Lent began early this year, and so did the warm weather. Some of the trees and flowers are on the verge of opening, but its way too early for them blossom, since we could have another frost any time. With the sun rising earlier each morning and the days growing longer, it really does feel like spring. But its only the middle of February. Anything could happen between now and Easter! And we’re hoping if it does happen, it will be rain. We did very well with the rainfall last year: 22.7 inches–that’s the most we’ve had in a year since 2000! So we are hoping and praying that 2016 will be another good year for moisture.
Our raven friends visit us like clockwork every morning and afternoon, looking for snacks. They announce their presence by squawks until one of us shows up with some bread to fill their beaks. It was Fr. Matthew who named them Moe and Poe last spring. One is bolder than the other and will come up within feet of us to beg food. She/he (?) will carry on a conversation with one of the Sisters, who just happens to speak “raven”! They are very endearing and entertaining.
Our good friend Fr. Olaf Winter was with us once again for his yearly retreat. As always we enjoyed his presence and catching up with him on his ministry in Germany where he is the pastor of ten rural parishes. Such a busy pastor really appreciates the silence and solitude of our high desert location. He also really appreciates the warmer weather!
We wish you every blessing for a fruitful and good Lenten season in this Jubilee Year of Mercy. May it be a time of transformation in Christ in preparation for the joy of Easter.