Expectant Hope and Potato Soup

Hello all -

It's here! At Holden Village, and across the Christian Church the Advent season has begun. We're celebrating by holding Vespers by candlelight and reflecting upon this season of expectant hope - what does the coming of Christ, the ushering in of this birth to this world mean for us? To us? It's a beautiful time to be in Village as well. The snow continues to fall as the sun sinks lower and lower behind the mountains.

I've been reflecting more and more so upon the meaning of Christ coming. For now, we wait in darkness, we hold candles against the darkness, and learn to become more calm and at peace while we wait in anticipation. And it's a great feeling. But, when Christ comes, he brings hope, salvation, and peace into this broken world. And I'm excited to celebrate. :)

In other news...cooking is going well. I made lasagna the other night, accompanied by a caesar salad, and amazing breadsticks with a butter garlic dipping sauce. Other shifts have been the typical oatmeal and soup...but I made an amazing creamy potato soup! Here's the recipe, scaled down to normal numbers if anyone wants it! I think it might be too much, so scale down to what you need, but all the ingredients are there. It's a great soup. :)

I used:

Butter, probably 4 tablespoons, melted in a large soup pot
1/2 cup onions, diced
1/2 cup carrots, coined
1/2 cup celery, diced
1 head garlic, minced
Heavy cream, enough to cover all vegetables
4 cups cheese, mozzarella, cheddar, or other
4 cups cubed cooked potatoes
4 cups homemade vegetable stock
Basil, oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, and a dash of cloves for seasoning

1) In a large soup pot, melt the butter, and throw in the garlic. Saute 'til soft.
2) Throw in the onions, carrots, and celery, and let sweat until soft.
3) Add in the heavy cream. Use enough to at least cover all your vegetables. Stir well together.
4) Add in the cheese. Stir again to combine.
5) Mix in the potatoes, and stir again. Heat to a high temperature, but not boiling yet.
6) Add in the spices and herbs and stir.
7) Add your vegetable stock until the soup thins out. Now, bring to a boil, and stir all together for a few minutes. Reduce the heat and let thicken, until the vegetables are soft.
8) Serve hot, and garnish with a bit more cheese or fresh herbs. This is a great bread soup! :)

Oh, and in other other news, I finished my Luther Seminary Presidential Scholarship application, resume, essay, and recommendation. Now commences the waiting! We are, after all, in the season of expectant hope.

Things are great here. I hope this update finds all my readers well, too. I miss you all dearly - I'll be home in a little over two months!

Christ's deepest peace,
From the Village,
Dean

Winter in the Mountains

Hello all -

As I write this, it's snowing outside. Last night it snowed a good 5 or 6 inches - and it's absolutely amazing here. It's the days like these (every day, really) that makes me realize how blessed I am to be living in the mountains this year. I'm thankful for the awesome friends, the great job that I have, and the daily rhythm of Vespers. The little things count, too: a hot bowl of oatmeal, a steaming cup of coffee, a half-finished wool scarf, or re-reading a good book - these days in the Village allow for people to connect, or reconnect, as we go about our always-busy lives.

Today, November 12th, marks the six-month point in my long-term stay in the Village. The time has flown by, and I realize that I'm halfway done. I'm not quite sure what to think. Part of me wants to stay in the Village until August, where I will return to Minnesota and begin at Luther Seminary, but I'm also feeling the want to return home, and have a great summer with family. I'm not sure if I'll be ready to take leave of the Cascades, of Buckskin or Copper Mountain, or little Holden Village, in May. I have some contemplating to do and some options to weigh. I guess that's what these long winter days will be for!

In other news, Thanksgiving is coming up. As tradition calls, the Village is holding a pie baking contest! There will be two winners, judged by the Village, and the winners have to make their pies for the whole Village for our Thanksgiving Dinner. Joseph Coffee and I are teaming up to make the greatest pumpkin pie the world will ever eat!

Also, in other, other news, I picked up knitting - and, as winter draws near, apparently at the right time, too. Everywhere I look, people are pulling out their knitting needles, working on hats, scarves, sweaters, mittens, or socks. Knitting and beer brewing seem to be two major subcultures here. It's funny.

Anyway - enough for now. I'm going to get a cup of coffee! I'll post more later, I promise, with pictures!

