Being stewards of the land and property where we currently live in Arizona, we envision several ways of sharing hospitality and querencia—a place where people feel safe, secure, and at home.

For example, we’ve begun marking the Solstices and Advents in the desert by hosting a small gathering of diverse people in our life. Each person brings a story, memory, poem or a passage corresponding to the season. We were shown this practice by a couple in Oregon and have brought it to Arizona.

Additionally, I am part of a poetry critique group that meets virtually twice a month. It includes two members in Oregon and one in Virginia. We’ve agreed to schedule an in-person writing retreat for three-days in the desert.

Possible future directions include collaborating with my wife offering day retreats for practitioners and caregivers in the areas of medical, mental health, education and/or ministry.