DP: Study Abroad – School of Life

“If you were asked to spend a year living in a different location, where would you choose and why?”

A year?  That’s too long to study for my feeble mind.  And who’s going to take care of my lovely furry companion?  Go away and miss Christmas with my family and friends?  I have to think long and hard about this.  The longest time I was away from my sanctuary was six months when I was searching for myself. 

After so many years of studying in colleges and universities, I don’t know if I can handle the stress of burning candles at both ends.  I don’t know if I would be able to ace those final exams.  As far as I can remember, those study days were brutal. 

To stay in the spirit of prompting, I will focus on the word “abroad”.  In my lingo, that means travelling. I can incorporate the studying with travelling as a pilgrim on earth, a school of life.  Now that sounds more palatable. 

I would like to study and learn how to paint an Icon.  Icons are depicting of religious images.  In my faith, it’s a spiritual work of art.  Should I become so enamored with this subject, I want to become an Iconographer. 

As to where I can go abroad to take this course, Google is the best search engine for the Iconofile Resource Guide.  There are two places that I am interested at: Versailles and Amsterdam.  I think I will skip Amsterdam for I must keep my body, mind and spirit pure (meaning stay away from the red light district and smoking a joint or two).  Versailles is a better choice for I was just there in October 2012 pilgrimage.  And then I can learn how to speak French.  Oui?  As for Christmas, I can always stay at Espace Bernadette  for a retreat, a silent retreat to be still and listen to the prompting of the Holy Spirits. 

Holy Angels
Liseux, France

Here is an Icon that I took a picture of at Lisieux, France.  I could just lovingly gaze for an extended period at this Icon and be transported as if I were invited to sit with these Angels.  I am always curious about what they are discussing.  What do you think they are talking about? 

 A Prayer
Angel of God, my guardian dear
To whom God’s love commits me here
Ever this day, be at my side
To light and guard, to rule and guide
Amen.