Megan wants to go to Las Vegas for her 21 birthday – at least that gives us 2 years to save up for the trip. Las Vegas has changed so much – it’s no longer an “affordable” fun vacation – it’s become pricey. Gone are the cheap buffets, low rates for “big name” hotels. All the “big name” hotels have been leveled to make way for the big dollar places.

Friday we had our annual Lenten retreat a the monastery in Hanceville. I hadn’t gone in a couple of years – opting to be the stay behind person to get things covered. It’s always such a peaceful experience. This year we were treated to a talk from Sister Catherine (Mother Vicar) and Mass in the main chapel with the sisters singing for us. The Mass in the main chapel could have been better if it was in English – sorry folks, but Latin is not my thing. Jesus didn’t speak Latin either. I didn’t mind hearing the sisters sing in Latin – their voices are angelic no matter what language they sing in. I enjoy seeing the nuns, I can’t explain why it makes me feel so good – it must be the smiling happy faces. It’s amazing these beautiful women have dedicated their life to God AND moved behind cloistered walls.

When I talk about the Shrine, I sometimes get comments about the “waste of money” spent on building something like. I usually have a couple comments for them – since Jesus is the King of Kings should he not have the finest? If Jesus tells you to do something, shouldn’t you? Mother was told, “Build Me a Temple, and I will help those who help you.”