Clarity

Photo by Chuck Hoffman © Genesis+Art

Holden Village, Washington  

Today was a most beautiful day in the valley to gather for Sunday Coffee & Conversation. Rain has settled the smoke, and for the first time in weeks it is clear and fresh. We had just short of one inch of precipitation in the last 24 hours, most of it coming overnight and into the morning. The slow, soaking rain was just the kind one would order up after a fire. Clear skies provided a first look at the mosaic pattern left by the fire—green trees mixed among the scorched ones and surprising spots of snow high on the peaks of Buckskin and Dumbbell. There is much for which to be grateful!

Peg brought three Holden staff members back to the Village with her on Friday to finish projects and prepare for winter. Yes, winter. The access by road is still unpredictable and will be a concern for some time. We look forward to bringing more staff home as soon as possible. Many of you have offered your time and financial support, and there will be upcoming opportunities for both.

Over the past several weeks, the “paths as yet untrodden” and “perils unknown” of the Holden Prayer have taken on new meaning. Ambiguity is much harder to walk into than it is to talk about, but we are strengthened for having walked it with you. For those new to Holden (over 3300 new folks have liked our Facebook page since the fire began) who may not be familiar with the Holden Prayer, we leave you with these words:

O God, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go, but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

With good courage, Peg + Chuck

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