From the Village -
Dean

Holden Village Bed and Breakfast, Autumn Sojourn, Family Visits...ah, Autumn

Hello all –

Wow! It’s been over a month! I keep on thinking about the blog – but I’ve been busy and have kept neglecting it. This won’t happen again!

This past month has been great. I went on my first out from the Village, to stay at the Holden Village Bed and Breakfast, fifteen miles north of Chelan. It was a great four night stay – I got to Skype with my brothers, parents, grandparents, and close friends from the Village who are back in Minnesota and Illinois. I also went into Chelan two days and got groceries to bring back up. Other than that, it was a nice, calm sojourn away from the Village – a few day’s respite.

Speaking of sojourns, this past week we had our big finale for summer programming, called the “Autumn Sojourn” at Holden Village. Rockstars from the Lutheran world showed up – Dorothy Bass, Susan Briehl, Mary Preus, Tom Witt, and Fred Niedner were all in town leading classes, seminars, workshops, choirs, and delivering sermons on what it means to be a “sojourner”, or on a spiritual journey.

Work has been going swimmingly. Still baking a lot of bread, making bars and cookies, and preparing entrees such as chili, Indian chicken, focaccia, and the ever present hot cereal. J Not much to say there. J

I’ve been doing a great deal of reflecting this month as well, as summer turns to fall, on what it means to be a child of God and our roles as Christians for the sake of this world. I’ve gotten in some pretty good conversations with good friends about universalism, the scope of God’s love, and other theological topics. It’s definitely been a growing experience. I think this is just what I need before heading to Luther Seminary next fall.

My family is coming to visit in the next two weeks! J They’re coming October 14^th through the 19^th, were hopefully we can have hang out time, show them around the Village, drink some coffee, and stare at the mountains some more. It will be a great time!

I’m going to sign off now – it’s a glorious fall day. Hopefully will be doing some walking about, river time, laundry, re-reading of Anna Karenina, and brioche baking.

Wishing you all God’s unending peace,

From the Village,

Dean 

Reflections on Summer 2012

Hello all –

The air is a bit cooler here in the valley. Some of the trees high up on Buckskin are beginning to turn crimson. People are smiling more, the lists of bus departures grows each day, and, at least for me, a smile has returned to my face. Summer is coming to a close. I think we’re all grateful.

It’s been a fantastic way to spend the summer – here at Holden Village. Getting to meet so many interesting people – guests and staff alike – who have shaped and molded both my mind and heart in ways I never thought possible as I began this year of hospitality ministry.

Working in the kitchen during this intense summer was a great learning experience. It taught me how to deal with epic amounts of stress, demanding people, and being hospitable even when you’re the grouchiest.

But, for now, I am looking forward to fall, and eventually winter. To the turning colors, less people, more time to hang out with the ones who have become near and dear to me during this summer of quick friendship-building, and being able to be more creative and experimental in my cooking and baking as we move from serving over 400 people down to 200 to 100. It will be a nice change of pace.

This summer has been one of the best, in many different capacities, although I’m glad it’s coming to a close. “I’m excited to winter with you” has become a common phrase among some of my friends and I here, as the community becomes smaller and we plan snowshoeing trips, J-term pranks, or a good winter reading list.

Hope this finds all my readers well.

From the Village –

Dean 

A Series on Profound People: Karen DeBauche

A Series on Profound People: Karen DeBauche

Hello all –

I first saw her standing by the piano, flute in hand. She was, as I discovered, a flautist and clarinetist extraordinaire, a band teacher from Illinois. Over the next few weeks, I got to know the awesome, gentle-hearted Karen DeBauche.

While on her tenure on staff, Karen worked in media ministry, and performed on and off for our Vespers services. She and I would chat occasionally, as our paths crossed over music discussions, meetings in the staff lounge, or eating late dinner together at the dining hall. Karen’s kind heart and fantastic humor brought a lot of joy to my days as I experienced homesickness and longing for the Midwest.

One day, it was ridiculously hot here in the Cascades, and Karen mentioned that she was going down to the creek and asked if I wanted to join her. I did, and we went and sat by the banks – it was probably the best day I’ve had here at the Village! I think that was the day that cemented our friendship.

