Jesus
The grace of the Holy Spirit be with your honor. I am now in Avila, mi padre, where I would most willingly be your daughter again if you were here, for I feel very much alone in this city where I find no one who can console me in my present situation. May God provide a remedy. The more I go on, the less I find in this life that can provide consolation.
I was not well when I arrived here, but had a slight fever caused by a certain circumstance. Now I am well, and it seems the body is relieved for not having to go on another trip so soon. For I tell you, these trips are very tiring, although I can’t say that about the one from here to Soria. That trip was recreation for me, it being a smooth journey, often with a view of rivers that provided pleasant company. Our good procurator [Pedro Ribera] will have told you about this experience.
It’s a strange thing that not one of those who desire to do me a favor escapes without a good deal of trouble, but God gives them the charity to enjoy it, as he has done with you. See that you do not fail to write me a letter when you have a messenger, even though you may find it tiring to do so, for I tell you there is very little in which to find rest, and many trials.
Saint Teresa of Avila
Letter 406 to Don Jerónimo Reinoso (excerpt)
9 September 1581
Note: On 10 September Madre María de Cristo, the prioress of St. Joseph’s monastery in Avila resigned her office and Saint Teresa was elected to replace her as the new prioress of the Carmel of St. Joseph.
Teresa of Avila, St. 1985, The Collected Works of St. Teresa of Avila, translated from the Spanish by Kavanaugh, K; Rodriguez, O, ICS Publications, Washington DC.
Carmelite Quotes 
“The more I go on, the less I find in this life that can provide consolation.” The older I get, and the more loved ones I lose, and the more Fathers move on from the Parish, I certainly concur with her feelings!!!