There have continued to be delays in the legal process of transferring the property in Harkerville outside Plettenberg Bay that we are in the process of acquiring. A positive aspect of this is that it has given those whose lives are closely linked with ours more time to adjust to the impending reality of our departure from Volmoed. It has also provided more opportunity for us to engage with Volmoed leadership concerning practical aspects of our ongoing relationship with Volmoed.
In this period of active waiting, we have continued the daily and weekly rhythms of our prayer and of our life in community, extending hospitality as the opportunities have arisen. We enjoyed having our Br Robert Leo visiting with us for three weeks from our monastery in the USA. During his time here, he and Br Roger participated in two online meetings of our Order’s Council.
Br Roger participated in an online meeting of the Trustees of our Order’s Holy Cross School near Makhanda in the Eastern Cape. He also attended the Volmoed AGM, which conveyed a sense of the significant changes taking place at Volmoed more generally.
Br Daniel continued his efforts regarding various practical aspects of preparation for our relocation. Br Aelred continued to take advantage of the availability of art classes at Volmoed. Br Josias continued his involvement at the Ithemba special needs centre in Zwelihle township.
We were glad that Dean Terry Lester from St George’s Cathedral in Cape Town was able to make a brief visit to pray with us and meet with some of the Brothers before our departure from Volmoed. It was also good to have two other clergy with us during some of our chapel prayers.
We were pleased to host groups from the neighbouring Camphill centre at two Sunday morning Eucharists during the month. It was also good to have two visiting Associates, Lindsay AHC and Karen AHC, join our two Associates resident at Volmoed, John AHC and Isobel AHC, at our first Sunday Eucharist of November.