Do you have a favorite place within the Prairiewoods land? A special spot? A reflection area where you feel especially at home? Maybe under a particular pine tree. Or at the center of the labyrinth. Maybe sitting on one of the logs encircling Grandmother Oak … The prayer circle in the woods. Sitting on the founder’s bench, beside a whispering willow tree. Or swinging gently under a bur oak …
Come to think of it, I couldn’t pick a favorite spot because I love them all uniquely. And equally. They’re all my favorites! And, I love the land as a whole. I remember four years ago when I first started working at Prairiewoods, getting to know the land was (and is) such a special, quiet joy. It is a connection that is always deepening and growing. It’s like a friends-and-family gathering every day. Every moment. Any moment. A whole ecosystem of loved ones coming together, again and again.
The other day I was visiting with Dry Creek, noticing her expansiveness and her many dimensions. There is a special place along the water that I like to visit, where the land dips and curves. You know the place, I’m sure. Sometimes I stand near the edge of the water at that very spot. Sometimes I sit on the bench. Whenever I visit Dry Creek I am very much with a friend. We recognize each other. We both have our moments. There is silence. There is quiet conversation. There are no words. There is understanding. It’s like we’re in prayer together every time we meet. Blessing each other silently and forever.
—Angie Pierce Jennings, Prairiewoods hosted groups and hospitality coordinator