Of Quiche, Coves, and Kings

This is Glencove, an idyllic little inlet near Key Center on Puget Sound not far from our home. We've canoed this little cove several times, and filmed the rich images underwater during low tide. Just beyond the entrance to the cove at the far end is a little lagoon that is protected from violent currants so the shellfish are abundant, colorful, and very beautiful. Beyond, in the open water, it can be so stormy that wind has frequently turned us back from exploring the shoreline. I told George that we must come back here in summertime, when the water is warm and it is 90 degrees, to have an adventure exploring.

Yet, here we were, the sun was sinking behind the hills, the water laying still at ebb tide, and all seemed right with the world. I noticed this lovely home nestled in Glencove, and walked along the highway near an old bridge. There is a comfort about these older homes, established, grounded, weathered and warm. I imagined the children playing outside in summertime, swimming and boating in the lagoon, flying kites in the pasture. How wonderful to have had memories here as a child.

George and I drove for several hours, past Horseshoe Lake, the Purdy Lagoon, through Port Orchard, along so many familiar backroads we've enjoyed over the years. Past the Banner Forest where we hike. Past old barns, cattle, pastures. We saw soggy patches of Skunk Cabbage with the bright yellow blooms, and plum trees and early rhodies in bloom. And today, we've finally gotten some persistent sunshine breaking through, so welcome after last week's hail, rain and snow!

We had our final days of teaching on Sunday, with all of our efforts focused on reconnecting with people who want more information on the Baha'i Faith. We dropped off some books, answered further questions, and set up times to visit again. The teaching team managed, in spite of some bitterly cold weather, to visit at least 65 households in Hilltop that show an interest in the Faith. Now when George and I drive through Hilltop on our way to the library or to go downtown, we point out the people we know, in 'that house', 'upstairs in that house', and on 'that corner'. We've come to appreciate so many new people in the neighborhood, and also value the efforts of our Baha'i friends who greeted our neighbors while walking door to door with us.

There were so many poignant memories of this experience. One of the most lasting for me was of a young Indian woman who greeted us, listened, then closed the door to her home while standing outside with us. As she stood on her porch she bowed her head, nodding in approval while we talked about the necessity of removing prejudice of all kinds - racial, religious, ethnic, intellectual, etc. I explained that there must be a spiritual solution to the economic problems afflicting our world today, that we must remove the extremes of wealth and poverty and create a more balanced society free of deceit and greed, and that governments and politics cannot necessarily bring this about. She listened so genuinely, with the most sincere respect. She said that her children were participating in a neighborhood Sunday school program, and I was so glad that she knew the importance of educating the children, especially the girls as they are responsible for so many things in family life.

Our home was the 'base of operations' on the weekend, and I took a lot of photos which I'll post in our Flickr account. Nancy here on the left provided brunch and dinners, getting up at 4:00 a.m. to prepare quiches, cornbread, and fruit salad, for all of us. This photo was just after she had delivered our dinner Friday night.

Just a few of my favorite shots: Betty, her new baby, and her sisters in the Joseph family.

Kip, listening to Anna's Presentation at Toby's. Kip recited several prayers in Samoan which is a beautiful-sounding language. The King of Samoa, King Susuga Malietoah Tanumahfili II, became a Baha'i in May 1973 and helped to place the foundation-stone at the Baha'i House of Worship in the city of Apia, Samoa in 1979. This House of Worship is referred to as the Mother Temple of the Pacific Islands.

And George, keeping the little ones entertained so the adults can talk. George took a week's vacation off from work so he could participate in the teaching efforts on Hilltop. It was an incredibly busy, intense week, and so satisfying.