There was a christening tonight at the church. It was a nice ceremony. One of the women who works at the school as an aide brought her new baby in for baptism. There was a nice little crowd there, and everyone was in a pretty smiley mood. Lots of hugs and pats and oohs and aahs. Lots of little kids, which means future students. They all look so cute and innocent when they're young. What changes??
I don't go to church too much for the liturgy or the philosophy. I mostly go for the warm fuzzy feeling that I get from Father Vasily's warm greeting, or Father Victor encouraging Chelsea to move forward so she could see better. It is the feeling of invitation and inclusion. There is no reason that these folks have to be nice to me (well, that may not be entirely true...). The fact is, though, that they are. And I appreciate it trememdously. It is what has kept me here all of the many times that I wanted to quit. It is what keeps me here. It is what makes me love this place, despite all its problems, despite all its isolation. It is the warmth of the people who have accepted me into this community.
Don't overlook the fashion opportunities you have explored.
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