10

One of my favorite parts about being in this neighborhood is living life alongside kids while they grow up. I met some of the kids from our block while in college. Many of them were 8-10 years old, and are now in high school!




On Sunday Kathy turned 10. I remember meeting her when she was 8 and in the second grade. I began tutoring with DinoMights, and moved into an apartment 3 blocks from her house. I remember taking her to the park with two of her sisters and having them over to play UNO. Over time Kathy has become a consistent part of my life. She has an amazing support network that surrounds her. She is so bright, and full of irrepressible life. In the past few months some life circumstances have become more difficult for her. I have been in awe of her ability to grasp what is happening in a healthy way. She is the youngest of 5 and is the family organizer. All of her siblings have been in the DinoMights program. As the youngest she has had to learn a great deal of patience. Kathy has watched each of her siblings go to camp, or have different experiences and she continually has had to wait until she is "old enough." This summer she finally got to go to an overnight camp that all of her sisters and her one brother have been to. She loved it so much...




I have confidence that I will see her graduate from college in 10-11 years and become some type of event planner. Happy Birthday Kathy! I wish you well. I am beyond grateful you are in my life...

nature.

Let children walk with Nature, let them see the beautiful blendings and communions of death and life, their joyous inseparable unity, as taught in woods and meadows, plains and mountains and streams . John Muir

Their is something to be said for being in the splendor of creation. I am drawn to the city and the rich diversity that lies within it. Yet, the wilderness to me is a place of solitude, discovery, and rest. Whenever I have had the opportunity to bring kids from an urban setting camping or to the "woods" the experience has been both liberating and therapeutic. God has created this vast spread of beautiful landscape for each of us to discover.. Even kids who may not like being outdoors learn about themselves through seeing new animals, hearing different sounds, and looking up at a sky full of stars.

I love living in the city and being within walking distance of a pretty amazing park. It doesn't necessarily take a roadtrip for us to have opportunities to play in the outdoors.

This year I have been trying to appreciate Minnesota Winters more by making the most of them. I have XC skied more than any other year, gone skating, sledding, and have taken part in a few other shennanigans.

A few weeks ago Minneapolis did not have school so I took some DinoMights sledding.



I also went XC skiing with my brother Dan at a park in MPLS, with a view of the skyline.

In less than a month I am hitting the open road with a friend.. We are going camping and hiking out West. In and among creation is where my heart is set free. I am looking forward to this time of discovery and being in the wild.