Lots of people think we Sisters never get to see our families. Well, life is different after you enter the convent – the Sisters are my family now! But, like any family in the secular world, we take time to visit our birth families.

Recently my parents and youngest sister, MacKenzie, came down from Dubuque for a weekend at the monastery. We had a wonderful time.

We stayed together in our Benet House Retreat Center, which is just a few steps away from the monastery. MacKenzie, who has a developmental disability, and I shared a room while Mom and Dad had another room. Benet House is a wonderful spot – quiet and relaxing. It’s a great place to visit with family and friends.

My family stayed over 2 nights. We talked, toured around town and laughed a lot. Our favorite stop was John Deere Commons. MacKenzie loved climbing into all the machines – tractors, lawn mowers, combines. It was great!

I cannot wait until they visit again. In the meantime, though, school keeps me busy and my Sisters keep me balanced. I would love to share more with you. If you’re interested in learning about our Benedictine monastic life, please holler!!!