Ewok country

It's Katie.  Our trip is complete... mostly.  I'm sitting at the airport in Seattle, and if all goes according to plan will be home in Boston in 12 hours.  American Airlines was kind enough to call me at 5:30 this morning to let me know that my flight home was cancelled.  Not that I'm complaining... I'm just not looking forward to 12 hours of acting like a head-lolling narcoleptic as I repeatedly fall asleep on the plane.



On Sunday, Debbie and I went to the Pride Parade in San Francisco.  We attended the Eucharist service hosted by the Episcopal and Lutheran churches, and then watched the parade.  Attending the 40th Pride Parade was a remarkable experience, and we have 400+ photos to document it.  Debbie will have more about that later.

After the parade, we left San Francisco and drove back up to Santa Rosa to stay with Matt and the Brits.

(the ranch)

(the boots)

(the hat)

(the winnebago)

Once we peaced out from the ranch, we drove north to Crescent City, California, through redwood country.  I would have to say that Monday was probably my favorite day of driving - we saw the redwoods, the mountains, the rocky coast, and elk.  We stopped at the tourist trap of Chandelier Tree, which is a 2400 year old tree that is big enough that a car can drive through it (there's a hole in the bottom).

Standing beneath a living creature that is 2400 years old - older than the history of my faith tradition - put humanity in perspective to creation for me.  Touching this tree was a more sacred experience for me than any relic or church building I've ever encountered.

Crescent City was gorgeous too.  At the suggestion of Mr. Edwards, we made a bee line for Jedediah State Park (6 miles outside of Crescent City).  We also spent time at the coast.  (Again - see Debbie for photos.)

Allrighty - we're about to board.  More later, as I have a 5 hour layover in Chicago.

Yood-Hay-Vauv-Hay

We have been on the road so much for this trip, and especially the past few days, that I now remember time by location (LA, San Fran, on the road, etc.).  So much has happened (and we've been limited by internet connections) that we'll probably do a couple posts to make up for lost time.

Saturday:
We stayed Friday night with my cousin, Rebecca, and her husband, Josh.  I (Katie) don't get to see them hardly ever, and was grateful to get to spend time with them even if only for a few hours.  Rebecca gave us a tour of Fuller Theological Seminary, and then spoke to us about her church in Pasadena, Knox Presbyterian Church.

After lunch at Rebecca's, Debbie and I got on the road to San Francisco.  We opted to take Highway 1 north along the coast.  The experience was breath-taking, to say the least:

The closest thing I can compare driving along the 1 to is that of skydiving - beautiful, surreal, with an ever-present threat of death... and something I would do again in a heartbeat.

While on the road, we met Terry, the barista at a small roadside cafe (that sold gas for $4.71/gallon... ouch.).  He told us God's real name - pronounced "Yood-Hay-Vauv-Hay," which has been lost for thousands of years and obscured by the religious institution, so naturally we wouldn't have learned this in seminary.  Terry told us that if we want real power, use that name.  I must say I was tempted, as we rounded corners with sunlight directly in our eyes and the ocean directly below us.  

Originally a 7 hour drive, we finally arrived in San Francisco something like 10 hours later.  We crashed with my friend from college, Amy, who I also haven't seen in a long time!

Signaling is a Sign of Weakness II

We had two fantastic interviews today - one with Chuck Ryors, of Prism Church in Pasadena, and the other with Vilma Cruz Baez, of Pico Union Shalom Hispanic Ministries.  Both had incredible insight (theologically and practically), and started to answer my (Katie's) earlier question of what to do when conflict enters communion.  I look forward to transcribing and re-processing those interviews.

After our second interview, we went over to Venice Beach to explore.  It's beautiful and fun (but I think I still like NC beaches better).

After that, we spent 75 minutes in traffic as Debbie heroically fought our way over to Pasadena (we're staying with my cousin Rebecca and her husband Josh tonight).  Good goo, WHO planned this city, and why have they not been tried for cruel and unusual punishment?  I spent about 74 of those 75 minutes meditating on which would be worse - having to live in New Jersey or drive in LA.  Jury is still out on that one.

