Planning the weekend monastery Visit
This upcoming weekend is Isaac and I's five year anniversary since we started dating. I can't believe its been FIVE years! Anyways, we have planned to go back to visit St. John's monastery in Hiram, OH. The two monks will be visited by a Russian priest this weekend. They invited us to come and join them for vigil and liturgy where they will be serving at their "small chapel in the woods." They told us to let them know if we'd be joining them so they could prepare for breakfast. It was really quite cute. One of the monastics was born and raised in the hills of southern West Virginia and there is no hiding it. Father was telling another parishioner, Ludmila, to come as well and that they'd save some of the pastries from last week's festival for our visit. Isaac joked about this later on when we were talking with Ludmila. In Isaac's best West Virginia slang he said that this monk was being humble in that "oh, we'll make do" southern attitude. So we are planning on preparing and bringing a much larger meal for the two monastics, the priest and the four guests, which include ourselves. I have 1/2 to 3/4 a bushel left of apples so I can make apple pie/crisp/cake, etc. I've also been thinking about a quiche and fresh bread. I emailed one of the other guests so we can work out more of a menu so I can go shopping. I'm rather excited for our weekend. A few of my friends have asked what we are doing for our anniversary and can't believe we'd spend it at a monastery, but I can't wait! Isaac and I will be sure to take pictures of our weekend.