Sister Act?

Some of you know that I have had a sister act fantasy in anticipation for moving to the convent. Call me Whoopi, and I have not been disappointed. The sisters are kind, loving,helpful and crazy hospitable, yes, but also are FAN tastic and really interesting...and things have just begun. In the mornings I watch BBC world with Sister Francis, the oldest sister. It seems like since she is old she can pretty much do as she wishes--(the other sisters are all very busy with duties and teaching;) she watches the TV with dark glasses, her vision is not good; she talks with me about politics, loves maps and geography and today was asking me all about "sky scrapers" She is quirky, kind, and has a way of making you feel at ease. She has a sing songy voice that makes the other sisters giggle under their breath in amusement.

Then we have sister Shanti. (Shanti means Peace in Bangla). She is in charge and very conciencious. She is responsible and kind and strong...and there is a glint of sarcasm behind this trustworthy facade....I just know it.

Sister Florence is middle aged and eager for me to teach her aspirant sisters (girls who will someday be sisters) english and to learn more english herself. She loves music and collects intstruments.

Sister Rosy is full of energy and expresses her style through her shoes and personality. She is kind, and will be the headmistress of the school someday; she has done a very good job welcoming me to the convent--a mix of letting me get my own tea and showing me how to do things and serving me. (it is REALLY hard for the sisters to let me get things for myself...they are sooooo eager to help..which can be frustrating when I just want to get something in a hurry)

Sister Meeta is on the verge of giggling constantly and is always smiling. She's maybe 22 or 23, I do not know. She is absolutely beautiful. She is very eager to help me and insists on doing so. Her eyes are always reading between the lines of the given situation. When I speak better bangla I will hopefully get to ask her more about what she is thinking.

Yesterday, we had a group discussion over lunch (all 19 sisters) about whether I should wear mascara or not. (sister shanti said i shouldn't b/c it will be a temptation for the other sisters). I told them that for special occasions I will wear makeup, but not everyday. My "feast day" or St. Cecilia's day is coming up on November 22nd...I am going to wear a sari and maybe mascara for the occasion--they were all eager to hear that, while insisting that I was beautiful without makeup.

So far, I am mingling some, doing my own thing at times and trying to get a feel for their common life; living at the convent is definately on the top of my "interesting life experiences" list.

And it continues....

PEACE.

((((((if you are interested in more pictures or updates on politics, read REBA's blog--the link is on the Right of my page)))))) and from Reba's you can see TOBYS which has pics of the latest protests.