This past Wednesday saw a large crowd coming together to joyfully celebrate the milestone of completing our first year together! It’s difficult to convey to all of you how much the support and goodwill you have shared with us has enriched the lives of many. We began the day as usual, welcoming folks in from the cold Vermont winter, sharing coffee and conversation. But this week we’ve also been displaying dozens of Peacemaker quilts in the space. They brought in lots of color and have been wonderful conversation starters. After midday mindfulness and some soup, we gathered in the main room to celebrate. The director of our local department of children and families, Andrea Grimm told the group that on any given day, about 590 children are in foster care in Vermont and about 55 living in and around Middlebury. Joshin then told of his own experience, having adopted his sons from the foster care system and how foster children clung to the few possessions that accompanied them (often carried in a plastic garbage bag). Knowing these gorgeous and colorful works of fabric art were to become treasures of warmth and comfort for foster children brought tears to many eyes. Chocolate cake and conversation capped off this heartwarming and special celebration made possible by this wonderful sangha.
Community as Peacemaking
May 31, 2024
