Jesus had been baptized and was praying/Baptisms are always welcomed even during lent

Pat and Hallel watching the kids making snow angels in the fresh foot of snow here in Kansas City at Lumen Christi Monastery in the inner city amongst the poor.

 Hot chocolate in the refectory with Aunt Little Sister Hallel is the best after shoveling and playing in the beautiful snow.  It continues to be beautiful to see outside.. there is a wind today and it will blow the snow off each branch and twig.  Then the warmth will return... the kids were playing at the park in short sleeves and shorts on Monday in 65 degrees and now a foot of snow on everything - winter wonderland.  The roads are good for our trip home and getting around yesterday, too.

Helper Berna mopping the chapel in preparation  for the vigil of the Baptism of the Lord feast today.  As soon as John the Baptist baptized Jesus in the Gospel today from Luke 3... he was praying.  This continues to be how we keep our LOVE lines open with our Lord from our Baptism on... How amazing to get the approval from above!

After all the people had been baptized
and Jesus also had been baptized and was praying,
heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended upon him
in bodily form like a dove.
And a voice came from heaven,
"You are my beloved Son;
with you I am well pleased."
Luke 3

 The walk was cleared at our arrival for open table at the little Brothers' Monastery, and there were inches to be cleared a few hours later... Lots of falling snow while we shared a meal and our hearts and lives one with the other.

So beautiful to have some time with our daughters and their families!

 Special time in the chapel waiting for our meal with husband and Little Sister Judith.  Jesus in the humble tabernacle of wood with the Lamb on it... the Lamb of God with whom His Father is well pleased.

Under the altar is the icon of the nativity which will now be the icon of the Baptism!  Hallel just called to say that they will meet us for mass at Nancy's parish and then come over to have lunch with Nancy and her family!  Little Sister Mary Jean will join too!!!  What a dream that it can be possible to share family time in Nancy's home and Church.

 The cupala in the Little Brothers' Monastery... The Light of Mary, Mother of God.

Hallel still on crutches, but able to put weight on her foot after 6 weeks off it.  "I can bear weight as much as I can tolerate... my foot feels tingly when I step on it.  This happened just in time for me to get through this snow with my crutches and balance with my foot."

Hallel's doctor, who is on the sidelines for the KC Chiefs, knew it would be a tough game here last night with the foot of new snow in the open air stadium.  He is the ortho surgeon for the Chiefs!  The Community has connections!

The 4 children carry around the dessert in the traditional dessert parade at the end of our meal!

 What JOY... dessert is here and we have shared a sweet time of sharing how The Community came into our lives and we are forever changed by them!

 Prayer and dishes as we continue to share fellowship!

Ruth on Skype showing Hallel her life filled with 6 kids on the farm.  She got to see Joy's red hair and grown up from when they last visited here in KC on New Years a year ago.  Hallel watched Ruth do her laundry and saw all the kids except David, who was outside helping his dad with the cows and calves.  LOVE sharing our lives with Hallel in the U.S.

Jesus, may we always love and adore you in each other.  Bless-bless, Barb