Well, that was certainly a Weekend of Activism, with Emmaline (aka ‘Trumpet Lady’) at the wheel (and standing on the accelerator pedal!). Two of my kids and I joined her at her regular protest, after which both kids were interviewed by MTV (honest!).  Sunday we prayed for immigrants and did what we could to make our voices heard to our representatives, which felt remarkably cathartic… and I think we inspired each other as we read our emails aloud afterward.  Then on Monday several of us followed Emmaline’s initiative to make 5 Calls to governmental representatives.  *whew*  That was a whirlwind... Read more

Last week, we had a great session of brainstorming toward a Common Table response to the humanitarian crisis at the southern US border (as well as the general treatment of immigrants in Maryland and Fairfax County).  And though we have historically had a marked bias toward personal involvement with affected individuals, we felt a solid consensus that in this case our first focus should be on our government.  Because it’s difficult for most of us to find the time and energy to contact government agencies and representatives, we’re holding our own feet to the fire, setting aside Sunday morning to... Read more

As I write this, I’m in my usual summer spot, at the pool while my children have swim and dive practice.  Thanks to the Father’s Day generosity of those same people I have a shiny refurbished Chromebook with which to formulate my thoughts.  It beats the heck out of typing with your thumbs.  Something really interesting is happening on the diving boards.  Last night was the first dive meet of the season, and it concluded with the very best divers performing astounding aerial acrobatics before they sliced into the pool with barely a splash.  So the younger divers might quite... Read more

Please pray for my children. For over fifty hours this week– and in their own home!— my dear progeny were deprived of television, phone, and internet communications of all kinds.  It wasn’t until Friday afternoon that the DVR display crackled to life showing “1:24” as we looked on, bathed in that beautiful light.  Exemplary father than I am, I needled them about their torturous two days, comparing it to my own summer days as a child when we were entirely deprived of those same things (well, technically my siblings and I were allowed to watch The Price is Right, but after... Read more