Reconnecting

One of the most joyous discoveries I've made since starting internship is that I some members of my extended family, with whom I had lost touch, attend one of my churches. I knew they lived in the area, but I didn't know they were Lutheran (that branch of my family is historically Methodist), so it was a delight to learn that they're involved at Holden.

After a few attempts that didn't work out for one reason or another, I finally made it to their home for dinner last week and it was wonderful for many reasons. It was a pleasure to find some grounding and connection to my past and my broader family, and it was also terrific to spend some time with the kids.

There are two boys in this family (ages 12 and 7) and they were extraordinarily hospitable. They enthusiastically welcomed me, showed me around the house, and shared their art projects, hobbies, and pets with me.

I taught the pre-school Sunday school class at my teaching congregation last year, and I have really (really!) missed that interaction with kids. Their exuberance is so life-giving that it was like a shot of energy for me to spend time with these boys. Check out all the fun we had!


The 12-year-old is both an artist and a horticulturalist. He has a talent for drawing, mainly with colored pencils, and he is an expert about plants. I couldn't believe how many different plants he was tending just in his home! Here's a project that combines both interests.




The 7-year-old had fun playing with the pets--three cats and a dog. This particular cat, Katie, might be the most easygoing cat I've seen. Here she is stuffed into his stocking hat and perfectly content.




And here are both boys (plus Katie again) with the marble machine...a highly entertaining contraption much like the game Mouse Trap.