Rhythms and chaos

Photo by USFS © Genesis+Art

Holden Village, Washington  

Many thanks to you for your continued thoughts and prayers. The five of us here in the Village have kept you in our thoughts and prayers as you wait for news—any news—to ease the wait. Primary communications links with Holden were disrupted for the past 48 hours, but we are back online now. Back burns here are almost complete, and we maintain hope that they will hold the fire as it burns its way around the Village, keeping Holden safe. The hotshot crews feel good about the work being done, but by its nature, fire is unpredictable. So, we continue to wait and be vigilant in our tending to the Village.

The back burns have been set in a way that will preserve as many trees as possible while creating a ring of black around the Village. The burned ring runs from the east perimeter of the Village, around the remediation work to the south, and west past the ball field. It was unsettling to see fire on Copper, Buckskin, and Martin’s Ridge while the Village filled with smoke. The evening revealed the horror and beauty of flames burning the fuel on the mountains. Despite the fact that these blazes were intentionally set, it's still fire, and so remains unpredictable. But we also know that we are witnesses to the rebirth of this valley. It's been more than 100 years since the last fire came through. So, while we are thankful that it has not caused significant harm to our beloved Holden, we honor the renewal of creation in the midst of a paradox.

Our days are spent keeping water flowing from the Rain Birds that create a dome of humidity over the Village, keeping water on porches and other surfaces vulnerable to embers, and maintaining Village rhythms as we are able. We offer hospitality to the hotshot crews who are working 16-hour days. Yesterday, we waved our goodbyes to the Silver City team who left to help fight the new fires in Chelan. This morning, we shared Sunday Coffee and Conversation. We talked about finding order in the chaos of nature and comfort in maintaining Holden rhythms.

Here in the Village, the group has grown close, trusting and knowing that we are linked to one another. Peg and I feel the same link with our evacuees in Chelan, and with Villagers across the world. We feel honored to serve as your Director team and are grateful for your love and support. Together we will find our way through this time of challenge and celebrate what is yet to unfold in the life and ministry of Holden Village.

With good courage, Chuck

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