Here I am... I'm still alive and well though I haven't posted for a while.

I just got back today from a five day retreat to the Abbey of Gethsemani in Kentucky. Its the monastery where Thomas Merton lived and is buried. Dave, Ryan, Kim, Matthias, and I went for a week of solitude and silence. The monks provided each of us (and dozens of other retreatants) with a clean room, meals, access to acres and acres of their property, and a quiet, solemn environment for reflection and contemplation. Donations are accepted, but this was all offered to us without any expectation of payment. They take in thousands of retreatants each year offering the same hospitality to all.
We were also welcomed to join in their daily prayer offices. The monks gather in the monastery chapel 7 times each day (beginning at 3:15AM!!) for prayer, songs, Scripture reading, and the recitation of Psalms. I tried to go to as many as I could, and I actually made it to all 7 one of the days that I was there. Growing up Protestant, I have had only limited exposure to Roman Catholic worship and tradition. It was a beautiful, new experience for me. I think there is much I can learn from the devoted lifestyles of these monks.
Its difficult to write down what I felt and experienced during the many hours of solitude and silence. And even if I could, I'm not sure that I would want to post it here. (If you're interested in hearing more though, just ask me about it.) I'm sure that I will still be learning from this experience in the weeks to come.
I did take a few photos while I was there. I'll post them soon....

In the meantime, check out the other photos that I just posted from the days before our trip.