Jerusalem Hills daily photo

. Luckily the little Swiss cafe at the beach has a mirror on the outside wall. It's easier than taking a selfie. It is closed for ...

. Still have some pretty things to show you from Sonnenhof, like this sweet goat which lives at a farm not so far from the nuns. ...

. In Switzerland all roads lead to forests, or to mountains or to lakes. What a country! The forests (at least those around Sonnen...

. I received a present (maybe for St. Nicholas Day  today?) from an anonymous giver. This is the way it is done in monastic fashion (at...

. Here are some views of Sonnenhof, "the House of Silence [or: of Stillness]," where I was welcomed for several days by the six G...

. A farm full of water buffalo -- in northern Switzerland!  I found it while staying the last few days at Sonnenhof , the French-sp...

. This is where I am this weekend! At lovely Sonnenhof , the Community of Grandchamp's "House of Stillness" in the German-sp...

. Where I am living this month and next. A centuries-old Swiss house named l'Amandier, the almond tree (there are some out back, in...

. This morning at 8:50 the first rays of some rare sunshine illuminated the roof of l'Arche, the main chapel of the Community of Gra...

. In yesterday's post we saw the new centerpieces being prepared in the cellar. Today they are in place on the refectory tables. ...

. A sure sign that Advent is beginning!  One of my assignments here as a volunteer at the monastic community in Switzerland is to gathe...

. The baking of Christmas cookies for the ca. 50 nuns, novices, and postulants of the Community of Grandchamp , plus many expected guest...

. In Switzerland the cattle herds follow the good weather. In summer they are taken to progressively higher alpages to live for a while. ...

. Monday is a "desert day" of solitude and silence for the sisters of this contemplative community where I am volunteering. O...

. Today I took the tram (4 Swiss francs, about $4, for a 12-minute ride!) into Neuchatel  and walked around the city's medieval old ...

. Shabbat candles, a kiddush cup, and (not showing) wine and bread -- all the elements for welcoming the Jewish Sabbath -- right here to...