Over the weekend

To kick off our long weekend, we journeyed to Aloha (it's really just down the road) to our friend Ron's place for homemade pizza on Friday. Ron made the crust and sauce from scratch and had lots of wonderful toppings prepared.

A common topping in Argentina, where Ron and Cathy spent 15 years as a missionary, is hard-boiled egg. I wasn't too excited about it, but it was actually pretty tasty with the spinach. Most exciting topping (in my min): Tillamook extra-sharp white cheddar cheese. I cannot get enough of that stuff.

It was great to eat and talk and eat the evening away. Oh, and we had a little local wine. Mmm...


Saturday morning was another great Community Table Food Pantry day with 61 families showing up and over 20 volunteers helping out. That evening was Cornelius UMC's silent auction for mission. I have to be honest, I am not generally a fan of church fundraisers--I really don't believe that it is what we should be about--and I had pretty low expectations for the event. But it was a very nice evening, with lots of lovely baskets put together by church members, delicious desserts, and great music by some folks who have been getting together weekly to play over the past months. They had not yet played in front of people, but they did a great job and everyone seemed to enjoy it!




After two services on Sunday and a golf outing, Goose was pretty exhausted. It had also been a long weekend for me, but I had the chance to nap Sunday afternoon. Monday was a wonderful, relaxing day and now we are energized and back to work!

Fiesta of Hope

Yesterday evening, Eric and I attended Adelante Mujeres's annual benefit, Fiesta of Hope. Adelante is an amazing organization that provides comprehensive education, leadership development and resources for Latina women and empowers them to pursue their dreams. As part of the program, several participants shared about how participating in the organization has made a difference in their lives. Each woman introduced herself by sharing her name and saying, "I am one of the leaders that we need today." I appreciated this declaration so much, especially from the young women who were up there (two of those in the picture above are high school students). Often, in the church and in others settings, we talk about youth and young adults as being the leaders of tomorrow or the future of the church. Sometimes people seem (to me) to be saying, "We've got to teach these people what to do because some day we will die and they'll need to continue our work so the church doesn't die." But our youth, young adults and immigrant sisters and brothers are also today's leaders and we would do well to look to them to teach us something--in the present! As these amazing women shared about progress they've made in their language skills, commitments to serving their communities, new businesses they are starting, educational achievements and increased confidence, I felt inspired. These really are some of the leaders that we need today!

I believe that Adelante Mujeres is doing exceptional things and am supporting their work by volunteering weekly the organization's youth branch--Adelante Chicas. The fourth graders I spend time with every Tuesday are lovely people and I am excited that they will have this community, network of support and caring adults present as they enter adolescence.

The Fiesta of Hope had amazing hor d'oeuvres, fondue, donated local wine and beer, salsa dancing and lots of good people!

Eric, me, Ron (Director of Hispanic Ministries for the OR-ID Conference), Apolonio (amazing Oaxacan guy who works for Virginia Garcia community health center), Kathy and Dan (pastor of the Forest Grove UMC), and good friends Leah and Mat.

At our table: Dan, Kathy, Rhoda (works with me in Western District Hispanic Ministries), Ron.

Ethan Hughes interview

This morning I heard a wonderful interview on the Coming Out of Babylon program on KBOO, a community radio station in Portland. The guest was Ethan Hughes, the founder of the Possibility Alliance, a petro-free, radically simple community in rural Missouri, and of the Super Heroes, a group prepared to respond to different kinds of struggles and disasters.

Hughes shared about his journey toward this kind of life, why he has chosen it, and how it is making a difference for people. This conversation really resonated with me. Though some of the language is different, there are many similarities between his lifestyle and the life I believe we as the church are called to live. Some of the things in the interview that really stood out to me:

--Since chosing to live car-free about 10 years ago, he has only ridden in one 7 times (most were emergency situations). He travels mostly by bike, foot and train (when he and his wife went to Europe, they took a boat).

--He talked about how the community's ability to not rely on petroleum, electricity and similar systems frees them to respond to the needs of neighbors more quickly.

