A frozen fish, replaced pipes, and time spent believing in community!

This weekend I was in DownEast Maine. When I came back to my house, my fish, Larry Stalone, was very, VERY sluggish. I went to the pet store and told them his symptoms. They said, you are freezing him. Woops. I moved him to a warmer room. He's eating and moving again! Aleluia =]

Two hours after I returned from PetCo, I (and by I, I mean Brock after I asked him to drive an hour and a half and leave work early to investigate) discovered some of my pipes had frozen. Thanks for the warning, Larry. Still, bummer!

Upside, my boyfriend, Brock is fixing them. No labor cost!! Downside, every 7 minutes, he yells, "Honey, get me x, y, or z!" Settling in to work this week has been challenging.

Fortunately, I had an uplifting weekend to launch me into this week. It included a whole lot of visiting! Let me share a bit...

Saturday, I stopped by the local nursing home to visit my Aunt Marion, 99 years old. We visited for about an hour. She shared stories of her life, family, friends, and how she now keeps track of everyone important to her.... which is about everyone as near as I could tell. At the end of our visit, she said, "You know we have another church member here, Dorolese. You should go visit her." I replied, nearly shouting to accommodate her 99 year old ears, "I can't today, Aunt Marion, but I'll come back tomorrow." "Yes, dear, that's good. And you'll come back and see me again, too." I love that she felt comfortable enough to command my schedule. Then again, I felt at home sitting with Aunt Marion. Of course I would visit her and did. The visit the next day with Dorolese, my Dad in tow, was remarkable. To watch her entire countenance change in the course of an hour was nothing short of miraculous. As we were leaving, we shared in prayer together. Hands, spirits, and hearts joined together... our own little community. Beautiful.

30 minutes later, I walked into the house of an elementary school friend. I felt totally at home, again, as her 8 year old boy flung a nerf football off the face of her 5 year old daughter, who began to scream. My friend got them under control, and we played for a couple hours. (I have recently been re-acquainted with my friend in my position as elder in the church. Her son was extremely ill with what doctors are now calling a meningitis that is frequently fatal. When not fatal, it often leaves those afflicted with brain damage of some sort. Let's just say, my friend is convinced of the Truth of administration. I am in awe of her testimony.) As I was leaving, her 5 year old invited me over for a sleep-over the next night. I love the easy acceptance in kids.

Sunday included more visits, a stop at Sunday school in Jonesport (which produced two definite YES's to the upcoming Jr. High Retreat!), and speaking on Beals. A note on Sunday school. 4 people share the responsibility and the kids love it! In the course of our time together the kids decided on a retreat they'd like to host next fall. Kids want something to claim as their own. Jonesport is providing that right now. Awesome!

Closing comment, I believe that: Community is nurtured through time together. Peace is fostered as we care for one another in community.

May we pursue our calling as a community of peace! Urgently and with purpose.
In hope and peace! Trish

What am I up to? You might be wondering...

My Mom got up this morning and, after church was cancelled in Beals, Jonesport, and Ellsworth, Maine, decided to put her new treadmill together. She whispered to my nephew Brevan, "Hey, I've got a job to do. I'm going to go put my new treadmill together with all my tools." To which he loudly exclaimed, "I want to help you!!!", jumped from her lap and began running circles on the living room rug, deliriously excited with this new adventure. He's quite a builder!

45 minutes later, with the treadmill pieces spread all across MY bed and bedroom floor, Brevan is screaming with glee in the living room in his brand new boat. A true "You know your a Downeaster if..." moment. My first pictures are now posted. I think you'll enjoy!

So, I've decided to take a new tack on my blog. I've heard that a number of people are wondering what I'm doing. I always answer... attempting to catch and cast a vision for an AWESOME youth program. I'm 4 months in with a lot to learn. I'm open to a lot of advice... not much seems to be coming my way. Come on people... perhaps your family is different than mine. We don't hesitate to share our opinions. =] Let's hear 'em. What do you suggest for how we approach our youth? Camps? Retreats? Groups? etc...

So, back to my new tack... I'm going to try to post once a week simply stating what I'm up to. Shorter posts. Funny stories. Questions looking for opinions. ANSWER people!!!! =]

First question, do you want me to send you e-mail updates when I post? Either respond here or just to my e-mail account. I figure, it keeps us connected a bit more. What do you think?
Second question, do you have any suggestions for people interested in helping with summer camp this year? A VERY IMPORTANT QUESTION!

Peace and Hope and Stay out of the storm! Enjoy the pics of my crazy nephew!
Trish