country girl in the big city...

Hey friends,

Just a quick update on my situation in France/Italy/Fritaly-- some of you know already how strange, challenging, and at times, very painful this last month and a half has been since the divorce was announced. Witnessing the deterioration of a marriage is something I never thought I would partake in this year, and while I try to stay strong for the girls, I often find myself very unstable at the end of the day. Right now, things are getting better-- there is no where to go but up, quite honestly-- and the family is working through the transition. I do my best to be helpful, supportive, and loving to Sophie and the girls (Sylvain, the father, is currently living in Italy with his girlfriend; it's pretty messed up). The girls have been unbelievably brave about everything. They are open to meeting the new girlfriend and have been very flexible with their parents as both Sophie and Sylvain work through their emotions on so many levels.

I never imagined my year would go this way, but I also realize that neither did the Bouttier family. Sophie has come to really confide in me, which is a huge change, and I have been so humbled in my own misjudgment of this woman who had clearly been hurting for many years with an internal struggle and unhealthy marriage. I feel that I am here for a reason, and I do wake up with a sense of purpose; getting through the days is a little more difficult than just waking up, though. Still, I have found Alpe d'Huez a delight in the spring: for the last week or so, I have been able to take off in the afternoons on hikes for an hour, two hours, three hours... and it is indescribable. Paradise. I am content to spend my days walking and praying in the woods, and I am constantly reminded of the mystics and saints who found refuge in the wild and I look to them for example. I am amazed at how prayerful the spirit naturally becomes when strolling in quiet places; it reminds me of my days in Orvieto, walking to the monastery and back. I cherish that feeling.

I must add, for Easter I went to Taize, and I loved it. The services were wonderful, extending far into the night, and the spirit was something I will never forget. I think every one of you would love this place.

So, now an update on the future plans: I come home in a month and a half, and yes I am counting the days eagerly!! For the month of May, it looks like we will be living in Lyon, which is just fine with me. I am sad to leave the quiet of Alpe d'Huez as it is awakening to new life, but Lyon is a beautiful and exciting city with much to do and see. I am eager to finish the year strong with these girls, and then to come back home and start community in Boston.

I am currently reading The Brothers Karamazov, which has become my favorite novel ever, with nothing coming even close in comparison. Dostoevsky is so insightful, he always manages to blow my mind. I'll write on sticky wickets about it soon. Also working through The Orthodox Way and always coming back to Milosz for his wisdom.

Though I won't say much about the subject, thank you Steve for the thoughts you provided in the previous post. This week I have been overwhelmed by how much there is to grieve for in the world; it seems that our every day lives, as much as news, call us to pray and wholly rely on God. My heart goes out to the students of Virginia Tech and to the victims in Baghdad.

I miss everyone very much. I hope to see many of you this summer. When I get ahold of my new address I will pass that on to everyone. My internet will likely be limited for my last month in Europe, as we will not have it in the house in Lyon.

Blessings from France
Devon