Rain

When the poor and needy seek water,
and there is none,
and their tongue is parched with thirst,
I the LORD will answer them,
I the God of Israel will not forsake them.
I will open rivers on the bare heights,
and fountains in the midst of the valleys;
I will make the wilderness a pool of water,
and the dry land springs of water.

from Isaiah 41

I went for a retreat in the mountains of Arkansas.

The retreat was on the theme "The Fire of God."

I saw the bare area in the wilderness of the woods where the monastery chapel and common building burned to the ground.

And it rained for twenty hours straight. I walked without distress and slept without air conditioning.

Some of the rain made its way to Memphis, and at least for a while it is cooler.

Below are more pictures from my long weekend away.

The prayer walk, still in its green glory.

The edge of the prayer walk, saved just in time from the fire.

What remains of the remains.

My umbrella from Venice had an American adventure.

The cross outside the retreat center chapel at night.

John Michael, Brother Andrew, Sister Mary Catherine.

Mist in the mountains on the way home.

Beautiful Arkansas scenery....This is near where I grew up.