Blessings Abound

As it turns out, we will have spent 26 weeks at Holden Village, rather than the 52 weeks originally planned. Yes, our family will be leaving the village to return to Bellingham toward the end of January so that the kids can be back in time for the start of second semester in school. (You are welcome to email me directly for more on what brought about this tough decision.)
But as we soak up the last few weeks of living in this amazing place, all four of us realize that there are wonderful people and experiences that we will always treasure. Last night there was a talent show, for example, that could only happen at a place like Holden Village. We heard a classical violin piece as well as an original song about a pear-shaped cat, a father-daughter duet, a few haiku poems from an art professor, and an unpolished, but hilarious poem about the experience of being at Holden Village by a visiting student with a group from St. Olaf College. Nate played guitar in a trio along with a college student friend from California and a 50-something keyboardist from Oregon.
Maya knitted two hats yesterday, with intricate and lovely designs, thanks to the adults and teenagers here who have shown her how to enhance her knitting skills. Several kids and adults can be found lounging on the couches in the dining hall, knitting away and visiting as their needles click. All of the kids who live here are talented, creative, inclusive and kind.
Bob has enjoyed brewing homemade beer with a very skilled brewer who serves as the village mechanic and singer of funny songs on guitar. The two of them can be heard to exclaim such things as, "It's hop-alicious!" and "Hop-tacular," as they're tasting the beer they've made in one of the chalet's kitchens.
I have been privileged to do calligraphy on banners and worship bulletins, in conjunction with a warm, creative worship assistant and an art-appreciating pastor. So many people have been appreciative and supportive of the extra calligraphy they’re seeing around the village in the form of signs and greeting cards.
Bob and I have been privileged to engage in deep conversations around the topic of living out our faith in today’s world with pastors and directors.
Countless good things are happening at Holden Village, and we are disappointed not to be able to continue experiencing them and serving the village and its many guests. At the same time, we are enormously grateful for the directors who challenge us all to live with grace and in the light of Christ, and for the many kind and giving volunteers and guests we have met here.
We are all looking forward to coming back in the coming months and years, and we can all appreciate that the risk we took in following God’s call to come here was well worth it in the long run.