. We split our days between study time and chore time. I do studies in the mornings and chores in the afternoon, while some of the others do the opposite. We get to chose on this. An example of chores is to help with meal preparation, prepare the outside of the house for painting, doing laundry, etc. Yesterday, I opted for laundry, and it was a huge chore. I hung a total of 7 loads of laundry out to dry, and I washed 5 loads. But, it was fun, because, besides enjoying the work, I listened to lectures the whole time on my i pod. Wonderful!
The lifestyle here is quite “earthy” for lack of a better word. Clothes are hung out rather than to waste energy on dryers, greens are taken from the garden, eggs from the chickens, the house is kept cool to save money, the laundry soap is homemade and the like. Everyone pulls his own weight, and there is no TV, cable, or internet service (that I am aware of). Somehow, life feels simple and serene —less cluttered and more real. It stirs a longing in my heart for less… if that makes sense, a longing for life in the “real.”
Yesterday, I was blessed with a lovely little miracle—a true God thing, I believe. Well, before coming here, I was a bit apprehensive because I knew I would be staying in a dorm with quite a few young women (late teens and twenties) mostly. I felt like, I may not fit in well. Before people, especially young people, get to know me, I am often perceived as a bit conservative and reserved, even though this is not really me at all. I felt concern that my presence in their dorm might interfere with the girl’s free flow of youthful conversation and activities. In addition to this,
I have grown quit accustomed in my life to having my own space and much time alone. I thrive on this, actually, and felt concern because in this environment one is in almost constant community. So, before coming here, I asked God to help me learn to manage in such a strong community environment with almost no time or place where I could be alone. I talked with Him about my apprehension, and though I didn’t dare to ask for an exception to be made for me, I secretly hoped there might somehow be a little nook they might need to stick me in for whatever reason. Well, it would appear that God worked a small little miracle for me, and I am thrilled.
Yesterday morning, Sue (a member/worker here) came and asked me if I might be willing to move to the guest room, as they needed my bunk to make room for an incoming student from England
I will take some pictures of everything and share them with you, so you can better enjoy the blessing of L’Abri along with me.
As for my studies, I can’t believe how much I am learning. Already, it seems I have worked through more of my questions than I would have thought possible. I’ve been listening to a series of lectures on Redemptive History by Sandy Richter. I would recommend anyone hoping to gain a deeper understanding of the Old Testament or to work through issues with its overall themes to read or listen to anything this woman has to share. She’s brilliant, and her insights shed a light that I never thought possible.
In closing, I want to share a comment that Dick Keyes made during prayer time yesterday morning. He was talking about the financial challenges that all the L’Abris face as non-profit organizations. He shared how it’s a constant struggle month to month, and how he sometimes wishes there was just some great endowment to provide the security they/we all desire. But then, he said, he is realizing that perhaps God prefers that we live “on the edge,” that this is his will in order that our dependence on him is recognized and his provision is continually received with gratitude and thanksgiving. He said, “we need to just embrace that,” and know that God works through this tension. In these troubling times, this reality may become more and more of a lifeline for many, I know, it was well received by me.
Hugs…
October 11, 2011, later in the day.
Lunch today was lovely, not so much for the delicious food (thought it was really good) as much as for the environment and style. We enjoyed what is called: “Silent Lunch.” During Silent Lunch, no one is allowed to speak at all for one hour. We are encouraged to bring a book, journal, or tablet so we could read and/or write while enjoying our meal. Mary Francis put on the most lovely music, ARVO PART LLINA (Spiegel Im Spiegel) which added the perfect touch in creating a unique and inspiring experience! Enjoyed it very, very much!
Will close for today...
Hugs...
October 13, 2011 Thursday afternoon.
Just arrived back at L'Abri after spending a day with my dear friend Brenda. I hadn't seen her since she left Salem, Oregon 8 years ago to move home to Massachusetts.
She and I had a very pleasant day today. We traveled through several small Massachusettes townships, and I just loved it! The "tree peeping" season has just began, as it has in Oregon, so the drive was lovely.
We went to the Fruitland home of Louisa May Alcott and her family. It felt so great to put my hand on doorposts, stone fireplaces, and furniture that I know she enjoyed. Somehow, when we actually experience the places famous people enjoyed, it tends to take on a new meaning--somehow it's more real, I think.
I will post some pictures of her childhood home tomorrow once I've gotten them up-loaded to my p.c. In the meantime, I will now post some pictures of L'Abri for you to enjoy.
Hugs...
Opps, I've run out of time to post pics. I promise, I'll be back tomorrow p.m. and will post then...
Hugs...
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