One of my oldest friends took a sacred vow last week.  Most of those who witnessed the profession were fighting back tears when the rites started and she, together with four other ladies, publicly answered The Call and said, “Here I am.” 

 

Three and a half years have passed since we sent her off to her journey of faith and her commitment remains unwavering.  (I, on the other hand, have had countless conversations with myself on the question, “Should I stay or should I go?”  Or more accurately, “Where do I go?”)  No amount of jokes (with subliminal messages?) would make her change her mind.  (A friend told her, “The leaves that you rake in the morning would be your salad for dinner!”  – or some such jokes.)

 

Still, she inspires me.  (Although, I have to admit, her profession is not for me.  Or, I, am not for her profession.  I’m quite certain I would be kicked out on grounds of ‘disobedience’.  At any rate, among other things, her community would most likely not accept me due to ‘conflict of interest’… )

 

It was all family and friends and good food and general good cheer after the rites.  I hope that all the good vibes had rubbed off on me.

 

At night, Sr. A–’s two best friends and I and her spiritual confessor went to the mall to watch a movie.  Unfortunately, the movie we wanted to see was not showing.  We stuffed ourselves with seafood instead, checked out model condo units (don’t ask), and had our fortunes told (except Spiritual Confessor, who does not believe and is strong.  That was fun.