Yesterday afternoon, part of the complex where I am staying lost electricity; this included my room. I was glad to receive several candles, some matches and a bic-like lighter. After adoration and dinner, it was almost time for bed anyway -- when you get up for morning prayer at 5:15 a.m., you tend to go to bed early! I said my rosary by candlelight. It was quite lovely, actually; I enjoyed the soft light of the candles compared to the overhead fluorescent lights, for a change.
This morning as I was getting ready for 5:15 a.m. morning prayer by candlelight, I noticed something small moving on the tiled bathroom floor. Expecting a small lizard, imagine my surprise to see a full-blown scorpion! I haven't seen one since my camping trip with The Kouba family 20-some years ago! I was quite astonished and unsure of what to do. My brother Mark gave me a mini flashlight, which I turned on and shone on the unwelcome visitor. He did not like the light, and eventually retreated into a hole in the wall. When I tried to convey my shock to the priests at breakfast, I was met with a matter-of-fact "oh those are common in the tropics. He didn't bite you, did he?" And on we went with the morning. Yes, St. Thomas Aquinas, thank you for helping me learn temperance!
Much like the darknesses of our lives, whether tribal black magic, sin, temptations, or sufferings --all of which God allows -- the Light overcomes the darkness. Every time. At morning prayer I realized that even if I had been stung by the scorpion, still God would be with me and still I would be blessed.
Let us seek out the Light in our lives today, and let it dispel the darkness. Alleluia.
Blessings and love from Indonesia,
Joan
Photos:
1. No explanation needed!
2. The candles
3. Adoration at the chapel last night
4. Joan in action speaking to the young priests in the English course.
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