Last week I journeyed one more time (this summer) to Drift Creek Camp, in the Siuslaw National Forest near Lincoln City, Oregon. It is always a joy to be there; to be with my friends Brenda and Tony and the curated community created by all the camp staff. Being there, it’s easy to feel safe and loved because the whole place is infused with generations of care. . . for one another and for creation. Leaving is always very hard work.

I found myself overwhelmed by the gifts of everyone there–music, leading, humor, warmth, cooking. Of course artistry too. The young camper who created the small, colorful painting above, right said (as he painted), “Oh, this color is the opposite of what I was looking for, but exactly what I needed.” As he painted he told us about his goats and how funny they are. He wasn’t aware of the masterpiece taking shape in front of him.

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