build ups and beginnings continued...

3 Creeks (continued...)

here is a picture of what this place actually looks like right now. 

We returned from our time out in the Inyos a few days ago.  Here, by the side of the pond, we told our stories and supported each other in hearing and reflecting back the solo experiences we each had.  It was a strong and beautiful way to begin this pilgrimage and unite our team.

I am aware that there is so much for me to write about, and that I've had little time to update much of anything.  We've been meeting for many hours every day, creating group agreements, discussing itineraries and finances, and preparing for today's arrival of a youth group.  As part of Beyond Boundaries' initial work and offering, we are facilitating a youth rite of passage through the School of Lost Borders.  Gigi, Win, and myself are acting as guides, and the rest of the Beyond Boundaries team as assistants/interns.  We began today, and will work with the youth to undergo a similar process to the one the BB team just completed (3 days and nights of fasting alone in the wilderness).  For these youth the fast will be a process/challenge to confirm a step towards self-responsibility and adulthood.  On the final day, many of their parents and other family members will come to witness the telling of their stories.  It's a powerful ceremony and can be a very big deal for each them and their families.  We will be working with them for the next 10 days, 4 of which we will be back out in the Inyos, but this time I will be sitting in base-camp and eating while the youth are out alone.  :  )

Because of this busy schedule, I cannot write much more now.  I've got to get some sleep!  I plan to do a more general update soon (with things like a project description, an introduction of the other participants and links to their blogs, an itinerary and the likes).

For now, know that we have had a strong start and that we are doing well.  The bullfrogs around the pond are singing me to sleep tonight as they have each night I've been here.  The high desert air is warm and still, the milky way bright in a moonless sky, and a few crickets nearby add their flutes to the bellows, completing the chorus.  There is much to do in this world... and tonight, listening to the sounds and drifting off is all I can manage.