The Value-Added Visit

Nadya and me. October, 2010. The Bonus Blessing “St. Petersburg is amazing,” Pastor Robert said. “Could you please pass the rolls?”  I sat at the table, drifting on the buzz of happy conversation. Our friend Nadya, visiting from Moscow, had joined us for church that morning, along with our buddy Mike. After church, everyone returned […]


Just the Normal Noises

Stupid Phones. We’re Holdouts.  What Counts as Quiet? I paused in the parking lot of the suburban hotel and listened. I heard, and felt, music hurtling from a car on the street, subwoofer driving the bass beat into my bones. Somewhere on the sidewalk a woman laughed. The “Walk” signal at the intersection chirped out […]


Just the Normal Noises

Stupid Phones. We’re Holdouts.  What Counts as Quiet? I paused in the parking lot of the suburban hotel and listened. I heard, and felt, music hurtling from a car on the street, subwoofer driving the bass beat into my bones. Somewhere on the sidewalk a woman laughed. The “Walk” signal at the intersection chirped out […]


Are We There Yet?

Ayden and Rich at the Helm of Tohora Iti. Dana Point Harbor. June, 2009. Passage Making I was driving to my office the other day, a trip I’ve made five days a week for five years now. The route is familiar; if not for the occasional stray steer in the road at the crest of […]


Are We There Yet?

Ayden and Rich at the Helm of Tohora Iti. Dana Point Harbor. June, 2009. Passage Making I was driving to my office the other day, a trip I’ve made five days a week for five years now. The route is familiar; if not for the occasional stray steer in the road at the crest of […]