Uprooted & Replanted {Journeying}

Final tagging of baggage before check-in at the departure gate

Another family transition officially transpired without (reported) incident: Zachary has been transplanted to European soil.  Zac's departure via Vancouver, BC, went off without a hitch; other than a very random series of questions by the Canadian Peace Arch border guard, the event was fairly uneventful. We officially received word that he landed and found lodging:

"Couldn't sleep on flight...took a train to Innsbruck and am here now."

Although the first 5 nights of his European stay are unstructured and mostly unplanned, we trust in his survival skills and good intuition, and eagerly await his occasional email updates and hope for photos, too.  As his first update arrived ~at the very moment Tim read it at work~ a customer who lives in Garmisch-Partkirchen, Germany, happened to be in our shop.  The customer overheard Tim sharing Zac's whereabouts and offered him lodging in a six bedroom apartment with a view of the highest peak in the Bavarian Alps, where her husband is currently stationed.  Whether or not Zachary takes the free lodging offer shall remain a mystery for the time being, but talk about Divine Providence at work!

Zac fires away during a pre-departure target practice session for fun on our private property.

Zac's unarmed on this journey, except for his trusty pocket knife, but he's packing a whole host of prayers and an extremely talented and holy guardian angel.  His hammock and lighter may prove useful; whether or not he'll miss his sleeping bag and hiking boots remains to be seen.  He's traveling light, with backpack and day pack, yet stuffed in his Church clothes ~ hand-me-downs from our former parish priest, Father Qui Thac~Marion who passed down and gave away all his belongings before taking the Benedictine habit and living the vow of poverty in extreme simplicity during this past year of discernment.  So in a way, Father QT~M is along for the journey with Zachary as well!

Quote of the day:
I announced, "Zachary is in one of the most beautiful places in the world today!"
Peter replied, "So are we." 
So true.

On top of the world

Like father, like son; at the target range with Mt. Baker looming in the distance

Family supper with our very special guest from Mission, BC

Speaking of Benedictines, we had the pleasure of hosting Father Peter Nygren, OSB, rector of Christ the King Seminary in Mission, BC, for dinner at our home a few days ago.  Father Peter makes a few stops after the school year ends to visit families whose boys have attended the live-ins and made connections with the Catholic boys' school.  We served grilled pork chops and corn on the cob and in return received a beautiful blessing and the opportunity to chant Vespers together in our living room (more or less on key).

Zachary, Peter, Father Peter and Joseph

Dr. Dude gives Zac the business over his beard

Speaking of special visitors, our Goddaughter Hope, and her family are visiting from San Diego.  Former neighbors and faithful parishioners of Sacred Heart, this adorable, growing family lights up the whole city upon their return.  We have cherished a few rowdy suppers at home and some squirming in the pews.  Things are always more exciting with little ones running around, and the timing of their visit coinciding with Zachary's departure helps ease the heart strains a bit.  

Zachary and Dominic chill in the company of Dominic's wiggly sisters: Miriam, Hope and Hannah

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three brothers; apart for the time being, but very close at heart

 

 

 

Hope In Advent

1

Joseph, Peter, Father Santan Pinto, and Zachary; St. Mary Catholic Church, Anacortes, WA 

July 2010

Our family was blessed to sit at the feet of Father Santan Pinto+, SOLT, when we attended his mission week in the summer of 2010 at St. Mary's in Anacortes.  We were shocked to learn that Father Pinto died suddenly this week in a car accident in  India.  His beautiful Christmas message, distributed before he departed the US for India, inspires the faithful to grow in humility, poverty and silence.  Father Pinto has entered eternity, may he rest in peace with our Lord and our Blessed Mother, whom he loved dearly, followed closely, and served faithfully.

2

Andi, Hope and Bridget on the steps of Sacred Heart Catholic Church

 #1 early Christmas present: Our Goddaughter HOPE came back to Bellingham from her new home in San Diego for a visit.  We attended Mass together, and Hope and her daddy, Tim (aka Dr. Dude), brought up the gifts.  Our time together included eating satsumas and playing with the twins, as well as lots of wrestling, chasing and laughing.  Hope has an awesome sense of humor, and loves to say, "Just joking!" after answering simple questions with puzzling replies.

 3

No, Zac's not pulling his hair out, but he's sure feeling the weight of his Eagle Project these days.  Scattered work parties accumulating hundreds of volunteer hours have occurred, and the carport is still on paper.  The good news is that Zac still has over six months before his eighteenth birthday, and his Eagle Project should be completed before he's ineligible for Eagle Rank.  The great news is Zac has help from some outstanding men (including his dad/my dear husband) who give generously of their free time to assist with the difficult construction tasks.  The resident priests and parish staff have shown Zac their support, encouragement and been very patient as the project winds its way toward completion.  

