Trip to Alabama

Last week the girls and I headed to Alabama to see my sister Julie who is preparing to become a nun. It was a beautiful experience and I am so glad that we took the time to go visit. She lives in Hanceville, Alabama at the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament. She lives a cloistered lifestyle, so our visits with her are limited, which made our time with her very valuable and meaningful. I was so glad that Hannah and Meredith were able to visit with their Aunt Julie. They weren't very surprised to see her in her habit and dress or behind the bars as I had spent a lot of time explaining this to them on the trip down. I think Hannah understood that this is the vocation Julie has chosen. Meredith's response was "I don't want to live here when I grow up because of all of the curvy roads." Julie seems very happy and at peace with her calling. I know she has prayed for a long time that this is what she is called to do. I have to admit that I wasn't sad when I was there or when I was leaving. I was very relieved to see that she was happy and the idea of becomming a nun is not surprising to me since I grew up with nuns as teachers most of my life. I am looking forward to the next time I visit. Here are some pictures of the beautiful Shrine and us with Sister Julie.

The girls at the Lourde's Grotto.

The entrance to the Shrine. There were so many visitors coming and going while we were there.

The Church where we attended a Latin Mass with the cloistered sisters singing.

Julie and I. The bars look intimidating, but they really weren't. We could pass things between them and I could still hug and kiss her. They are more a symbol of the vow she has taken.

Hannah and Meredith with Aunt Julie. She says they can still call her Aunt Julie, even when her name changes.