“I never realize how much I like being home unless I’ve been somewhere really different for a while.” – Juno

After a number of trips to really different places over the past month or so for work, vacation and otherwise, I am happy to be home. And my travels are over for a little while.

But I’m happy I got to visit one of my favorite places in the whole world today at the close of a work trip — a convent in Northwest Missouri.

Check this out. That is ONE tree. It provides a natural arch over that sidewalk. I couldn’t even fit the whole thing in a picture.

This is one of the most peaceful and moving places I’ve ever been. It gets me every time. The silence is profound. Every breath, every step seems deafening and invasive.

I loved this Sister. I watched her for the longest time. She’d pray. She’d read. She’d nod off. She’d pray. She’d read. She’d nod off. I loved the way her fingers gently moved across her Bible when she read. She was delicate and fragile in build and movement, but so strong in presence.

She makes me wonder: what occupies your prayers at this point in life?

This place. Takes my breath away every single time.

We finally had to drag ourselves away and head to the airport.

Where I discovered my spirit animal.

And now I’m home.

Home, home, home. My place, my safe space.

I’m so thankful.