4

Zachary, Joseph and Peter at Mt. Baker Ski Area

With only one disastrous catapult down the face of the mountain, today's ski trip for the boys and Tim could be counted as a great success....except for the rain.  ARGH.  When it rains at the daily rate, that's one thing, but when the rain falls on weekend prices, now that's a crying shame!  They didn't let the heavy snow slow them down, and their enthusiasm for the sport carried them on from opening 'til closing.  Due to high school swimming season conflicting with ski season these past few years, the chances to ski with Zachary mid-week simply don't exist; the extra cost of skiing on a Saturday is well worth it to have Zac along.  Now if only Zac would learn to drive the 4Runner, Tim could enjoy a nice nap on the ride down the mountain!

 5

Two victories down, and a dozen or so to go for Zac's high school swim team.  His role as captain involves leading cheers before, during and after the meets, and it's not as easy as it might seem sometimes.  How loud should your team cheer if you are destroying the other team in every heat?  A few of his teammates have already qualified for the state meet.  They will face some tough challenges ahead, and the hard work at practice (and the cheering and team spirit) will pay off.  Most of them (including Captain Zac) are traveling to California for a week of training and a little sight-seeing over Christmas Break.  Spending New Year's Eve at Disneyland ought to boost team spirit, though the red-eye flight home the following day won't be a real crowd-pleaser.

 6

If there's one thing Ezra's not, it's a cheer-leader.   Despite the fact that leading and encouraging cheering at the meets is part of Ezra's job description as the dive team captain, he just can't bring himself to let out one little hoot or hollar.  For those who know Ezra, this goes without saying, and the thought of Ezra letting loose with loud, emotional outbursts in the presence of *gasp* adults and strangers is absurd.  His diving has improved significantly over the past two seasons, and he scored a PR of 144 points at the home dual meet this week.

 7

What to do when you find yourself near a pool with a few minutes to spare and no bathing suit....

Happy Birthdays this weekend to my dear friends, Nicole of the sun and Renee of the woods!  You are both treasures and incredible role models as mothers, wives and Christian witnesses.  You co-create pretty amazing kids, too.  May God bless you both!

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

Ash Wednesday {The Day I Met My Future Spouse}

Twenty two years ago today, on Ash Wednesday, I met my future spouse.

Rebecca, Ben and Ava receive ashes from Father Qui Thac.

Both in our junior year at the University of Puget Sound, Tim and I just happened to share a ride to St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Tacoma, the sacred place we would celebrate the sacrament of matrimony two years later.   We were next door neighbors, he in the Phi Delta Theta house, and I in the Alpha Phi house.  Although we had mingled and been at many of the same gatherings, we hadn't known one another.  Until that day we hadn't known we shared our Catholic faith.  Now we know that our Lord, in His providence, had marked us for each other from the very day we were baptized as infants (on the same day in different states, in 1968).

Hannah and Hope with Cathee and her violin after Mass

Returning to Church in observance of Ash Wednesday, I was well aware of my weakened faith life in college amid the distractions, temptations, unchecked selfishness, and general business.  I wanted to begin again, to come before the Lord with a repentant heart.  If only that day had truly been my turning point!
But it was a beginning of the rest of my life with Tim, and of a spiritual journey that would lead us to right where we are today: Ash Wednesday.

The beginning of Lent has always marked a new beginning in my life.  My parents and teachers taught me to enter fully into this liturgical season which prepares us for the joy of Christ's resurrection at Easter.
Some years I simply made the same old sacrifice: no ice cream during Lent.  Other years there were deeper commitments and spiritual efforts.

By the grace of God, Tim and I now get to pass on the very same faith to our children and Godchildren: encouraging them to lead examined, prayerful lives; resolving to set a good example for them; praying for them daily; offering up sacrifices on their behalf; fasting; abstaining from meat (today and every Friday in Lent); encouraging them to make frequent use of the healing sacrament of confession.

Father Qui Thac with Peter and our Goddaughter, Hope after Mass on Ash Wednesday.

We teach them to follow Christ's example during these 40 days of spiritual preparation for Easter.

The beginning of Lent on Ash Wednesday reminds us how temporary is our time on Earth, and encourages  us to strive to grow intentionally in holiness  by offering up sacrifices and taking up new acts of charity and piety. To be transformed is our goal in Lent.  We willingly enter the cocoon, so to speak, allowing God's hand to form and mold us to become what we were created to be.

Tobit 4: 5, 7b, 8, 14b, 15, 18-19a:

Through all your days, my son, keep the Lord in mind, and suppress every desire to sin or to break his commandments. 

