I remembered a Bible verse from my childhood sunday school days reading Lace’s words about hope. “Hope does not disappoint,” are the words I remembered. I went and GTS’d it (google that shtuff…it’s been a long time since Sunday school), but the gist of what the verse speaks to I think is that the reason hope doesn’t disappoint is because it’s eye is on something bigger than ourselves. That seems to relate here. There have been many times of hardship here, most especially for Lace, but hope does not disappoint when the focus is on something bigger than ourselves, on love, on mitigating harm, on building relationship, on healing. That sure sounds like stuff that won’t disappoint, not one bit.

Also as always love hearing our our community partners! It’s an honor walking and growing here with you all. ?

I also do not find it discouraging to be pursuing goals that will not be realized in our lifetimes. I have no expectations of being the “hero” who does it all herself when no one else can and is remembered in the history books. It is a way of life to follow the North Star, to get up and do what needs to be done in whatever particular ways I am called to because of my particular place on Earth and then to go back and repeat again the next day. There is no end date on my calendar.

I also really enjoyed that component of the trivia and hunt, of going back to older posts and reflecting on my own growth in this community and my NS orientation. I am a safer person for BIPOC because of the two+ years I’ve been in LoR. I am – and will be – a better parent to my half-khmer child because of what I have learned from Lace and all of you. While ws won’t end in our lifetime, I’m dedicating the rest of my life to mitigating it and lessening it both for my child and ALL the children who will be growing up in the mess that we’ve allowed to thrive.

I also really enjoyed that component of the trivia and hunt, of going back to older posts and reflecting on my own growth in this community and my NS orientation. I am a safer person for BIPOC because of the two+ years I’ve been in LoR. I am – and will be – a better parent to my half-khmer child because of what I have learned from Lace and all of you. While ws won’t end in our lifetime, I’m dedicating the rest of my life to mitigating it and lessening it both for my child and ALL the children who will be growing up in the mess that we’ve allowed to thrive.

Establishing good roots for the legacy that will grow many shoots and trees focuses on the process of change and building while working towards ending white supremacy. I want to be relentless with the community in taking one step at a time. I feel my own new shoots, and although no one else can do it for me, Lace is always there to remind me about the fertilizer and the tools. Thank you for creating the orchard, inviting us in, and loving it so hard, Lace. Love the community partners (always do!) and hope we can work together to make budget this month.

I always love to read about the community partners. It’s a great introduction to people doing good work. I enjoyed the games even when I didn’t do very well. I’m committed to being a safer version of myself and helping my teenagers to do the same.