Hi everyone,

 Today was just incredible at L'Arche.  This morning we had a community gathering and we remembered Father Henri Nouwen, a Dutch priest who lived in this community for many years.  He was so loved and a real icon.  He was pastor here and wrote many books and was a fixture in the community.  It is hard to believe that it was 10 years ago on Thursday, that he died.  We spent the morning, telling stories, watching a slide show, watching the last 10 minutes of a video on his life.  We also sang, prayed, had mimes to Scripture by core members and assitants.  The words, and tributes had me in tears for most of the morning. I was so touched by this time together because so many words that were spoken seemed to speak to my heart and my own journey at this point in ministry.  I could feel the love of God hugging me and inviting me deeper into this year.  Henri was so loved by people who knew him. There were many tears and laughter shared.  At different points I was thinking, "I never met this man...but I have read his books and feel like I knew him." I also had many stories from Phil who was graced to be here when Henri was living here.  One of the powerful moments was at the end we did a blessing together which Henri taught the community. Carl, the community leader went through it once and then we all did it together.  Well I looked over and sitting next to me was Mike Ricci, visually impaired, but doing the blessing from memory.  The tears started flowing again, I was so moved.  At the end, people spoke of how much they enjoyed the morning.  It was so powerful and life giving.

 This morning was just a memorable moment and throughout the day we kept talking about it, at bowling, over coffee, at supper, siting together tonight.  Henri was a gift to this community, but this community was also a gift to Henri.

 I go to bed wth memories stirring in me and I turn to the book "Adam" to  tap into Henri's arrival.  The two exceprts I had heard since I have been here have spoken to my journey here.  I expect the entire book to be a powerful journey and await it with great anticipation.

 So good night folks and until my next blog.

Jeff