--The Possibility Alliance incorporates simple living with political activism and inner work. At different times during the day, there is a bell that rings to remind people to be present to the moment.

--Hughes talks about Ghandi's approach to his service--that all are connected and that when we hurt another or hurt the earth, we hurt ourselves. He invites folks to consider whether their next action will help the poorest person they know.

--We need to seek out people who will support us in living our hightest dream, our vision, our heart path.

--Most visitors to the Possibility Alliance find that they don't miss the internet after a while. Hughes shares the quote that joy is in us, it's not in things. Relationships and meaningful work are more enlivening. Tools like the internet are secondary to being alive and being with life.

--He talks about how political ideology does not necessarily correlate to how actively people are creating peace around them. For example, some who believe that war is a necessary means to arrive at peace (something Hughes and I both disagree with), but many of those folks are more actively creating peace in their families and communities than many of those who argue that war is wrong. This was one of my favorite parts of the interview (about 2/3 in).

Read more about Ethan Hughes here. Listen to the interview here.

I would love to visit the Possibility Alliance community. I feel that, these days, Eric and I are working more intentionally on living our heart path.

Man-date

A week ago Friday, some of Goose's college friends came to hang out and do some skiing on Mt. Hood. Micah (top left) and Jim (bottom right) drove down from Seattle and Tyler flew up from San Francisco.


It was great that these guys came to us (we don't have many visitors) and that they attended Sunday service at Yamhill, even though none of the three participates in any faith community. It's pretty cool to see some of the different parts of Eric's life come together without any conflict or real tension. His crazy stories from college, his friends on all different paths, his pastoral responsibilities and the eclectic members of Yamhill UMC are all part of who he his. And allowing all those things and people to meet makes for a more integrated life.

And, as always, it is good to have friends who know you over the years and who still put effort into being friends. These are really great guys.

Ash Wednesday

I love this day in the church year. The day we smudge ourselves with ash and grace. The day we remember all the ways we're off track. The day that it's ok to be in the desert or the darkness and to know that the journey ahead is long. And the day we ask God to walk with us through it.

During our small service this evening, we sang without accompaniment and prayed and confessed, and we moved around to several quiet stations to reflect. I had the privilege of doing the stations with Raymond, a 3rd grader who has just begun to come to church with his family. Though he certainly did not understand all the words printed on each station's reflection card, he really seemed to get what we were doing. When invited to select a small stone and write a word expressing who God is to him on the stone, he penned "friend" and slipped the stone into his pocket. I said, "Just in case you ever forget it..." When invited to reflect on how he'd feel if he were watching his friend and teacher suffering from a distance, he wrote on the butcher paper, "sad." When invited to think of something he could do during these coming weeks to grow closer to or learn more about God, he wrote on his notecard, "read books." When I asked him what kinds of books, he paused, then replied, "mysteries." Maybe he did really get it.

Just before we all left, Raymond asked, "Is my ash rubbing off?" "Nope," I said, "not at all. Is mine?" "Nope." Then he reminded me that I'd told him I'd give him a Bible to take home since he didn't have one.

It sounds a bit cliche to talk about seeing life through the eyes of a child, but, tonight, just for a moment, I think I really got it.

At the Table

Within the span of about an hour this morning, I received several calls regarding the food pantry and we put together and gave out boxes for seven families! Our food supply is running low but, thankfully, someone from the Oregon Food Bank came today for an inspection--which means we're closer to becoming members and having access to lots of free and super-inexpensive food. Many of the folks who come in share that they have been out of work for some time. It is difficult to see so many people here in our community who are struggling to provide for the basic needs of their family, but I consider it a gift to meet each one of these people. And it is amazing to see how community members are working together for the good of their neighbors. I can't say how good it is to have moments when I think to myself, "this is what being the church is about."

At the end of last week, the Forest Grove News-Times printed this article about the Community Table. A few details were off (oh, well), but was much more extensive than anyone expected!

Community Table

Cornelius UMC officially opened it's Community Table Food Pantry today! We provided food for 47 families (235 people in all) and 20 volunteers from the church and community helped over the past two days to make it happen!


