Meet a Novice: Allison

CTOL: Introduce yourself…

ALLISON: My name is Allison, and I’m 20 years old. I’m an American from the sparsely populated state of Wyoming, where I have lived for most of my life. I’ve been involved in various ways with the Episcopal Church in Wyoming and am also a student at our state University. I enjoy reading and good coffee (and the occasional English tea). I’ve recently discovered Bourbon biscuits and am a big fan.

CTOL: Where did you hear about the Community of the Tree of Life and why did you want to become a Novice?

ALLISON: The Dioceses of Leicester and Wyoming have a link so the information about this community was shared with me through leaders of my church. I was immediately drawn to this opportunity because I felt called to develop a deeper relationship with God and thought doing something as crazy as joining a new monastic community 4,539 miles away from home would be a good start.

CTOL: What are your hopes and dreams for this Novice year?

ALLISON: I hope to discover a way of prayer that I can integrate into my life not only this year but also when I return home. I want to take this time of service and learning to discern who I am and who God is calling me to be.

CTOL: What can we pray for you?

ALLISON: I would like prayers for situations that challenge me and help me discover my identity.