Day 158 - 161

I'm back from my much needed break away...words won't really be able to describe just how special and wonderful the trip was, but I will try my best anyway. 

Wednesday morning, me and my boys left early to drive to my parents house. After kissing and hugging my beautiful boys goodbye.. I set out for the long road trip to New Norcia. 

I met so many interesting and lovely people. The beauty of New Norcia is that there is always someone to talk to when you need company, but if you want to be alone.. you can be as isolated as you like. It's a perfect balance. 

Monastery Guesthouse

The monks have 6 prayer sessions in the chapel (which happened to be above my room) everyday. What an amazing experience it was to be apart of it. I could literally feel my spirit jumping for joy and becoming revitalised just by being surrounded by others who had the same heart for God that I do, and joining in with the singing of the Psalms and prayers. The monks sang Psalms in latin, sang their prayers, and recited verses from the Bible in a beautiful, peaceful chant that lulled me into a calm, content frame of mind and heart... it was truly the highlight of my trip. 

Guesthouse grounds

Within a few hours of arriving, I had met a number of people who were staying at the Monastery as well. Such a range of people but all so interesting and it was a pleasure to spend time with them. We became fast friends, and for the rest of my stay we spent time laughing, talking and sharing with each other about our lives over breakfast, cups of coffee, lunch and dinner. 

Guesthouse grounds

I spent many hours walking around the town with my camera. To be able to wander around, not keeping track of what the time was or rushing because I needed to be somewhere, was such a treat. 

New Norcia is such a special town. Bishop Salvado was a monk who came from Spain with another monk.  They had a dream of starting a monastery and also a mission for the Aboriginals. I spent 1 hour in the museum soaking in all the history, reading about all the trials and hard battles this Bishop and the others monks who came out from Spain to assist, went through to realise the dream and the good works they did for so many. It hit me as I was in the museum.. it's no wonder I felt such a strong connection with this place.. the very town and the good work was built on my hearts passion - missionary work. The dream to share my faith, and also to spend a lifetime helping others.

While I was wandering around the town, I came across a guy who had this amazing camera set up taking pictures of the cemetery. I went up to ask him about it and find out what his story was.. turns out he was a professional photography from Perth, he runs workshops on how to use these film cameras and spent ages explaining how it works and giving me advice etc.

On Thursday morning, I was woken at 6.45am to the rain on the window outside, the birds singing and the monks in the Chapel above singing their morning prayers. I stayed in bed for while thinking what a fantastic way to wake up! Words really can't describe how special it was. I was enjoying it so much and wanted to be involved, so I jumped out of bed, threw on some clothes and went to Mass over at the Abbey Church.

Abbey Church

Abbey Church

Hotel

I don't usually buy other people's photos... but the moment I laid eyes on this print, it took my breath away. I just had to buy it :) These hands are the hands of Dom Paulino. He was the last Spanish born monk at the New Norcia monastery who sadly passed away last year. Dom Paulino was in charge of the olive harvest and also produced the olive oil. What makes this photo even more special to me (and I didn't find this out until I bought it), that my Dad knew him well when he spent time at New Norcia many years ago.

Don't you just love the rolled up jeans look?! I wasn't trying to start a new fashion style... I promise! I had almost finished an hour long walk when I took this photo, I had been crossing rivers and walking through mud and bush and my jeans were getting in the way :)

I went to the Hotel with a couple I met at the Monastery to sample the Abbey Ale.... it was delicious! 

My new friends on the left (Aldona & Brian).. and they bought some friends along that they had met on the town tour.

My trip to New Norcia was so much more than I thought it would be. I knew I would feel refreshed, but it ended up being so much more... I felt renewed in my faith, closer to God and more at peace with life in general. If I could put into words to describe the biggest thing I learnt...two simple words - 'Just Be'

It's so wonderful to be home with my family again, I really missed my boys and Lewy towards the end and couldn't wait to see them. Distance does make the heart grow fonder, it was a lovely break for us all, and now we can settle back at home together, all feeling a little more refreshed, happier and content to continue on. xx