The buzzing of the chainsaw, the flurry of sawdust and the sound of trees being felled. The hoots of the geese, the splash of puddles, laughter and working together. These were the sounds experienced by core members and assistants during our 2020 trip to Mount St. Helens.

In this time of physical distancing, the familiarity of the community’s annual journey to see the “Greens Guy” meant so much more to everyone this year. Masked and grouped safely in household or work pods, farmers, assistants, and core members drove south on their first adventure off the L’Arche campus in a long time.

It was a gift to be up in the mountains. The purpose was to gather 1,000 pounds of fresh greens to make holiday wreaths for the friends and family of L’Arche Tahoma Hope. In the gathering of the greens there was cutting, trimming, poking and fluffing (thanks Leana!). L’Arche community members, once again, reconnected with the earth and shared life together.
The journey of the greens wasn’t over yet. The holiday wreaths that will be fashioned from these greens have the important task of bringing hope and holiday cheer to L’Arche homes and the homes of family and friends. We are grateful that we were able to continue this tradition in 2020.