March 16-22

Augery II
No sooner had last week’s blog been posted than the augury of the past repeated itself. Way down at the far end of the meadow, at the top of the tall fir tree just left of the center of the photo, two eagles landed and began chattering with each other. Were they the same two that had been there all the way back in 1997? It’s possible. Bald eagles will mate for life and live for up to thirty years. And in their chattering there was something of an old and familiar refrain being rehashed once again.

Let’s take a little bit closer look:

Administrative Support

There is a surprising amount of office work that goes on behind the scenes at Indralaya. For years, this arena has been one of my primary areas of responsibility. Despite, or perhaps because of, the gradual computerization of registration, bookkeeping and other camp administrative routines, the hours that are necessary to keep things running smoothly has continuously increased. 

This week, in response, we completed our search for an administrative assistant to provide additional support in this area.  After interviewing several qualified candidates for the position, the job was offered to a person who who will be familiar to many of the readers of the blog. 

first day on the job

Crystal Mossman has been involved with Indralaya pretty much her entire life. In addition to being on fellowship staff several times, she has also worked for a summer as kitchen manager and just completed two terms on the Board of Directors. She has experience with Quickbooks (our financial management software) and worked in a similar position with a prominent real estate firm before moving up to Orcas Island several years ago. We expect this new job to take between six to ten hours a week. So welcome to Crystal as she takes on this new role!

Work Party Weekend

For the first time in many years, the 2nd work party of the season was held on a weekend other than Easter. This year the weekend coincided with the Spring equinox and the arrival of a new moon. Over thirty participants were here to welcome in the season and help shake out the winter cobwebs. 

Hawthorn berries & seeds

Spring is the time of the year that is associated with the planting and germination of seeds. At the Saturday, two bowls of hawthorn berries were passed around the morning circle. Among other qualities, Hawthorn is used medicinally for strengthening and sustaining the heart. With this in mind, everyone was invited to carry the berries with them throughout the day as a means of meditating upon what it is in their own heart that is wanting to be planted and strengthened in the season to come.

Sunday morning at the work party