On our first date, we went to Mass!!!

Debbie introduced me to the show "Saving Grace" today.  It's not only got Holly Reed, the voice of Elastigirl (from the Incredibles, which is my (Katie's) favorite movie), it's also got a guardian angel, cops, and some ridiculous writing (lines such as the title of this post).

We spent more time on the road yesterday, driving from Berkeley to Burbank (just outside of LA).  The road and the landscape were, of course, epic.  Seriously - it blows my mind every time we get in the car and drive how BIG this country is, and how quickly it CHANGES.

The Brits were making fun of us for critiquing cities based on the coffee they offer.  But friends, pause a moment and let me preach you a good word.  I have the gospel of coffee with me, and it has led me far and wide.  I thirst for that caffeinated deliciousness that takes me from zombie-asleep to gleefully awake.  And I tell you what:  Philz Coffee in Berkeley is pretty much the best coffee I've ever had in my life.  Ever.  (Debbie agrees, and she knows coffee way better than I do.)

And, per a request from my mom, here's a picture of the two of us, so you now know what we look like! 

This here is Debbie.

And here's Katie.

And Katie (left) and Debbie (right).

But now for some more thoughtfully serious meditations.

In a time of prayer with our friends at the Church of the Undignified in Seattle, one member advised us to stop for everyone who God highlights for us... and keep an eye open for shirtless homeless Navajo men in front of barns in rural areas.  Every time we pass a barn, or see a hitch hiker, or encounter homeless people, I perk up.  Is this one the one we've been looking for?  So far, we've met a handful of wandering spirits - people asking for help at rest stops (to repair broken alternators), people in front of CVS asking for a ride (in the opposite direction we're going), people on the street in Berkeley looking for someone to talk to and some means to make it through the night.  However, as of yet, no shirtless homeless Navajo men in front of barns.

Now, the people we've met: Are they honest about their situation?  I don't know.  Are they more deserving of help than the homeless I encounter daily in Boston? Nope, probably not.  Encountering them does throw a bit of a wrench in our ongoing hospitality thesis, though.  What do you do when offering hospitality isn't easy?

If there's anything I've learned in graduate school, it's how to problematize the seemingly obvious - complicate that which is "natural" and "common sense."  It's struck me throughout our travels and our conversations that the diversity we encounter is mostly theological, and barely socio-economic, racial, or linguistic.  And if there's anything I learned from my time in Cuba, it's to intentionally look for the things that we do not see.  So:  who are the groups for whom offering us hospitality would be a challenge?  Who are the communities for whom offering hospitality to the outside is a fundamental threat to their existence?  How do you offer hospitality when the "guest" has more power than you?  How do you offer hospitality when conflict has entered the communion?

In a twist of fate, it worked out that my friend from Carolina, Susan Huckle, is living in Hollywood and currently in a production of Rocky Horror Picture Show.  We got to see her perform the role of Janet last night.  We had a blast - it's such a crazy show with colorful characters on the stage and in the audience.  Going to the show was initially just a fun break from driving and deconstructing for the past six days, yet I could help myself thinking about Frank-n-Furter's problematic "hospitality."  Talk about a host with the most - offering way more than anybody ever wanted or asked for.

I don't have any kind of conclusion for this train of thought, but we'll see where it goes!  (Somebody contribute something thoughtful!)

But, you know who is another host who offers way more than you ever asked for?  Kafka.




No, not this Kafka -

THIS Kafka.  Kafka (the Cute) is Mollie's dog (the picture just doesn't do her justice).  Mollie is our host for a night here in Burbank, CA.  Mollie is a friend of my former boss, Becca, from ASP. 

Up today - three more interviews, staying with my dear cousin Rebecca, exploring LA, and just another day in paradise.

Signaling is a sign of weakness.

For me (Debbie), as this is my 23rd day on the road (the first two weeks of June were spent in Colombia), my energy levels are pretty dang low. But I'm going to do my best to recap yesterday and today for all you loyal followers.