Jenny, Christina, Chrissy and Don next to the quickly emptying shelves:


Marcela and Matilde serving up some samples from the dish Matilde taught people to prepare:


It is a difficult time for so many people and, unfortunately, the need for pantries like ours continues to grow. What gives me hope is the energy and enthusiasm around this vision of a community space and the sharing of gifts and abilities. Though many of us are in need of food (or or friendship or support), we all have something to offer. One man who has been out of work for three months said that he is an experienced painter and would be happy to volunteer his time if someone needs something painted. Many of the volunteers who helped yesterday and today also signed up to take home a food box. With only the occasional mis-communication, Spanish-only speakers and English-only speakers worked alongside one another--such a beautiful thing!

It was such a neat experience to be able to offer a comfortable space where people could stay and rest or visit--and for people to take advantage of it! One older woman, after filling out the basic intake form, sat down with her husband in a couch by the gas fire and sighed, "This is nice." I got to talk with and hear the stories of many people and enjoyed meeting the family of a boy in the second grade class I volunteer with each week.

As involved folks have begun to talk about Community Table with those around them and as we've gotten the word out in town, many opportunities for partnership have emerged. A man who works with the local school bus company has said that he wants to organize a food drive and the folks at Centro Cultural want to donate all the food they will collect at their annual Day of the Child event in April. For the latter event, there will be around 40 booths and 3,000 community members are expected to attend!

What a gift to see this holy snowballing in action!

Michigan trip

We had a wonderful visit with family and friends in Michigan this past week. It was the first time we'd been back since our move out to Oregon last June.

A few days were spent up in Gaylord, where we saw my dad and grandfather. Grandpa made us his special oatmeal for breakfast.

We just had to go to Big Boy while we were there. Grandpa used to take us there as kids and I always ordered a Belgian waffle with strawberries and whipped cream...so Grandpa and I both ordered that. Still as delicious as I remember!


We also got Grandpa set up on Facebook--a bit of an adventure :)

Later in the week, Jim took us to an art opening at a gallery in Washington Square in Holland. A friend of his who had been in a large-format photography group with him had some of his photos in the show--good stuff!

Jim and mom checking out a menu at a cafe across the street:


Saturday (Valentine's Day) was Jim's birthday, so we accompanied him to Frederik Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids--a favorite place of his. The tropical plant area was especially nice on that snowy day. Jim and mom:

Robert and Rose:


You know:

Just hanging out.


Jim's birthday cake was heart-shaped, hearty and smothered with mom's homemade cream cheese frosting. Mmmm....


Sunday morning, we visited the Grand Rapids church of Garrett friends, Justin and Andria, then had the most amazing brunch with them at the Real Food Cafe down the road.

Eric and his white chocolate blueberry pancakes just moments before his mountain of whipped cream nearly slid into his lap:


Andria, Justin and Felicity, who we hadn't seen since she was just a few weeks old!


So sweet.


They are expecting a little boy in June!

Later, Jim pulled out some photographs he's been working on:


Sunday night, Cindy and Curt had us over for a soup supper. It is always so great to see them! I'm glad everyone had fun, even though Cessie and I can become quite annoying when we get together. We so easily revert back to our high school humor--which means that everything is funny.

These friends are like family.


The visit, as always, went by too quickly, but we are so thankful for the time we had with everyone!

Chicago friends

On both ends of our Michigan visit, we made quick pit-stops in Chicago. So many dear friends are there...how could we not?


On the Monday night we arrived, Mark picked us up at Midway and we drove directly to Greg and Lora's for Community Meal. Lora, Julie, Mark, Greg:

Greg, Eric, Jeanne, Trent:


We stayed at Trent and Jeanne's, then picked up our rental car early the next morning and drove to Holland. Only one small glitch: Eric's license disappeared somewhere between the Kansas City security check and the Lake St. Enterprise office. So...I did all the driving.

After a full week of visiting folks in Michigan, we were back in the big city. Monday afternoon, we met Megan and Jon (old neighbors and Community Meal friends who hadn't been at Greg and Lora's) for incredible tamales and sopes at La Cebollita, then visited more over tea and banana bread at their place. We're so excited that Megan, a Mennonite pastor, goes on sabbatical starting in August and that she and Jon are planning to spend a couple of months on the Oregon coast! They'll be only an hour or so away from us!