Karen was called away from the Village in early August, taking a tour of the west coast and meeting some old friends before returning home to Illinois and her school. Karen exemplifies the traditional Holden spirit – a kindhearted person who gives their all to make this Village even more of a holy ground. I, and the rest of the Holden community – miss her infectious humor, her gracious hospitality, and fantastic musical abilities. Karen is one of those “old souls” who, when gone from the Village, everyone notices. She’s thinking about returning for Christmas, and, even if she doesn’t, I can’t wait to see her again!

From the Village –

Dean 

Series on Profound People: Ann Beane

Hello all - 

“So, where are you from?” Anne asked.

It’s the standard question that everyone asks when greeting a new Holden staff member. It was Anne’s second or third day of work, so I had seen her around the kitchen but had never actually gotten to talk to her. She had signed up to make the day’s bread, so I wandered over to the mixer, leaving the oatmeal in its giant cauldron behind for a few moments, and chatted for a few minutes. 

“I’m from Cannon Falls, Minnesota.”

“Ah – I’m from Shoreview!” she responded. (There are tons of Minnesotans here!)

“What do you do there?” I asked. I learned that she was a schoolteacher, having finished her education at St. Olaf College in the 1970s. From there conversation flowed naturally, and I learned that she had a son attending Luther Seminary, embarking on his internship year in Oregon. Later, we bonded over bread baking and theology talks. It’s become a ritual to sit next to each other and Vespers and catch up on our days.

In only five weeks, I’ve learned a great deal from Anne. She showed a strong work ethic and great hilarity (it’s amusing how funny a jalapeno can be when you’re making green salsa early in the morning). J I will miss her in the kitchen, but we’ve already made plans to get together for coffee in February when I return home.

There are some really fantastic people here. Both in the kitchen and out. I wish everyone could come to Holden and see what happens here – spiritually, emotionally, relationally – as God’s work abounds.

From the Village –

Dean 

10 Mile Creek Trail Adventures

Hello all –

Wow! It has been a long time! I apologize profusely for abandoning the blog for so long, but honestly – work has been crazy (we’re at full summer capacity) and honestly, nothing much interesting has happened. Work has been work and off days have been off days.

I went on a hike yesterday, though! It was my first time out of Village in over two months. We were planning on going to Martin’s Ridge, the mountain north of the Village, but we didn’t get there due to time constraints because Chalet 5 hosted Sunday morning coffee. As a result, Sally, Lena, Mike, Anna and I decided to hike around the Ridge and do some bushwhacking to get to 10 Mile Creek.

First, we hiked up about 30 minutes of switchbacks up the side of Martin’s Ridge. That was exhausting. From there, we journeyed about an hour into the Ridge, through thick forests and open views close the Creek. There were mountains on either side of us – Martin’s Ridge to the east and more to our right. Hiking through, we kept up lighthearted banter, which made the afternoon even more enjoyable.

Now - for a photo, because the internet is being really slow and only letting me upload one at a time... :) 

10 Mile Creek!

I will update again soon! 

From the Village - 

Dean 

Independence Day at Holden Village

Hello all - 


The 4th of July has come and gone - it was pretty crazy here at Holden Village. I didn't get in on many of the festivities because of work, but still - I will describe the day! 


I worked a breakfast-lunch shift. Breakfast was pretty involved - pancakes, syrups, yogurts, etc. Afterwards work continued as normal until the parade, where most of the kitchen left to participate in the float. The lead and I didn't, however, as we took the opportunity to clean up and finish some end-of-shift things. 


"Fireworks" here at the Village were different. Because of wildfire danger, the whole community gathered in the Village Center, and watched slides accompanied by bags and bags and bags of bubble wrap to mimic explosions. Definitely not as cool as the 4th of July back home.


Later that evening, I met the President of my future school, Luther Seminary! We chatted for a few minutes about Holden, and also talked about my reasons for coming to Luther and what I hope to accomplish with my M.A. It was great to make that contact! 


It's finally starting to warm up here. Feels like July. :) 


I will hopefully be able to update more from here. Work, as I say all the time!, has been crazy! I hope this finds all my readers well! 


From the Village -


Dean 

A Crazy, Hectic Week

Hello all - 

It's been awhile! I've been in kitchen gridlock pretty much this past week, not really escaping until today - hahaha. Working late one day and starting early the next does not really create for an enjoyable week, but it's over now! :) It's my Saturday, so this will give a chance to relax and do nothing for two days before having to refocus on work. Things, I feel, are really going to ramp up in the kitchen this month as guests arrive, more and more, each day, and the mine workers continue to report to work. 

