Sunday, July 31, 2011

St. Paul the Apostle Church in Vegas



Yes, there are churches in Vegas. People do live basic, normal lives in Vegas and they need spiritual sustenance. St. Paul the Apostle Church is a good place to find it. After a day of travelling that started at 2 am, AJ picked me up at the airport and showed me what his life in Vegas is all about. We grabbed a lunch then went to his lovely apartment surrounded by mature trees and shrubs. The heat is oppressive here. Imagine opening the door to the oven when baking. That's going outside in Vegas. AJ took me to my hotel room then went to pick up Mia and their father. I almost got a nap, but spending time with my kids was more important. We rushed over to St. Paul's Orthodox Church where AJ conducted services. St. Paul's is a delightful sensory experience, with beautiful icons of saints and angels everywhere along with incense and the lovely aroma of beeswax candles. The choir and clergy chant every word spoken in the service, very mesmerizing and soothing. After the service we joined Eric and Annie and AJ's friend Mitch at the Ellis Island Casino for dinner. They wanted to hear about Hannah and Luke back at the farm, now in the care of Matt and Izzy. Back at the hotel Mia and I put our slinky satin pajamas on and proceeded to chat into the night. I got a couple of hours of sleep but here I am, up and awake. I think it's 5 am Vegas time, (8 am farm time)and we have to be in church at 8:30. I better try to get some shut eye. Long service today with a reception afterward followed by a barbecue at Father John's house. AJ will be wearing his brand new vestments.

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