Yesterday afternoon, Katie and I made the short drive from Santa Rosa in Napa Valley to the wonderful home of our new friend Pepe and his housemates in Berkeley. Though neither Katie or I had ever met Pepe (a contact through Katie's connection to Appalachia Service Project, and yet another ginger...), we were welcomed into his community with an AMAZING meal and enlightening conversation.

More and more, we are beginning to see the central role of hospitality to both communion and community. The act of breaking bread with another (whether sacramental or sacrilegious) is an act of truely welcoming the other. But hospitality, however, is the condition that makes this communion (material or relational) a possibility. In other words, hospitality is the nature of the table.

Truthfully, despite our quite expensive graduate training, this was not the lesson we anticipated, nor is it something we really understand yet. We'll let you know more as we think this through...

In other news, today we conducted interviews with the Rev. Mark E. Stanger, Canon Precentor at Grace Cathedral, and another with Dr. Philip Boo Riley, Associate Professor of Religious Studies at Santa Clara University. Our blossoming understanding of the relationship between corporate religious identity, faith, liturgy, nationalism, and the mystery of the divine, was really challenged through these interviews. Rev. Stanger at Grace Cathedral brought a new perspective for us with his beautiful portrayal of the liturgical life of this historic San Francisco church. (Seriously, the physical space that this congregation inhabits is stunning, and Rev. Stanger and the leadership at Grace Cathedral take risks in making this a place of meaningful and faithful worship. Go visit!!)

After our trip to Grace Cathedral, our conversation with Dr. Riley opened up new insights into the spiritual life of the Silicon Valley. Dr. Riley and his students have been working hard to forge new and meaningful relationships with members of other faiths in this area, and his insights opened up the many issues central to their work. Immigration, food insecurity, human traffiking, and worker rights are only a few of the issues that arise in the multi-faith conversations happening in and around the South Bay area. Dr. Riley's contributions have given Katie and I quite a lot to think about as we consider Christian communion and community in a global reality marked by pluralism.

(Note from Katie Cole: Dear Dr. Bryan Stone, We found you a new best friend at Santa Clara. Introductions will follow. Hope Boston is swell!)

Honestly, every interview we've had so far has been overflowing with theological content. Everyone has been open to our quirks and questions, and has responded with incredible vunerability. We're happy that things are going so well. Overall, today was an incredibly productive day. Great interviews. Great weather. And, from the smells in the kitchen, a forthcoming great dinner.

Finally, our lesson of the day? Well, it's really just an affirmation of some wise advice from Mr. Don Edwards regarding driving in southern California.... "signaling is a sign of weakness."

Lots of Love!!! (KC and DB)

In 506 miles, turn right

(Katie)

I woke up this morning in a Winnebago camper on a retirement community for distressed horses (organic ranch) in Santa Rosa, CA.  My waking thoughts were, "yup.  this is real."

Debbie and I drove from Gresham, Oregon, to Santa Rosa, California, to meet up with Matt, Debbie's boyfriend.  Matt is working through WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) as a WWOOFer, living on this ranch and caring for the horses.  Matt introduced us to his friends, Mark and Tasha, who are seven months in to traveling the world.  (Anybody need a car driven across the country?  They're looking for a way to get to Boston/New York.)  In exchange/gratitude for being able to stay here last night, we shoveled the horse stalls this morning.

The drive yesterday was epic in mileage, landscape, and conversation.  The last 100 miles or so were crossing over mountains with crazy, windy roads.  It felt like I was back in eastern Kentucky, but thankfully there were no coal trucks.

(The battery on my computer is low, and my internet connection is limited, so pictures of the road will have to wait.)

Before leaving Oregon, we had a fantastic interview with Todd and Laura Bartlett, who are the Director and incoming Program Director for Collins Retreat Center, and also STH alum.  As Laura and Todd reflected on their work of providing a space of Christian hospitality, it struck me how this trip would be impossible without hospitality - indeed, this trip is exemplifies hospitality.  I've been thinking through the theological and doctrinal differences we've encountered so far... in some places (such as the theology surrounding the communion table), unity in doctrine is highly unlikely if not unattainable.  Yet, everyone we have met - regardless of theology - has welcomed us.  Maybe that's where the hope for reconciliation, justice, healing, and ecumenism can come from: hospitality.

