WOW, did we get some serious work done. At the end of the week your friendly photographer was ready for a rest. People were working at so many tasks all over the Village and beyond. It was great fun trying to keep track of 140 work campers and especially to record the amazing spirit present in all the crews.

People really had fun - and not only on the job. Most found time and space for solitude in our wonderful valley and all enjoyed renewing old friendships and making new ones.

The Promises of God fed us all week. Each morning after a couple of hours of work,we feasted at Fred Niedner’s marvelous Bible studies, and the Proclamation at vespers shaped our common life.

After the work day was over, so many sought out the wondrous sessions with David and Rebecca Wee and Paul Olsen. “The Gospel lives by controversy:” It’s still true at Holden Village and what lively conversations there were, lasting on into late evening saunas.

Oh, yes we certainly did feast in the dining hall. The kids were a joy. Their spirits lifted us up again and again. As we worked the plants grew, the birds flew and nature’s wonderful patterns surrounded us.

We all laid claim to our little part of the gift this week and we leave with the memories of time well spent and people well met. Thanks be to God for the Gift of this 2010 Work Camp.

For a full set of photos illustrating the range of work and Holy Hilarity’s enlivening presence, see our Work Camp photo set on Flickr.