Perform good works all the days of your life, and do not tread the paths of wrongdoing. 

Do not turn your face away from any of the poor, and God's face will not be turned away from you.   

Son, give alms in proportion to what you own. If you have great wealth, give alms out of your abundance; if you have but little, distribute even some of that. 

But do not hesitate to give alms; you will be storing up a goodly treasure for yourself against the day of adversity.

Keep a close watch on yourself, my son, in everything you do, and discipline yourself in all your conduct. 

Do to no one what you yourself dislike. Do not drink wine till you become drunk, nor let drunkenness accompany you on your way. 

Give to the hungry some of your bread, and to the naked some of your clothing. 

Whatever you have left over, give away as alms; and do not begrudge the alms you give. 

Seek counsel from every wise man, and do not think lightly of any advice that can be useful. 

At all times bless the Lord God, and ask him to make all your paths straight and to grant success to all your endeavors and plans

Hope {Flashback Friday}

Yesterday we celebrated our Goddaughter Hope Bridget Marie's second birthday.

Seems like only yesterday she was a newborn in Peter's arms...

Peter holds our newborn Goddaughter, Hope, with big sister Hannah.

Peter holds Hope (4 mos).

Hope's 2nd birthday~ a snow day!

Hope enjoys the trills of sledding with her daddy.

What a blessing for Tim and me to have been chosen two years ago as Hope's Godparents.  Hope is a delightful, exuberant, beautiful child, full of spunk and totally, sincerely sweet; offering hugs and kisses and squealing with joy when she sees Tim, anticipating his playful interaction.

We met her parents, Tim and Nicole, and Hope's older sister, Hannah, on their first visit to our church when they had just moved to town.  They relate a funnier side of this story, maybe Nicole can add-on to the story of our meeting.

When I saw them with a realtor on the front porch of a neighborhood house a few months later, I excitedly asked if they were going to be our neighbors.  They moved into our neighborhood and into our hearts in a very special way.  We have grown so close over these years, forming bonds of family and faith; sharing birthdays, baptisms, board games, barbeque's, home-births, and prayer time.   They are the consummate hosts, always ready to open their home; welcoming us and many others for fellowship and fantastic (healthy) meals.

With heavy hearts we report that they are moving in a few weeks to be back home in sunny Southern California with family.  They will live in a four generation household, helping to care for Nicole's aging grandma and living in community with the girls' grandparents.  We are happy for them, though it will be very difficult to see them go.  They are faithful Catholics, inspiring in their Christian lifestyle, devotion to prayer, and intentional parenting.  Though we won't see Hope as often (understatement) she and her family will remain in our daily prayers and we will be united spiritually through our regular celebration of the Holy Eucharist.

Yesterday we celebrated Hope's 2nd birthday. Sledding, attending daily Mass, and eating a healthy carrot cake were highlights of Hope's big day.  We wish her a grace-filled year, and praise God for the gift of Hope in our lives!

Precious Newborn {Baby Girl}

Last night, our Goddaughter, Hope, became a big sister!

Upon awakening, Peter made a card for the family, and gave baby girl (yet unnamed) her first rosary, plus $2.

Tim and Hannah read Peter's greeting.

Peter holds the new baby, while her big sisters Hannah and Hope, and mom, Nicole, look on.

Such joy!
Such perfection!
Praise God for the gift of another new life!

Nicole invited me to be present at this home birth, which was quite a gift.  My official title was videographer; Renee was the photographer, and Melissa, the Douala.   Nicole showed amazing strength and recollection during the birth, and using her self-taught hypnosis clearly allowed her to remain perfectly calm during the most painful moments of giving birth.
It looked like Tim would be delivering his daughter unassisted, the labor progressed so rapidly.  The midwife arrived in the nick of time, and Tim was able to 'catch' the baby.  Big sister, Hope, helped cut the cord!

This home birth was an amazing experience, and one I will not soon forget.
~~~~~~
My husband, Tim's birthday is today!  May God shower him with blessings on this day and everyday!

Hope's First Birthday

Our littlest Goddaughter turned one yesterday.

We celebrated together by attending Mass and having a party at Hope's house for a gang of hungry kids ranging in age from 1-15 years.  A few of them got very muddy playing in the backyard after lunch...  too bad they hadn't changed out of their nice clothes!

One 4 year old guest in particular, was very excited to eat the cake he imagined would be the

highlight of the party.

He even gave up asking for gum after Mass when he realized that might compromise his

cake-eating eligibility.

But Hope's mama made a better choice for dessert: this beautiful bowl of fruit!

Hope (with help from her big sister, Hannah) blew out her baptismal candle as her first birthday candle.

Happy Birthday, Dear Hope!