September 7

Days Six and Seven – September 6-7
I was too tired to write last night, today is about the same. I’ve explored two mountains that are a part of the Benedictine Community. Yesterday, I went up the mountain that is West, across the Pecos River. I made my way to nearly the top (I could see fully in two directions) where I found what I think might be a rock scraper from the ancient natives. Then coming down I found an opening in the fence and a marked path that led me to a white cross with a sacred heart, and to another cross marking a memorial for all those fallen in war. A helmet there appears to be from WW II. The view of the stars tonight revealed the “milkiness” of the Milky Way. I haven’t seen that since childhood. The altitude and lack of city lights make for an ideal view.
Today, Sunday after attending a Disciple Church in Santa Fe, I climbed the mountain to the East in search of Indian ruins that are at the top, but the mountain and the dark clouds (I was climbing via a ravine) got the best of me. Even at that, it was still a two and a half hour hike.
I am planning to leave something behind tomorrow when I depart, a frantic pace of life. Instead of leaving right after breakfast, I’m staying for a Mass which celebrates the birth of Mary, Mother of Jesus. I am told that at this Mass, Brother Andrew will make his “profession” of complete surrender to the Order of Monastic life. And tonight I was invited to stay through lunch which is promised to be “feast” in its own way.
Slow down, you move too fast!