Peekaboo . . .

No - not really hiding. Not on purpose anyway. Just busier than all get-out with a three week "conference" going on at work.

Great events. Great people. Lots of details. Late nights. Hope for the world. That's what it's been about.

And gift baskets.


Here they are in all their glory. Inside each was:
- Stumptown Coffee
- Nike hats
- Saltwater Taffy
- Stash Teas from India
- A glass etched Stash Tea mug
- Moonstruck Chocolate Bars
- Roasted hazlenuts, chocolate covered hazlenuts and hazlenuts with dried fruit
- Homemade Biscotti
- Homemade photo cards (thanks Michelle at Full Soul for that idea. Yours will be in the mail to you as soon as you send me an address!)


The concert was Sunday night and the band Caedmon's Call gave us a wonderful show. The musicians were so gracious and thankful for the little touches we put into the "green room" to make them feel more at home. There was fresh, line-caught, smoked Chinook Salmon, Salmon spread, fresh apples and pears from the local farmers' market, a wonderful dinner made by the catering staff at Sunset Church and Sparkling Pinot "Spruce Goose Juice" from Evergreen Orchards in McMinnville. Mandy Mann, and her husband Kevin were the opening act and she went above and beyond by filling in for the absent lead femal vocalist of CC who was home with very sick kidos. They were all just so kind and humble and - well, normal. They obviously love what they do and they are passionate about making a difference in the world. The concert offered attendees the opportunity to hear the plight of the Dalits of India. They are the people of the lowest Hindu caste and face enormous social and economic persecution. Tables at the concert were set up with pictures of Dalit children needing sponsorship to attend special schools set up by our partner organization and that evening, a record number of child sponsorships were collected. How great that our efforts and work provided not only a fun evening for people in Portland, but a real chance at hope for children half a world away . . . It makes the tiredness I feel this week much easier to bear.

Thanks to those of you who have asked about the blog and keep checking back despite my irregular posting lately. It will get better. I promise! In addition to the busy work schedule, I've been faced with some pretty heavy personal challenges lately. Nothing earth-shattering or tragic when compared to the events of the world, but some things that are causing me to ask hard questions about some of my beliefs and practices and how I communicate with others. All great fodder for the blog entries, if I can just keep up with the rest of life and make the time to write it down.

Blessings to you all!