Later, we met Kristin for more tea at Einsteins before she headed off to small group....

and then had a lovely, slow meal with Trey, pastor of our beloved Holy Cov, at a Mediterranean place down the street from the church.

After another night at Trent and Jeanne's, I followed Jeanne around her apartment, chatting, as she got ready for work.

Tuesday morning, we met Joe, a former co-worker of Eric's at the Blind Faith Cafe, at a tasty little breakfast place in the west loop.


Then we had breakfast number 2 with Joseph at Clarkes in Lakeview.


Mark dropped us off at the airport a little after lunchtime and we started the long journey home.

We are so thankful to have such wonderful friends! The only downside to our trip is that we didn't have enough time in Chicago to see everyone that we want to see!

Spokevegas

Thought I'd share a few pics from our weekend celebrating Grandma Conklin's life.

Goose tried on some sweaters that Grandma knit, but didn't find any that were quite right. Someone was convinced that this was a man's sweater vest, but...

Hanging out with Gehlbach in Grandma's room. To be honest, we weren't a whole lot of help in the whole sorting/packing/hauling process.


Uncage and Emmy read the alphabet book again:


Annie and I wearing ponchos made by the master knitter herself:


Mark and Heather...we finally meet!



Making a scene at China Garden:


Sausage finger:


Goose, all decked out:

Dinner inside the old boiler at the Steam Plant Grill.


Thank goodness they cut a door in the boiler so we wouldn't have to enter through this tiny hole. Emmy and Mike:


Scott and Hilary:


Watching the Super Bowl at Mike and Tanya's. So nice just to hang out.

Grandma Conklin

A little over a week ago, Eric's grandma, Margaret Conklin, died after 94 good years of life.

So we set out Friday before sunrise and drove that long, beautiful stretch along the Columbia and up through the rolling hills to Spokane to gather with family and celebrate Grandma Conklin's life. We spent many hours in her room at The Waterford, where she had moved in as one of the retirement community's first residents seventeen years ago. With great care and abundant stories, her belongings were sorted--some items to the thrift store, some to storage, many to the family member who would appreciate or use the item most. Someone who hadn't known her would know what she loved just by being in that room--teddy bears, her kids and grandkids, Gonzaga, her church women's group, bingo, her Waterford friends, the Idaho Vandals, knitting...and knitting and knitting! She was a master knitter and we all donned her lovingly created works of art for her memorial service. The room was overflowing--standing room only--with the family of four girls from down the street that Grandma had taught to knit sitting on the floor in front and grown grandkids in sweaters and scarves reciting poetry. It was a beautiful service that acknowledged the pain of loss, the joy of remembering and the enduring gifts that remain even when someone is physically gone.

After the reception, we hung out at Mike and Tanya's for a bit, then headed to China Garden, Grandma's favorite restaurant, for a late dinner. We ate and ate and laughed and ate and shared our fortunes. Scott convinced us all that in order for one's fortune to come true, it is necessary to use a bit of spit and stick the fortune to one's nose. Brody's lasted longest so I guess he'll get his fortune (something about an exciting retirement). Brody's cousin Bill came along and it was the first time most of us had ever met him. How nice to get to know long "lost" family. I am also thankful to have finally met Judy, Eric's aunt, and Heather and Mark, two cousins in Seattle, and to get to know them a bit.

So...over the long weekend, we ate lots and talked lots and played with Emerson--and watched her take three steps toward Tia Mira to hand her some coasters. It was the most steps she had ever taken! She'll take off running any minute now.

The many cards given to the family were really a gift. Ann and Brody read some out loud and it was hard not to be amazed and moved to hear about the difference Grandma had made in people's lives. She was a beautiful person who impacted many people by her loving spirit, determination and spunky personality. She is missed.

And now we are home, with an incredibly old Yahtzee game to play and Grandma's plants to nurture. And many, many sweaters to wrap around us.

Grandma Conklin's obituary.