Layout of the Monastery

The monastic building was a square of four wings, with a central patio.

In the middle of the patio was a large wooden crucifix.

One wing had the parlor, office of wardrobe, and choir where we went for prayers.

Opposite this wing were the food pantry, kitchen and refectory.

One each adjacent side were the cells of the nuns.

I love the patio.

It looks so monastic and inspiring.

Our room or cell was very small. 

The width of it was the length of our bed.

The bed was a single bed and very narrow.

There was room only to lay flat on one's side,

with no room to roll around.

We did have a mosquito net to keep out mosquitoes.

This accounted for the fact, decades later,

I am still able to sleep laying flat on my back.

On two corners of the room were shelves to contain our habit.

There was no cupboard, nor were there room for that.

We did not have a table.

A piece of wood attached to the window sill served as table.

This could be swung up or let down.

At one corner was a jar of water and a bowl to wash our face in.

Under the bed was a chamber pot.

On the wall was a large wooden crucifix.

We actually had a ground of four acres land.

Walled in by high wall of aluminum sheets.

So high, no one is able to climb inside.

Placed at different places were what we called hermitages.

Small huts nuns retire to for meditation or quiet time.