Some very recent excerpts from Carmelite Sister Mary Magdalen’s reflections after her second reading of ‘The Elm Grove Story’.

‘It’s been a long time since I first wrote to you, following Ian Wilson’s “introduction”. I am re-reading The Elm Grove Story currently, and find myself more full of gratitude and admiration than the first time round. Your life without the near-death experience, or without your doing anything about it, would have been very different, and would have meant so much loss for those who eventually came there for healing. You must be so grateful to the Lord for all He has done for and through you (both of you, and all involved). Edwin’s humility, and your common sense, comes out more strongly than when I first read it. I know you rejoice in what the Lord has done for you.

Do you know of St. Mariam of Jesus Crucified Bouardy, the Arab Carmelite? Hers is an amazing story – and at the beginning she had her throat slashed by an overzealous Moslem. She should really have died, and later medical evidence shows how true and horrendous that slash was – but “a nun in blue”, as Mariam says, cared for her in a cave. She does not call her Our Lady, but your Lady in the blue dress reminded me of her…

I have been struck more than the first time by the enormity of the “work” – work of God first of all, as He initiated it; and the work of yourself and Edwin too, helped down the years by many other hands, for varying lengths of time and effort.

You needed all the courage and faith – and continuing encouragement and sustaining by God – to begin, then to keep on persevering, in deep trust. The trust, of course, grew with every new proof of God’s faithfulness. But faith of this sort is like walking in a fog, seeing only the immediate steps to tread, but not the whole path to the end. I think God greatly values it when we trust Him in this way.

I mentioned my own going to PNG in darkness and hanging on (it was that!) and hoping things would work out. I clung to the line in psalm 50 (which at that time we recited on the way to the refectory for midday meal) “give me back the joy of Your help…” I had no joy in my life at that time, and I laughed in sympathy with you, the time you and Natasha had to struggle with heavy groceries up the driveway to the house in pelting rain, and you yelled into the wind, “Why did you bring us to this God-forsaken place?” It all reminds me, too, of the relationship He and St. Teresa had – so intimate and accepting of her weaknesses and struggles to follow His leading. Once He addressed her as “little sinner”, I’m sure with a teasing, tender look.

The work on your part was enormous, not only in establishing the Sanctuary and other buildings as time went on, but all the programmes and workshops you organised and gave. And the heart-breaks and troubles endured…you needed trust to keep on persevering. God supports us as we need. There is no inner message for most of us because we are not asked to do what you were asked to do. He gives His help as we need… Again, He is training us in trust. And as we grow in that, it’s so wonderful to know His fidelity.

I noted on page 452 what was said: This place will always be a holy place and from it will flow healing energy. And so it is, and will be, no matter who ‘owns’ the property. The Lord works through all instruments, willing and strong, as well as faltering and lukewarm – I know you know this too. And what He has begun He will uphold.

I also cried – well, had misty eyes – with you as you said your farewells. I know how hard it was for me to leave PNG after more than half my life-time there, and where I knew God had called me to go. I of course did not start a whole new venture, as you did, so it was much more difficult for both of you, having put so much sweat and blood (literally) into Elm Grove to step aside.

Another thought, which I’d had previously too but which recurred as I finished the book – Elm Grove was brought about directly by the Lord, in a way quite unique…

I took a very quick look this morning at the newsletter links you sent, and found it amazingly encouraging – you’re doing wonderful things with young people, but with others too (the people you brought out from Gaza). The Winter 2025 letter was the one I opened. When I have more time, I shall go through various letters to be encouraged more! Thank you so much.

With that I think I’ve exhausted my ‘thoughts’ for the present. I take you all to prayer with the Lord, Who is more accessible when we see all He is doing behind the scenes, and that is partly because of your fidelity to His call.

May He bless you both, and all with you, in the way He knows is best for you.’

With my loving prayers,

Sr. Mary Magdalen o.c.d.

For those who might be interested in our book these are the details – The Elm Grove Story – a mystical journey ISBN 978-1-922722-55-3 and is available through major booksellers – Angus & Robertson, Booktopia, eBay Australia, Amazon, eden.co.uk.