Soap Kitty - I lived 7 years in a convent. Became a nun, took vows and never thought I could leave. Long story. When they transferred me back to the part of the country where I was raised, I found the courage to leave. This string could take me to a whole other tangent probably better for another forum. That said, I was never so miserable in my life and treated in a more un-Christian manner. If I had it to do over, I would still go only because of where it lead me after I left. Husband, children, grandchildren. Just hate the darn cold and freezing weather. Grew up in Texas - these Midwest winters are killing me. Been here since 1963. Will forever be a Texan - born and raised. Amen Alleluia and so forth!Convent? My cousin who is 3 weeks younger than me went in to a convent the month after she graduated high school. She is still an Orthodox nun almost 50 years later. She is in Romania. For a while Kathy was in Saskatchewan but did not like it there. I knew even when she was on the beach in a bikini that she had a calling. It was different seeing her in a habit the first time!