Changing Habits by Debbie Macomber Page B

off her sweater and skirt. A moment later she realized why. It was as though the sins she’d carried with her since losing her virginity were being stripped away as well. She didn’t blame Greg; they’d both been virgins that first time. They’d led each other into sin. But now she was beginning anew.
    When Joanna was interviewed by Sister Agnes in November, the head of the convent hadn’t asked if she was a virgin. Grateful, Joanna hadn’t volunteered the information, either. It was too embarrassing to confess to Mother Superior.
    The sin of impurity had already been confessed to her parish priest. She’d received absolution and completed her penance. What she’d done with Greg was in the past and no one need ever know.
    As Joanna donned the skirt, blouse, cape and veil, she experienced a feeling of release, a spiritual cleansing. She paused to close her eyes and thank God for His forgiveness and for this opportunity to serve Him.
    Sister Mary Louise returned shortly and nodded with approval. “Everything seems to fit nicely.”
    It was a nice fit in more ways than the obvious, Joanna mused, smiling.
    That evening at dinner with the other postulants—both those who’d been there since September and the four who’d come today—Joanna was warmly welcomed. Three of the postulants performed a skit in which a confused new recruit arrives at the convent door. The humor made her laugh so hard, Joanna’s sides ached. She hadn’t known what to expect from the other postulants, and she was grateful for the laughter and camaraderie. Later, at Compline, the evening prayers, the four women entering as postulants stood before the priest. Joanna willingly surrendered everything to God, her first step toward becoming a bride of Christ.
    The glow of welcome lasted all week. But because she was unfamiliar with the rules, adjustment was a bit difficult those first few days. The Grand Silence, which lasted from after evening prayers until breakfast the following morning, proved to be the most challenging. Joanna didn’t realize how hard it would be to stay quiet. Each day there seemed to be so much she wanted to share with the others, questions she longed to ask, but there simply wasn’t time.
    In her first letter home, she wrote confidently about her new life.
    February 11, 1967
    Dearest Mom and Dad,
    I love it here. I really do. You wouldn’t believe the welcome the other postulants gave me. There’s such laughter and joy at St. Bridget’s.
    Mom, I know you’re worried that this isn’t the place for me. Although I made it sound like I knew exactlywhat I wanted, I confess now that I had my doubts. How could I not? Less than a year ago I was engaged to be married. If everything had gone the way we assumed, I’d be a wife by now.
    Sister Theresa suggested I wait six months before entering the convent and that was good advice. Those months helped me deal with my disappointment and recognize my growing desire to serve God. It was important for me to be sure that my vocation wasn’t simply a reaction to what happened with Greg. Today I can tell you from the bottom of my heart that it isn’t.
    In a manner of speaking, I’m engaged again. This time the groom won’t disappoint me. This time I don’t need to worry about my fiancé breaking my heart. This time, I made a better choice.
    I’m happy, sincerely happy, and more confident than ever that I’m making the right decision.
    Much, much love,
Sister Joanna
    A week later her mother wrote back.
    February 18, 1967
    My dearest Joanna,
    Your letter was just the reassurance I needed. You do sound happy—almost like your old self once again. These have been such heart-wrenching months for you. You can’t blame me for doubting this sudden decision of yours to become a nun.
    I want what every mother wants for her daughter, and that’s your happiness. It’s been a