September 2

Day Two – September 2
I arrived at the Pecos Benedictine Community a little after 4:00 p.m. (5:00 p.m. OK time) today September 2. They say it is all about the journey, well, today’s drive was a wonderful day. Oh, there’s not much to be said for I-40 West of Amarillo, except that when you cross into New Mexico the legal speed limit becomes 75 mph. I was determined to exit the interstate as quickly as possible. Directions at the visitor center confirmed for me to exit at Tucumcari and take State Hwy 104. She said it is the most scenic, and by the way it is a 55 mph two lane. There were 102 beautiful miles with absolutely no cellular signals.
Scenic it was, and yes it was a speed limit of 55 mph. Which at first seemed a little tedious after driving 70 mph for hours in Texas and 75 mph for half an hour in New Mexico. Then it occurred to me, “This is part of the process. Slow down, Patrick. Take in the scenery.” I dropped the agenda. So what if I arrive at 5:00 p.m. instead of 4:00 p.m. I felt the weight just ease off my shoulders as I slowed down and rolled through this 100 miles of scenic vistas! I even giggled to myself about the cell signal.
I called Linda when I reached I-25 at Las Vegas. Cell was restored along the interstate. But it was only 37 miles from Las Vegas (yes New Mexico) to the Pecos exit. I called Christina to wish her well. (Her ambulance partner was a young man who grew up in the same house in El Reno that Christina grew up in. We bought the house from his parents. Talk about small world, they left the markings of his height behind a doorway. We marked Christina’s height there as well.)
I called Linda one last time as I dropped into the valley of the village of Pecos. Guess what, the call dropped. No cell signal. I had to turn around and go back up the incline to finish the conversation. It was in the middle of Pecos National Park. I thought a ranger was pulling up behind me. Turned out it wasn’t a ranger just a worker in a truck with yellow lights on top who was stopping at the same place for the same reason, to use his cell. There is absolutely no cell at the monastery. No internet either. But I did observe a satellite receiver on the roof of the convent. Yes, there are both Monks and Sisters here.
I attended vespers. Had supper in silence. It seems I entered silence accidentally, before I intended to. Everyone is silent for Breakfast and Supper. Does that mean I can talk at lunch tomorrow? I will meet my Spiritual Director tomorrow. This person will help guide me in the process of silence and centering prayer.
The sunset was beautiful behind the mountain. The Pecos River runs through the West side of the compound of buildings. I went for a walk and skipped the Eucharist, after all, since I’m not Catholic, that is the one barrier here, but still I found a bridge across the Pecos River. Thank you Lord for safe travel!