The Birders of Koinonia

I was pretty tired when I was uploading photos this weekend, so I thought I would add some thoughts about Koinonia and the birding experience there.



Koinonia is a retreat area founded by the Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church. It is an asylum out in the wilds of rural Minnesota between Minneapolis and Saint Cloud. A sanctuary in the woods, it has a wildlife preserve of around 100 acres and is a wonderfully hospitable resting place for those in need of spiritual and emotional nourishment. You can find more information about it here .

(By the way, for anyone interested, my blog entry for last years birding weekend can be found here. and here. ).

In looking back at those blogs, I am amazed at how much farther along Spring was last year. Thank goodness I have a better camera now and can get closer to the birds!!)

I have been to Koinonia several times for writing retreats and have always returned home content and invigorated. The time alone in the peacefulness of nature where one has space to think and return to mindfulness is one of the most fulfilling experiences that I know, but this is only a small part of the experience.

Another important aspect for me has been the people. Last year when I was at the retreat center working on a monstrous report for work, I encountered the Birders of HAUMC. They are a socially concerned, compassionate and caring group of people - and they are also a whole lot of fun.

I quickly deserted work on my report to go out traipsing in the woods with this fascinating, bubbly and extremely welcoming group of people. As I have gotten to know them I have discovered that their concern for the environment, for the homeless in their area and the well being of individuals in general is inspirational.

Here in no particular order are pictures of some of the people I have met at the Birding weekend. I am so sad that some of the people I have spent the most time conversing with were not well represented in my photos. Karen and Barbara, Kelly and Lee, Harlan, Kevin, Bob, Tom, Verda and everyone else (I can not remember everyone's names nor spell them), but you have left such important influences on me. I'm sorry I don't have pictures of everyone (at least not good ones) but here is a hint of a few of the people I got to meet this weekend.



This glowing woman is 93 years old and the author of at least three books including a novel she started in her 80s! What an inspiration - perhaps there is still time for me to finish that novel after all! Check out her novel Phoenix which involves the Chicago Fire of 1871 (The author's name is Vera Wright Aegerter).



Here are Kevin and Bob Janssen. Kevin has been instrumental in setting up the birding weekends and keeping things running smoothly. I only know Bob's name because he is a noted and notable author on the birds of Minnesota. He is one of several experts we have been fortunate enough to have along for the experience.



The meals by the way are amazing and the company exquisite - Tom (another expert birder) and Kelly having a serious discussion about birds? I wonder what he is saying?



Hmmm, maybe not....



Doesn't this look like a determined group of birders? (They ARE serious - it was cold and an ungodly hour in the morning. Okay, I'm sure they feel that it was a very godly hour and that there are no ungodly hours - but it was really, really early (for me anyway!)



Thank you everyone for your kindness, congeniality, inclusiveness and stimulation. Still, I have to end with the birds. These amazing creatures help us get out of our tiny little selves and open to the wonders of what is around us.

Here is one more shot of a white throated sparrow.



This phoebe lives near the retreat center and keeps a close eye on the goings-on.



And this is one of the most amazing little animals I have ever seen. Tiny, full of energy and curiosity. We could all learn a lot from the Ruby Crowned Kinglet:





Bye little friends and big friends - I can't wait to see you again soon.