As Laura also pointed out, it was only when the travelers on the road to Emmaeus broke bread and offered hospitality that their eyes were opened to the presence of God.

Spud, have you seen the 12 inch high doll of me dressed as snow white?

Another rainy day in Seattle... Though everyone keeps telling us that this is "unusual" weather for a Northwest Pacific summer, the continual rain makes coffee, tea, and inside conversation much more pleasant and necessary.

This morning started with a quick pack up at Maggie's and then off to church at 9. We were slightly (and if you know me [Debbie] and my many panic-inducing fears, you know I'm understating this fact) derailed by the perceived loss of our beloved GPS system, now dubbed "Francois". But made it to Bethany Presbyterian only moderately behind schedule. We arrived in time to witness the communion service and sermon, which illuminated our conversation with Kimberlee on Friday.

Katie says that one of the highlights of our trip so far was participating in the communion service at Bethany Presbyterian Church in Seattle. Though communion and community are the subjects of our r

esearch, we will unfortunately be unable to participate in most of the communion practices of the communities we will meet.

After church, we were pleasantly surprised by the quality of coffee delivered to us by a hungover barista at El Diablo Coffee Company, which is conveniently located directly across from the church.

Then it was a quick drive across town to drop off the parking pass loaned to us by our savior, Mia (who will hopefully become a fast new friend next time we are in Seattle and can align schedules).

And then... the road.

The drive to Portland was... you guessed it... rainy. But in only 3 hours we arrived at the gorgeous home of Mr. and Mrs. Edwards (the proud and hilarious parents of our own STh'er, Stephanie Edwards).

I'm pretty sure they served us the most delicious meal we will receive on our journey: BACON(they must have known I would be j

oining them) wrapped steak , rice, salad, strawberry shortcake, coffee, and wine, which of course, was only made more pleasurable by the presence of the famous "Unc" and some amazing stories about the sordid past of their favorite daughter.

("Unc", by the way, is Stephanie's great

-uncle. Among his many fields of expertise, he specializes in knitting the most comfortable and cozy sock-slippers for his niece and her acquaintances. Trust me, they are AMAZING!!! See Stephanie for details.)

After dinner, we stopped off at the Ginger House. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, the current domicile of our very own Kevin and Bethany Dirksen, our favorites among the ginger community. As always, seeing a friendly face in a new environment is always such a joy. After a few laughs with the Dirksen family, we retired for the night, in Stephanie's bed (definitely the most comfortable bed I've slept in in weeks).

Tomorrow (today), Monday will be a day of driving as we leave the Portland area and head to Santa Rosa, California. Before the drive we will have a quick interview with Todd and Laura from Camp Collins. But you probably won't hear details until Wednesday as we will be far from the reach of the interwebs.

Until then... "embrace the strange." (our trip motto)

Immaculate Sinners, meet the Solstice Celebrants.

Giant buildings to attract tourists, amazing coffee, farmers markets and coops throughout the city, small business cashiers who don't glare when you just come in to ask for change, exquisite cupcakes, great radio stations, a little neighborhood just for hipsters (apparently, the general public really doesn't enjoy the crusty mustache).... Seattle: a great city.

As today is our final day in the wonderfully rainy city of Seattle, a little recap is in order. So here we go....

Thursday: After about ten hours in transit from Boston to Seattle, and after about 2 hours of negotiating our car rental, we finally made it to Maggie's apartment and were able to catch our breath. The three of us went out to dinner and Susan met up with us, giving us a general survey of the city before we embarked on our first interviews the next day.

Friday: Intense yet illuminating, Friday was full of interviews. We had our first interview with G DeCastro, the Director of Liturgy (in Campus Ministry) at Seattle University. We had never done an interview before, and he was very gracious as we worked through the kinks in our process. He offered fascinating insight to the worship life of students at the University.

Afterward, we booked it from the University down to Pike's Place Market and trolled around a bit - it's a packed place full of incredible smells (bakeries, chocolate, flowers, and FISH). Susan then took us to meet her friend, Kimberlee, who is an elder in Bethany Presbyterian Church. She served a few years ago as the elder for Christian Education.

