It was our final day in England, and once again we were blessed with sunny skies and a light breeze. We began the morning with breakfast before welcoming the students from St. Claudine’s. Together, we gathered in the chapel for morning worship, where we reflected on a reading from the Book of Ruth.

After enjoying juice and muffins outside, we returned to the chapel for a retreat learning session where we explored Ruth’s story in greater depth and connected it to the idea of being vessels for God in today’s world. Ruth, the daughter-in-law of Naomi, remained constant in faith despite great hardship. After famine forced Naomi’s family to leave Bethlehem for Moab, Ruth, a Moabite woman, married Naomi’s son. After Naomi’s husband and her sons died, Ruth and Naomi were alone. Though Naomi encouraged Ruth to return to her own family, Ruth chose loyalty and faith, accompanying Naomi back to Bethlehem. Though an ordinary woman who endured loss, Ruth became part of Jesus’ lineage, demonstrating how God works through all people. This led us to reflect on how God’s love extends to everyone and how each of us can serve as a vessel for His love and purpose.

We also connected Ruth’s story to present-day global crises that force people to flee their homes. Two members of the convent community, refugees from Iraq and Syria, shared their personal experiences, offering stories that deepened our understanding.

Following this meaningful session, we painted the clay pots we had created the previous day. Each WSG girl gifted one of her two pots to a student from St. Claudine’s. Guided by Sister Sheila, the girls were creative in their designs. We then enjoyed a lunch of hamburgers, grilled chicken, and sausages before gathering for Mass with the sisters. The homily reflected the themes of the retreat.

After Mass, the St. Claudine’s students departed to return to London. We then took a walk to the beach, where the girls collected stones and driftwood. Back at the convent, we enjoyed tea and donuts before using our collected materials to create artwork on canvases.

Following some time to rest and pack, we had fish and chips from a local restaurant. Later in the evening, we gathered for a bonfire, where we shared final reflections on the retreat, discussing what we had learned and how we will carry these lessons forward. The girls roasted marshmallows, drank hot chocolate, and ended the day by writing thank-you notes to the sisters and staff who have welcomed us into their home these last two days.

Tomorrow morning, we will have an early breakfast before our final worship session where our students will lead the sisters in WSG’s morning prayer. We will then say our goodbyes to Felixstowe and England as we head to the airport.