Mietzke's POST Holden Adventure

The village is teaming over with business as we prepare the village for the summer crowds. The wood pecker is busily hammering along with hard working villagers. I have had a paint crew all week working on the dining hall they were efficient and fun to work with and the dining hall is transforming! The people who have been with me are wonderful. I think leading work groups is possibly one of my favorite things!
It had been breezy today and the trees are dancing and making beautiful spring sounds. The birds are out in droves pulling worms from the uncovered soil, helicoptering near feeders, and soaring to and fro over the village.
This morning Dave came into the living room only to find a humming bird sitting on the chandelier. He opened up the front door and invited her back out into the day. Even the chipmunks and squirrels are making their first spring appearance.
We have been taking the window coverings off of all of the buildings and opening up doors and windows that have been closed up all winter and the fresh spring breeze is blowing curtains and airing things out.
The work week seems to be going smoothly with everyone pitching in to aide in the transition. We have beautiful new table tops for the dining room and the new bookstore is coming right along, and the carpentry crew is making lots of progress building cabinets and shelves for the new offices. All of the plumbing is being turned on and the village power is starting to rise. All of the bedding is being brought out and the rooms in the lodges cleaned and readied for summer visitors. This preparation process is being lovingly and joyously done and it is fun to take part in it.
It has been fun to have so many people in the village. As we ready the village for summer I am also preparing our family for leaving. Our time at Holden has been such an amazing and strengthening time for us. It has deepened both our connection to each other and to God. We have made good friendships and experienced the wrapping arms of community in such a beautiful way. We are grieving, and rejoicing at the prospects of the new journey before us, and as we head out we will leave will full hearts and readiness for our new adventure.