In the course of conversation with Susan afterward, Katie mentioned something about a charismatic Presbyterian organization run by her uncle. Susan perked up, and it turns out that PRMI Dunamis project was instrumental in the life of Bethany Presbyterian. Turns out Susan had met Katie's uncle, too. Small world!

Susan then took us on a tour of Queen Anne (where Bethany is situated), and then we walked down to Fremont - a crazy neighborhood with a giant troll under the brigde and an awesome stringed instrument store.

Our final interview of the day was with a small church named Church of the Undignified. They meet on Capitol Hill on 21st ave, over by Central Cinema on Sunday mornings. We met them on Friday night at their Healing House, which is just down the street. It's an intimate young congregation with (adorable) young children. They gather on Friday to pray together and pray for the direction of their church. We had the opportunity to attend their prayer meeting, in which their prayers and interpretations intertwined with our interview.

Susan mentioned something that all our other interviewees echoed: Practicing Christianity (or any faith) in Seattle is an intentional choice - you don't have cultural christians with cultural expectations like you do on the East Coast. For some, that means a positive opportunity to create an intentional space and life for something new; for others, that means that practicing Christianity here is to be surrounded by an "anything goes" spiritual climate.

I'm beginning to wonder what would happen if we could pick up and rearrange all the people we've met thus far, and put them in new environments (like the culturally christian South). What would get to them first - the culture of being Christian, or the humidity?

Saturday: Saturday morning, we walked to Pike's Place Market before going to the Summer Solstice Festival with some of Debbie's friends (Michael and Carissa).

The Summer Solstice parade was AWESOME - incredible floats and great music. It was pretty crazy too - naked men in body paint cycling along, belly dancers of all belly persuasions, Pastafarians blessing the crowd with pasta while also threatening us with a giant Spaghetti Monster... check out the pictures (and forthcoming video), as they'll probably speak better than our words can.

Sunday: Today, we're going to worship at Bethany Presbyterian, and then drive on down to Portland to stay with Mr. and Mrs. Edwards.

Sleep(ful) in Seattle

We made it to Seattle, we have all our luggage, we got our car (now dubbed "Rhonda"), and we made it to Maggie's apartment.  Life is good.

I think the indignance induced by airport travel (ahem, SFO and that CREEPY new scanner at BOS) brings out my Southern heritage - I find myself wanting to tell people how they should behave.  Oh well... you learn something new about yourself when you travel, right?

I like Seattle - at first glance, it has a perfect combination of city, mountains, and coffee.   The people are nice too - we asked for change for a $20 bill at a store, and the clerk happily offered it to us.  I explained to her that I'm from Boston, where these things just don't happen... and then I had to explain out of my accent that I'm not from Boston, I just live there.

We have a full day of interviews tomorrow, and will be exploring the city with Susan and later with Maggie.

Road Map

Holy cow we're leaving on THURSDAY!!!

This is what the trip looks like so far:

BOSTONflyingSEATTLEdrivingPORTLANDdrivingdriving

BERKELEYandSANFRANCISCOdrivingdrivingLOSANGELES

drivingdrivingdrivingSANTAROSAdrivingdrivingdrivingSEATTLEflyingBOSTON.

(it's a blur.)

Some explanation is due as to what we're actually doing. Debbie and I (Katie) are interested in exploring how people of faith relate to each other around the communion table, and how that translates into community life. We figured the best way to figure this out would be to leave the classroom, drive around the country, and ask people ourselves.

We have our hypotheses and identified our variables, but we are eagerly anticipating surprises. Who knows what we'll find, but I'm looking forward to hearing some good stories. As we drive, we'll post to the blog, and ultimately create a photo-documentary outlining our findings and experiences.

This trip is funded by the Boston University School of Theology Springboard Funding Committee, and is an independent theological action-reflection project (which is a fancy way of saying, this isn't institutional research - we're just curious students).

Questions? Thoughts? Inspirations? Recommendations? Post away.