[Spoiler alert: this article is going to be about issues of race and privilege.]

Things have been so intense that it would feel strange to write to you and not say something about what’s happening in the aftermath of George Floyd’s death. It has Mary and I (along with the kids) doing a lot of soul searching about how we can do our part to dismantle the systemic racism that pervades our country. So I’ve been thinking about the time that I was arrested and how it impacted my life for the better.

On the MIT side of things, wow, what an extraordinary semester it was! Like colleges everywhere, MIT’s campus was evacuated quite aggressively in mid-March. It was a messy process to be sure, but overall the Institute did pretty well in providing assistance with moving, storage and travel—as well as making accommodations for students who had very pressing reasons to stay on campus. 

I became a student again and life got really busy with reading, attending class, reading, writing papers—and lots and lots of reading. It was also a very interesting chance for the doctor to step into the patient’s shoes. After almost a decade and a half of supporting students, encouraging them in good work-life balance and proactive self-care, I got to try out my own medicine. Let’s just say it was a humbling experience! I’d give myself about a B- in terms of how well I adhered to the wellness principles that I espouse. And, if you were wondering, yes, the fact that I’m giving myself a grade is indicative of me being too preoccupied with grades. Old habits die-hard.

From Mary:
In all of the uncertainty that has been pervasive this spring, there has also been light in the darkness.  This time of quarantining and educating at home has reignited my passion for home education. We have found a rhythm that works for us and feels not only sustainable, but enjoyable. A few weeks ago Lily said to me, “mommy, I’m glad the sickness came because now I get to homeschool again and I don’t have to go to summer camp.” And in this time at home, we have discovered a previously hidden talent and passion of Ash’s – drawing! That boy has an eye for detail and has been impressing us with complexity of his artwork.

Perhaps at some point you may have wondered how the significant quantity of financial/administrative tasks of our ministry are handled? Things like bookkeeping, payroll, processing donations, reimbursements, etc. etc. Well, the staff of our amazing church, has quite generously shouldered this burden for the entire 14-year history of our ministry! We’re grateful for Reservoir Church on SO many levels, and this administrative support has certainly been one of them.