this morning was the hanging of the greens at church. this sounds very fancy, but it was simply everyone gathering together to decorate for christmas. i was amazed that they made the wreathes themselves! now, i am an odditity in having made it out of northern minnesota without having made a christmas wreath before. i don't really know how that happened. i think it is because i never participated in youth group or girl scouts.

i told people that this is a normal activity for families and confirmation kids in minnesota. since the woods are...well, in the backyard.

one intrepid 9 year old decided to chat with me. my goodness she is a talker! i had a moment when i realized that i was probably like her when i was her age. chatty cathy.

i asked what she wanted to be when she grows up...she wants to be some sort of scientist. she really likes disecting things. i took the moment to say...ahh, i was very interested in studying neuropsych (brains), but then went to seminary. i told her i really want to disect a brain. this kid thought this was just the coolest thing. and proceded to tell everyone that the vicar wants to dissect brains. oops.


then...
she asked about the nose rings. inevitably happens. i made the mistake of telling her the very funny story about my brief flirtation with a lip piercing. the entire 5 day period. between amsterdam and berlin that my lower lip was pierced. she laughed at me and thought i was a little crazy. then...told her MOM! i tried to work the "it was not the best idea i have every had" angle. which it wasn't the best idea. it was cute though...briefly.

at least they like me!! their oddball vicar, but they like me. there are a fair amount of science people in the congregation, so i am very thankful for my psychology/research background. i may not get the same excitement from the type of science some folks do, but i get the fascination with wanting to understand.

i enjoy the congregation. they are sweet. they make me laugh. i like the energy of the kids. i like watching the families care for one another.