in the absence of city, cars, and campers, it is quiet. it is dark, except for soft glow of windows and starlight.
it has been a long day for many of us. time spent traveling, packing, unpacking, driving, unloading uhauls, waiting for dinner. there’s a slight buzz, a seeing-something on the horizon, as everything is prepared. minds, boxes, signage.
once the meetings are done, we eat, we laugh, we share, we lay on the floor and stretch, we finish setting up our tents and bedspaces. and just as quick as the day came and went, with all its chaos and excitement, the many concurrent conversations dissipate, leaving our forest in silence in the darkening night. tomorrow, more meetings, more work, more to prepare. but tonight is gentle and steeped in a golden light of connection.
we’ll see you soon.
— Merle Van Brink, Jr. Staff