August Scramble

Life has been busy since my last entry. My mom came to Asheville for the weekend preceding my dad's birthday and we took the opportunity to do a balloon release with Myles in memory of my dad. Then we went to his favorite ice cream shop in Asheville, Ultimate, and Seth ordered rum raisin ice cream which was my dad's favorite. It was good to be together and remember him and tell Myles about him. It's still heart-breaking that Myles won't get the chance to know my dad in person, but it does make me take seriously the fact that most of what he learns about my dad will come from me.

Last week, we had "peace camp" at church...kind of like a vacation bible school. It was our second year (last year's theme was caring for God's creation), and a testament to our growth was visible in the many adult volunteers we had. Last year, I came home after the first day with a huge headache, totally exhausted and thinking "That didn't work so well...we need to re-think this." We did, and this year, it was more organized, more people-powered, and every bit as sweet as last year. I got to tell some Bible stories, we did a foot-washing, we had communion, and Seth volunteered for one morning to lead the kids in some games. We had about 40 kids in all. On the last day, we ended our closing circle with a blessing where each person in the circle gets a turn to bless the person next to them by tracing the sign of the cross on their forehead and saying, "May you go in peace." There is nothing like being blessed in this way by a 3 or 4 year old. Surprisingly, they became very quiet as we passed this blessing around the circle, and each child seemed to take their role in blessing another with the utmost seriousness...there is so much power in the act of blessing when it's performed by a child. We are learning that at our church.

The week was topped off with our annual church-wide camping trip and worship in the woods. We (finally) got a new tent and a sleeping bag for Myles, but after a rainy night in the tent, Seth said it ranked up there in the top three nights of worst sleep. Next time, we're getting a blow-up mattress he says. Myles, on the other hand, had a blast. He played in the stream, loved being outside, and asked every half hour, "Is it time to roast marshmallows yet?" I enjoyed just chillin with folks, and also the rhodedendrons in Montreat, b/c nothing says Appalachian Mountains like those beautiful, waxy leaves.

Tomorrow night I go on a co-pastors retreat for a day and a half up in Swain county. I think it will be beautiful, and I'm looking forward to the chance to give some time and thoughtfulness to my collegial relationship as we prepare for another year ahead.

What else? Seth is running races with amazing times. He's the fastest he's been since college. What he's most excited about is the Blue Ridge Relay next month, a highlight of the year for him. He put in a 50 mile week this week. He has such a gift, and I'm so happy seeing him in such great shape.

Myles is into so many new things...drawing, taking imaginative play to new levels, learning about some sports like baseball, signed up for soccer this fall, and of course still about the most open-hearted boy. I am always amazed when I ask him what he's grateful for before bed (and who we should pray for) what his responses are...he really thinks about people and cares about them, and is always thinking up "good ideas" about how we can show that we care. He starts his new preschool class (same school, new teacher) next week.

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to share during a time with children (in church) the story of Sebastian, my friend Kara's son who lives with cerebral palsy. I have learned so much from Kara and Seb over the years, and it was such a gift to be able to share with the kids at church what he likes and loves to do, the things he needs extra help with, and mostly how we are all children of God. Thank you Kara, for letting me share Seb with so many children! They were so interested to hear his story and see photos of him. You two are great teachers to so many.

Last week, our friend Ben had surgery to remove cancer. He seems way too young for this, but I'm learning more and more how cancer is popping up in too many young people. Anyhow, we give thanks that his surgery went well and he is now in recovery. He has been so brave and calm, with a peaceful heart, throughout it all. We've been reminded of how thankful we are for his friendship and Heather's too.

I guess that's the news from Asheville. Thanks for tuning in.