Wednesday, December 13, 2006

The Howling Wilderness

We are going to Newfoundland for Christmas. I admit I am a little intimidated about the traveling. I don't think I have ever traveled for Christmas before, and it seems unnatural to be worrying about packing gifts in a suitcase. Suddenly weight and volume and breakability seem important.

Plus, we are woefully unprepared for real cold. Our fall has been so very warm we have yet to get the boys new boots or gloves or hats or snow pants. So I made a big trip to Walmart today for all those things, plus boots for Nguyen and gloves and hats for both of us. It is going to take a whole suitcase just to pack all THAT stuff.

In the midst of all this, I wonder about Christmas services. Will we find an Anglican church nearby? Will they have a midnight mass? (Or even a 10pm one, LOL!) Will my parents join us? (I suspect not...)

I am so grateful for Thomas a Kempis right now. Reading the Imitation is the one thing that is keeping me grounded in the Holiness of this season.

6 comments:

Dorcas (aka SingingOwl) said...

Newfoundland? Wow! You have family there?

Rachel Nguyen said...

Yup! My dad and step mother retired there. They used to go up there for the summer, but now live there year round. This is our first time going in the winter. I'll keep you posted, LOL!

Rachel Nguyen said...

You know, I just had a thought: Joseph and Mary traveled through the Howling Wilderness at this time of year too. Maybe I can keep them in my thoughts when the traveling gets tough...

St. Joseph, Holy Mother, as we travel in wild places, we search for your son, our Lord, Jesus Christ. Be with us in our journey. Let us be as steadfast and fearless as you were. Amen

Anonymous said...

Ooooh! I love going to church in new places where I am visiting.

http://www.anglicancommunion.org/tour/province.cfm?ID=C1

you should be able to look up parishes there.

Good luck & happy travels!

Rachel Nguyen said...

Thanks, Mary Beth!

I did indeed find a church near my folks... with a 7pm service.

Anonymous said...

Wow, traveling at Christmas sounds like quite the adventure! Looks like you've found a church nearby so that's a great start!