This morning began with bright Colorado sunshine. Last night, Susan and Tom Falk opened up their home in Boulder County to Daniel, Elijah and me. The Falks live on a 95 acre farm. They have three boys, an affectionate boxer named Nala, and a knack for hospitality. For breakfast we chose from three different types of granola with blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, and bananas to pile on top. Susan also cooked bacon to go with eggs and toast.
After breakfast, Susan gave us a ride back to Denver. We arrived at First Mennonite Church at 8:30am, and an hour later we were ready to perform. Everything went well. I felt especially energized by our performance of Salve Regina.
After the service we enjoyed a bountiful lunch and loaded up the van to head South. We arrived at the Garden of the Gods around 1:30, and the sun was still shining. We enjoyed two hours in the brisk air, marveling at ancient stream-beds pushed upright over 275 million years.
We arrived at Beth-El Mennonite Church around suppertime. After an hour of rehearsal and a hearty meal (taco bar!) we prepared for the evening’s concert with time of meditation and reflection led by members of the choir. After the concert, Gabe Beck, Matthew and I paired up with Fred, our host for the night.
Over ice cream and other late night snacks, Fred told us about his son’s business, Rawtools, in which he and his son Mike forge weapons into farm tools and artwork. Shotgun barrels and ‘22s become heart necklaces and garden forks.
I went to bed exhausted, inspired, and grateful.
– Gabe Miller
