The kids really wanted to come with me to Montreal, and really, I didn't blame them. I would have loved for them to come along, but there you go.
On Monday on January 12 Richard and the kids dropped me off at the airport. I met up with Morris (fellow co-worker) on the plane. The plane ride was pretty uneventful and actually relaxing. The last time I took the plane was last year when Emma was almost 2 and Xavier wasn't even 3 months old yet, very different experience.
The L'Arche Canada retreat was held in Villa St-Martin on the North West part of Montreal island. There were about 2-3 people from each L'Arche community across Canada there. Oh yeah, it was a silent retreat.
The silence was actually very welcoming, however I met it through the week by sneaking in 2-3 phone calls home each and every day.
My favourite part were the meal times, not only were the meals absolutely divine, but sharing a meal with about 30 other people in total silence is golden. I really enjoyed that.
My poor dear Emma, however suffered through my absence. The first couple of days, talking to me on the phone seemed to suffice, but halfway through the week she had had enough. She was asking me to come home and was getting more and more disapointed each day I did not return. Poor girl. Having said that, spending a week in reflection and silence was so good for me. I highly recommend any type of rejuvenation for moms, even if it's just a day at the spa. Having other people take care of you and pamper you is just so totally worth it!
