From Here To There, Northwest

We’re absolutely amazed by the weaving together of the saints. We continue to find refuge as we make our way down the west coast. Our first stop was Seattle, WA, where we stayed with the brave Susie and Brian. I say brave, because they had the guts to allow us to park right out in the middle of their cul du sac and it was a perfect fit. Susie is the mother of our dear friend, Katie and she had that hip grandmotherly hospitality that made us feel welcomed and loved.

Once in the Seattle area, we connected with Clint McCune, a fantastic musician and the owner of Soulfood Books for a performance. Clint performs the first friday of every month and invites a guest artist to join him. We  were totally humbled by Clint, the staffs and listeners openness and encouragement. It was a delight to be in community with them all. We also found a listening ear regarding the opportunity to link up with Kabum Coffee International and Hope Africa Child Development Program.

On a side note, we were able to reconnect with the Sergotts, from Green Bay. They are in the process of moving to Seattle and Banjo was able to enjoy some time with his friend Eli. Serendipity! It was one more reminder that we are not in this alone.

The next day we had some family time at the breathtaking Snoqualmie Falls.

Later in the day we visited the Northwest Railway Museum. There was something  sensational about those old cars. The history rich and the memories are laced into the decrepit metal frames.

    

A quick stop at the local thrift store and we were on to our show at the Black Dog. This local venue is home to all of the creative types in Snoqualmie. It’s warm and straight up good vibes.

2/5/12 Sunday morning we hit a little hick up when the pin in our trailer went out. Quick stop to the auto parts store and we were on our way to La Center, WA to stay with a couple referred by another couple referred by another couple who own the Green Plow. It’s the small world and we are so thankful for open minded folks like the Marianu’s.

Monday night we played a little community show in Portland with our dear friends Destroy Nate Allen and Tues. night our gracious hosts had a few folks over for “dinner and a song.”

Today is a day of rest, school and general catching up. On Friday we head to Zigzag to play at one of our favorite Global~Local joints, The Skyway Bar and Grill and then on Sat. we will be in Lake Oswego, OR for a full family performance at the River Ridge House Concert Series. If you live in these parts come have a sing with us before we head south.

~peace~

The Hollands!

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Fly Birdy Fly

As we leave our little nest, a small piece of us remains in Sisters, OR. What a joy to stumble into community in such a rich way. The relationships established in the past four months are eternal and we are so grateful to be apart of a larger movement of health and reconciliation.

When we came we had a shell of a bus, the shirts on our backs and a glimpse of a vision. Thanks to the generosity of the community at VAST, we leave with electricity, a beginning of a kitchen, bedrooms, bike rack and an eco-toilet (gift of ALTREC), our belly’s full and a clearer understanding of our purpose and direction. We also leave with a continued partnership with KABUM COFFEE INTERNATIONAL, a world-class coffee organization.

We are team players and it is most exciting to partner with a global/local organization that is legitimately doing amazing things one village at a time. Kabum is a “True Trade” group that is building community in Uganda. They are offering real financial opportunities to local farmers and families. They are partnered with Hope Africa Child Development Program and together they are supporting one of the most impoverished areas in Uganda.

“Arise, Ye Sons and Daughters, lend a helping hand.” That’s what we sing. It is an encouragement to partner with Kabum and we are delighted to share them with you.

Learn more and consider sharing their efforts with your local roasters. Link up with Hope Africa Child Development Program and join us in the process of building this global/local community.

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