Decisions

Hello all –

It’s been awhile, and I apologize! I was busy this past month – much of it spent at home in Cannon Falls. I took a month out from Holden Village, to see family, participate in Luther Seminary’s Scholarship Weekend, and plan more of life after I leave this mountain town. It was a busy four weeks, that’s for sure!

Let’s recap. I got home, just in time to go to the hospital where my grandpa had heart surgery. Luckily before we left for the night I was able to see him after he had gotten to the recovery room in the ICU. I spent the first few days going between Rochester and Cannon Falls, spending time with grandpa and grandma, as well as my aunt and uncle.

I went for a visit to Luther Seminary on the 17^th and 18^th of February, where I was able to meet future classmates, professors, as well as write an essay and complete an interview for a scholarship award. I was awarded the Leadership Scholarship, valued at $9,000 dollars per year off of tuition. I’m extraordinarily excited to begin this fall – I can’t wait to get on campus!

I also made a Holden style meal for family when I was home – soups, breads, desserts – I tried to get a wide variety of food on the menu – everyone enjoyed it and we had great conversation – it was great to reconnect. I also got to see a good, good friend from church – we went to lunch and had a blast!

I also was lucky enough to spend some time in Marcell, where my grandparents have their cabin. I also applied to work at the Cannon Falls Bakery for the summer. We’ll see what happens there – hoping for good news! Grandpa Safe and I have decided to garden together this summer, so I’m currently planning what to grow – I’m looking at a lot of heirloom variety of vegetables, so it will be a venture into something new!

I got back to Holden on Monday, yesterday, and jumped right back to work today – I led the fish taco night! We had fun – it was my first time making tortillas – who knew it could be something as simple as combining masa harina and water? Crazy!

In other news – I’ve solidified my Holden departure date. I was on the fence for awhile, trying to decide if I should stay through the summer or leave when the kitchen transitions into other hands. I’ve decided to leave when the transition happens, so most likely I’ll be leaving on May 1^st or the first boat after. Being home made me realize how much I missed my parents, my brothers, my dog, and the farm in general. I’m ready for a summer filled with bonfires at Camp Bone, trips to Marcell, gardening, and tons of bread baking. It will be good to be home. My year at Holden has been great, and I’m greatly looking forward to the next month and a half that I have here. But, come May, I have a feeling that it will be time.

Anyway – that’s all for now. I’m going to head for bed soon – working the morning shift tomorrow!

God’s peace, my readers!

From the little mountain town in Washington,

Dean