New Beginnings

Photo by Chuck Hoffman © Genesis+Art

Holden Village, Washington  

One of the many questions Peg and I were asked as we discerned our call to be Directors of Holden Village concerned our ability to handle ambiguity. We felt fairly confident that our careers as leaders of creative teams at major institutions had provided plenty of ambiguity. What we didn't know then was what we would learn during the uncertainty of the Wolverine Fire and what it would teach us. The last couple of weeks have stretched our comfort levels for clarity and patience. We also know that this challenge will continue to bring more of the same. I for one would like this to be over, and for things to be secure and comfortable, but we will still need to practice patience. We are tasked with seeing this through and tending to a new beginning.

The Wolverine Fire is bringing us together in ways that we could not have imagined, for which Peg, and I are grateful. Many days make us wonder if we are up to the task at hand. But, by taking the event as it comes, we are managing. We feel privileged to have witnessed the renewal of creation as the forest cycles through its rhythms, despite the risks to our Village and the communities up and down Lake Chelan. The loss of precious lives in the process is beyond my comprehension at this moment.

We offer our deepest gratitude to Chelan Lutheran and Celebration Lutheran in East Wenatchee for providing shelter for our staff. We are most grateful to Village exiles everywhere (for we are all exiles) for your continued prayers and support. We do know that much will be needed as we move through this time of transformation.

While fire conditions remain a threat, the USFS feels cautiously optimistic. We remain vigilant as we begin to move into the long-term process of mopping up, the dangerous task of assessing the road, and checking around the Village for hazards. Some of the roadside remains green; other parts are reduced to ash. A USFS BAER (Burned Area Emergency Response) team will be arriving in the coming days to assess the road for unstable trees, rock, and potential mudslides. BAER Teams are staffed by specially trained professionals including hydrologists, soil scientists, engineers, biologists, vegetation specialist, archeologists, and others who rapidly evaluate the burned areas and prescribe emergency and long-term stabilization treatments.

There is much work to be done, and we will count on nature and the ingenuity of very skilled people to reveal the most pressing needs. The road to recovery is also part of our call, and with your help, we will begin to move through this time and into a new beginning for Holden. Lord, we trust that your hand is leading us and your love supporting all of us.

With good courage, Chuck

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