Welcome to Minnesota

Our first month back in Minnesota has been restful and lovely. August heat gave way to brilliant thunderstorms and cool breezes. Now I hear migrating geese flying overhead, indicating the change to come.

Close friends and family helped us pack the moving van to drive from Omaha to St. Paul. Thanks to Chris, Zach, Kala, Jenni, Mary, Rich and Pat.

Minnesota friends helped us unload same moving truck and adjust to our cute new apartment.

Thanks to John, Jen, Emily, Adam and Amber for your assistance!


Perhaps the most significant thing to happen in this time was to meet Mary Grace, my new goddaughter. Her parents Adam and Amber are intentional, adventurous, and easy-going people who are raising a joyful and trusting baby. I am deeply moved to finally meet Gracie. She is curious, thoughtful, and essentially secure; she knows that she is loved and provided for. What an amazing grace, to see a healthy child who will grow to be a healthy, whole adult contributing positively to the world!


This beautiful picture is of her blessing ceremony. Her parents chose for Gracie a small circle of several 'god(dess)parents', of diverse spiritual orientation. We all vowed to contribute to her spiritual development, honoring what questions and answers Mary Grace will come to in her own search for truth and meaning. Full circle: I was also baptized at my godparents' pool! Welcome and blessings to you, Mary Grace.


So thank you for the welcome, Minnesota! I look forward to swimming in your lakes, hearing your music, canoeing along your shores, snowshoeing in your woods, exploring your diverse restaurants, and working for your progression.