The Past Few Days

Have I mentioned that I love Silver Bay?

The weather has continued to be gorgeous here at Silver Bay, although it was a bit rainy this morning. It was however, the perfect time for a nap after rehearsal.

For church on Sunday morning I sang in the choir, led by Mike, a new friend here. The people here are some of the most kind hearted and genuine people I have ever met. The older ladies I live with in Sunnyside are adorable, and they're taking good care of me. It's nice to be in so welcoming a place. On Sunday afternoon, Chloe and I played shuffleboard. Yep, shuffleboard...

...it's a fun time.

On Sunday night, our quartet gave our first concert. We got really good responses from the audience, and I believe everyone enjoyed it! I certainly enjoyed playing! We rehearse and give concerts in the beautiful chapel on campus. I'll have a picture of that soon.

On Monday, the quartet had the day off from rehearsing, so I spent the morning taking a watercolor class. My attempt was slightly better than last week...but I'll try, try again. In the afternoon, Chloe and I went for a dip in the lake. Now apparently the lake is the warmest it's ever been, but I beg to differ. It was freezing. Being from South Carolina, I wasn't ready for the coldness. But it was enjoyable time to just wade in the lake and talk.

Afterwards, I made a trip to the craft shop. (Yes, in case you were wondering, this place is perfect.) I enjoyed a wonderful hour sitting by an open window with the smell of rain and a light breeze blowing in while making a rosette necklace for Chloe. I will definitely share a picture of that when it is done! I'm excited about it. I'm also excited about the other opportunities in the craft shop - glass fusing, basket making, weaving, and jewelry making! (Did I mention perfect?)

The highlight of today was Vespers in the boathouse. Here's the view near the boathouse:

Bruce, the chaplain here, gave a beautiful message on prayer tonight, and the quartet played a few pieces. The boathouse was a gorgeous place to play with a breeze coming in the windows and the lake in the background.

At the end of every vespers, we sing and play the hymn "Now the Day is Over." It's a very peaceful hymn, and the sight and sound of everyone singing it and looking out on the sunset brought tears to my eyes. Here are a few lines:

"Now the day is over, night is drawing nigh;

Shadows of the evening steal across the sky.

Jesus, give the weary calm and sweet repose;

With thy tenderest blessing, may our eyelids close.

When the morning wakens, then may I arise

pure and fresh and sinless in thy holy eyes."

So beautiful.

I want to share with you a poem someone read in Vespers a few days ago, but I'll save it for another time. It's a good one.

P.S. There may be a team triathalon in my future. Stay tuned.

Blessings!