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It was their first year in seminary. They were eager; they were anxious. Through the early years of their marriage they had talked about the time they would finally be able to go to seminary and now they were here -- 3,000 miles from home. They were overwhelmed at the enormity of the task before them, but they were also very excited. It would be a journey of faith and hard work. But it was also a means to an end.

They had been invited to visit a priory for a weekend that summer. When they drove up, they had been struck by the beauty of this remote place. This place of silence. This place of rest. Quietly they unloaded and took part in the rituals of the priory. Afternoons were free, but the mornings were dedicated to reflection, prayer, and worship. The noon meal was lively with talk about current events, trips, family, and friends. But the evening was silent. Silent for reflection. Silent to take in all that the service of holy communion meant.

It was a wonderful time. They helped mill the wheat, gather the eggs, cook the meals, and wash the dishes. They got to know the people. And at worship they contemplated Jesus' death on the cross.

They read the Book of Common Prayer. They read books by Brother Antonio. They took long walks. They had time to reflect on the next four years.

But some things troubled the woman. They had had a miscarriage two years before and she wondered if they would ever have another baby. Would God give them a child of their own?

And what about her sister? Her sister was a loving woman -- very confident about her profession but shy around men. The woman had been praying for a life partner for her sister for fourteen years. Was God listening?

And what about her husband's studies? Would his learning disability get in the way? Would he be able to "jump through the hoops" and overcome the hurdles that would undoubtedly be set before him?

Her heart was heavy that weekend whenever she contemplated these thoughts. But her faith was immense. She knew God was listening and she knew in time God would reveal to her what would be so. She would wait to see what unfolded.

But God gave her a gift that summer at the priory. She was walking along the creek by herself, thanking God that they could share in the life of the priory community. She was emotional as she considered the beauty around her. She was in awe of the people who lived at the priory and the examples they provided for her. She told God all her thoughts. She walked on in silence and suddenly, as clear as day, she knew the answers to her questions. It was as if a voice said it to her. She was so sure of it.

"Your sister is getting a new student teacher; they will one day share the rest of their lives together."

"Your husband will pass Greek. He will finish seminary and become a pastor."

It was more clear than anything she had ever experienced. She sat down at the bench by the bridge, giving thanks to God. She was indeed honored to know these things before they came to pass. She shed tears of gratitude for what was yet to be as she thought of her husband and her sister.

But God wasn't finished yet. In a clear voice she heard the words that were so unexpected. "And you shall have a baby." She cried even louder. It was so clear to her. There was no doubt at all. She ran to tell her husband.

Indeed, her husband did finish seminary four years later and her sister married a wonderful man. But before that all happened, exactly ten months after being at the priory, the woman and man had a baby.