Last night, I was invited up to the registrar's home (she's a woman in her mid-50's, very nice lady) to play card games with her and a few of her friends. I went up, and we had a great time playing Phase 10 - drank some wine, ate some popcorn - had a nice, relaxing evening! Her friends were from Bellingham, WA - a commercial fishing tycoon, one of them - headed back down the mountain tomorrow.

I left there around 10:00, and returned to my chalet, where my housemates and I proceeded to gather in the living room and tell stories of people who had died here in the Village. Eerie, yes. Some of them are told:

A man with a homeless group started towards the trail in an electric wheelchair. Later, at Hart Lake, when Hike Haus leads went searching for him, the wheelchair was all they found. 

---

Bus drivers went down to Lucerne, to pick up a boat full of arrivals. They found a man down towards the lake, on the rocks, dead. 

(Now, I'm sure these are myths, but still, at 10:00 at night they're fun to haunt people with - especially my housemate, Sally!). 

Random end-of-post shot! A few nights ago I was sitting out on my porch swing and took this shot of the moon over Dumbell Mountain. Enjoy! 

Moon over Dumbell

From the Village - 

Dean 

A Lesson in Bread Baking

Hello all - 

Last night I had the first opportunity to teach someone how to make bread. Let me explain - we have a kitchen worker here, named Jack. Eighteen years old, and just graduated high school, back in Eagan, Minnesota. He's a well-meaning kid, but a bit rambunctious, always really loud, and never stops talking. He's going to Moorhead State in Minnesota, to study psychology. I've had him on a few of my shifts before when I was his lead, and he'd always want to help, but never really quite knew what to do. 

He told me one day that he'd never baked bread before. Not at home ever, nor here, because he'd never been assigned to bread. He told me that he wanted me to teach him how to bake bread. 

I'm always up for a good bread baking session. Always. We planned to meet last night after Vespers back in the kitchen. He wanted to make "Chocolate Chip Bread", which I thought a bit odd, but I thought to humor him, I'd go with it. 

We met back at the kitchen after Holden Evening Prayer (Saturday Vespers), and I thought I could convince him otherwise - I thought it would be good to do the standard Holden loaf, because that loaf recipe is the very basics for any other bread you could ever want to bake. However, Jack was adamant. He wanted chocolate chips in his bread. 

So, I told him to go get yeast and milk. He came back with half & half, which I threw in to the mixer along with a cup of water. He couldn't find the yeast, so after another few minutes of explaining where it was, I sent him back into the walk-in (our big kitchen refrigerator). Finally finding the "Yeasty-Beasties" as they're called here, he came back to the bakery area. 

He proceeded to ask questions as I was explaining the process of bread baking, yeast and it's relationship to water, sugar, etc, such as, "So yeasts are tiny animals?", "Do I get the chocolate chips now?", and on and on. Like I said, Jack never stops talking. 

I told him to go get the flour. Holden uses half white, half wheat in their loaves, which creates for a nice airiness in each slice. He got the flour, came back, threw it in the mixer, and soon we had a nice dough forming. I asked him, "Okay, do you still want to add chocolate chips?" I tried to deter him, because I thought chocolate chips would be a really odd, and not necessarily pleasant, addition to a white/wheat loaf, but Jack again was persistent. Jack went, got the chocolate chips, and rushed back, pouring them into the dough. It was a sad moment for me! 

The dough was then covered for an hour, where we then came back, punched it down, kneaded it, and formed it into two loaves. We let it rise a little bit more while I explained the process of rising and shaping and forming. Soon, (because it was late and I had been up since 5:00 am!) the dough was in the oven. It came out a nice golden brown half an hour later, and then Jack proudly grabbed and cutting board, and, surrounded by a crowd of friends and family, cut his first slice of bread he made all by himself. 

Jack is another person that I'm glad I got to know during my time here - a good kid with a good heart who finally knows how to make bread, haha! :) 

In other news, today is my Saturday! I went to breakfast early this morning and tried the pumpkin bread that I slaved over all day yesterday. Pretty good! :) It's raining here, so it'll be a good reading day. 

Hope this finds all my readers well! 

From the Village - 

Dean