Liminal Time

My last few days at the monastery were busier than I expected as I was assigned some tasks that took me out of the monastery, such as driving guests to the airport with a stop at the Visitor Center on the Nez Perce Reservation.

There was also dinner at the Pub & Grub (delicious burgers), and lunch with Corinne at the local Country Haus (great pie there!).

Linda, the Owner, taking a rest

                         

S. Jeanette, S. Karen and some of Karen's friends from Alaska

                                         
                                   

                                               
 S. Chanelle, my heavenly hash supplier  😊


On Wednesday there was a scenic ride with Teresa and the other two volunteers to see the one stop light in all of Idaho County...

then through the mountains and canyons between Cottonwood and Riggins (the Whitewater capital of Idaho!), followed by a spontaneous comedy-fest of sorts with S. Gerry, Barbara Ann and Jeanette the night before I left.

After several group and individual blessings and some tearful farewells, I moved into liminal time as I stepped onto the once-a-day bus to Boise. I arrived in Cottonwood on the 10:10 bus on the last Thursday morning in March and left on the 10:10 bus on the last Thursday morning in April. It felt strange, even difficult, to leave St. Gertrude’s; at the same time, closing the circle on this month-long experience provided a little comfort.

Making my way into liminal time – no longer a “monk for a month” nor back to life as I knew it before taking this adventure – the long bus ride through magnificent land and all kinds of weather reminded me once again how small and insignificant my little life is in this vast and awesome universe.

        

   

 To begin to integrate the experience, I decided on a short stay in Boise before returning home. This turned out to be a very wise decision since my system was shocked when the bus drove out of the last hills and into the bright lights and bustle of the city of Boise (pronounced.: BOY-SEE). There was so much noise! Sleeping the first night in the hotel room was challenging as I heard every door open and close, the mini-refrigerator fan periodically turn on and off, and footsteps along the hallway during the night. I didn’t realize how quiet the monastery was until I stepped back into the world.

On Friday morning I turned on the TV for the first time in a month, got my nails done and colored my hair. I can’t say that any of these things thrilled me; they’re all just a few of the tasks of re-entry. On the other hand, the Idaho trout I had at dinner last night was excellent!

I had an opportunity to walk along parts of Boise’s Greenbelt, a 30+ mile pathway along the Boise River. More than half of it was closed due to the high and fast water flow from all the snow melt but what I saw and walked was lovely.

On Saturday, I packed my things and headed to the airport.

And today – ready or not – I am making my way home.