Cold and wet

Rain

 Heavy rain and very cold .... 5 degrees at daytime. The streets are flowing with rainwater and overflowed drains. I had to go to work in the rain carrying my bag, a mass kit packed with chalice, chasuble, missal, wine, a bag of food for my lunch and a huge book wrapped double in plastic bag so it doesn't get wet. With both hands full with 5 kg of things, I couldn't carry an umbrella. I could only wear a waterproof jacket and walked the slippery streets for 1km uphillto get to work. Everyone was telling to get an umbrella and some offered me umbrellas but ... I have no hands to carry an umbrella. Each hand has 2 bags already!!!!

When I reached my office the blood vessels in my hands burst and there were bruises all over. Then I had a meeting with a local Israeli prof who wanted some information on her research. Then another meeting with a PhD candidate from America who also wanted information on her research topic. Then a surprise ... I was told to go to the Holy Sepulchre (in the rain) to celebrate Mass for a Canadian group without a priest. It turned out the small group was made up chinese vancouvians whom I had taught 15 years ago. What a surprise! They didn't expect to see me either!

Anyway I'm stuck here now waiting for the rains to stop as I cannot go home carrying all that stuff. The roads are very slippery and its all downhill. And the wind and rain is very strong. I've called for help. Hopefully someone will come and accompany me home soon. It's cold and wet out here.