final breffus

Just had my final breakfast and shower here at the abbey. Once I pack my things, I'll be heading to the Millersylvania State Park for some camping (my first night of camping!), then over to Centralia on Friday. Many thanks to the parents for the care package, which arrived yesterday, though I'm baffled by the inclusion of two pairs of sunglasses-- I can wear only one pair at a time until I grow another set of eyestalks, guys!

Breakfast this morning seemed hastier than the two previous mornings; many of the monks were finished barely ten minutes into their repast. The guest house lost Matt and Lisa yesterday morning, but gained two new guests later in the day: a gent named Tom and a lady whose name I haven't learned. We three sat at the guest table this morning, but because we ate silently, we didn't introduce ourselves to each other. I hope these two enjoy their stay as much as I've enjoyed mine. (In fact, I'm pretty sure I've regained a pound or three.)

A few parting thoughts before I finish packing and head for the open road:

I came to this abbey partly out of curiosity (Alan had found it and recommended it as one possible stopping point), but also partly to talk interreligious dialogue with the Catholics and, moreover, to rest my feet.

So how did it go? As far as my feet are concerned, the four nights of rest were a very good thing. My right foot looks awful with all that dead skin hanging off it, but both feet feel infinitely better, ready to travel.

In terms of satisfying my curiosity, well... I'd need to stay here for a few years to begin truly to understand all the architecture, imagery, history, and living reality of the place. I arrived at a quiet time, so I also missed out on a true taste of wild and wacky campus life, something I hope to see more of when September finally rolls around (man... where will I be in September?). I also missed the 6:25AM prayer every day of my stay, though I have witnessed the brief noon prayer and caught vespers my first day here. If I'd had the time, I'd have explored the Benedictine monk's daily routine in depth.

In terms of talking shop with people of the cloth, I think I was well rewarded, having spent over an hour talking with the erudite and humorous Brother Luke, whose thoughts will-- eventually-- be transcribed here. Our conversation was rich and wide-ranging, and I'm thankful for it.

It was also great to meet the hardworking and cheerful Father Paul, Guestmaster of the Saint Martin's Abbey Guest House, who gave advice on procedure while at vespers and that first evening meal, and who kindly did my laundry twice (on two separate occasions, I mean, not twice in rapid succession!). Father deserves a lot of credit for having made my stay so pleasant.

Furthermore, I was happy to meet Matt and Lisa, my fellow guests-- a bright and happy young couple who struck me as very much in love, and very comfortable in the Church (Matt's an SMU alum, by the way). It was great to talk with them, however briefly. I wish them the best in all their future pursuits, and yes, I'll be sure to email them and to check out Matt's websites (he's a musician, too).

So-- as has been true of the other places I've visited and people I've met, it's with a heavy heart that I leave this place.

Thank you, SMU, for your hospitality!

And now... the walk goes on.

UPDATE: Today's the day I definitely break the 200-mile mark.

UPDATE 2: I need to add that, if ever you find yourself in the Olympia/Lacey area, the SMU Guest House is a marvelous place to stay. The monks will alert you to when the mealtimes and prayer times are, but they'll never force you or otherwise insist that you attend any of their activities. I paid $40/night for three meals per day and a nice room (communal bathroom, dorm-style, but very neatly appointed and maintained).

The campus itself is relaxing and beautiful-- a great place for strolling. This is a far better place to stay than any motel (it seems almost insulting even to compare this place with a motel), and if you're Catholic, it's a chance to stay connected to your inner life of prayer and contemplation. Call the guest house, make arrangements, and enjoy a few days of peace!


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