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