Christmas 2022
Dear Friends,
We are currently writing from an area of the world known as “the end of the earth” - the tip of Cape Horn in South America! Even though we are navigating this “end,” we enjoy the opportunity for new beginnings and a new year, and all the hope that comes along with these.
Message from Charles:
A theme for me this year is the search for insight on the questions: “who am I, and what is the essence of life?” At our AirBnB at Apple Haven we host people from around the world. Over breakfast, we share conversations, not only about the weather and things to do in the Gettysburg area, but also learning about each other's lives, including highly personal topics such as what life means to us.
I asked a guest who is a renowned psychologist and professor to show me photos of him from different stages of his life. Looking at the photos, I asked him, “How can I believe that all three of these are the same as who you are now ? Here you see an innocent child, a handsome teenager, and a confident young man. They are each quite different from the other, and from who you are now, in your more advanced age.” The professor, after thinking for a moment, stated, “ Even though the body changes, the common factor of who we are over the years is Ruach – spirit and soul. This is the essence of who and what we are.” Knowing of the guest's professional writings, I replied, “But, in your publications there is no such statement.” The professor quietly answered, “If I would state this in my writings, I would not be able to keep my job.” (at an Ivy League university).
Holidays inspire us to take time to reflect on our life and who we are, underneath all the layers of “stuff:” our physical attributes, our possessions, and even our achievements (or failures). The Christmas Saga and the follow-ups presented in Biblical teaching and examples can summarized by this statement: “Would it be of help to you, if your conquer the entire world but at the same time lose your soul”? We have tried to keep this in mind so as to balance our active professional life with our personal life.
We are grateful to share with you some of our favorite moments, and hope that you will write back to share your own!
Message from Cecylia:
This year I fully participated in all the farm activities, while continuing to play concerts and teach privately. Especially rewarding were my concerts with Elizabeth in New Hampshire and Baltimore. We always included a set of Ukrainian songs, in solidarity with the Ukranian people. Our spirit of exploration led us to the “Lost River” Park in New Hampshire, where we crawled through a labyrinth of dark caves. In May, we also camped and visited National and State parks in Nevada and California. Recently, together with Elizabeth, we enjoyed the stunning views of Iguazu Falls, from both the Argentinian and Brazilian sides. We joined what seemed like the entire country of Argentina in their excitement to see their soccer team make it to the finals of the World Cup... and win! We relished the opportunity to learn about tango as well as other traditional Argentine dances (and musics). We also enjoyed meeting penguins, sea lions, elephant seals, and other amazing animals at the Valdez Peninsula (Patagonia). Frances, Emmanuel, and Elizabeth continue on with their successful careers. The highlights include a very busy summer teaching and performing at summer festivals (they were featured as a trio in festivals in Maryland, Nebraska, and New Hampshire), fall concerts at Lebanon Valley College, Dickinson College, and Elizabethtown College, and a tour of Lithuania with Charles (http://intermusearts.org/lithuania2022). Emmanuel and Frances premiered a duo for violin and cello by the renowned composer James Lee III. In addition to teaching, Emmanuel and Frances pursue the business of string instrument repair and sales (www.GraceAlbertStrings.com). Elizabeth continues to write music to inspire young musicians: her pieces have now been purchased by players and teachers in over 11 countries and 21 states!
Wishing you and yours a meaningful Christmas season with loved ones, and New Year full of new enthusiasm!
Charles & Cecylia
We are currently writing from an area of the world known as “the end of the earth” - the tip of Cape Horn in South America! Even though we are navigating this “end,” we enjoy the opportunity for new beginnings and a new year, and all the hope that comes along with these.
Message from Charles:
A theme for me this year is the search for insight on the questions: “who am I, and what is the essence of life?” At our AirBnB at Apple Haven we host people from around the world. Over breakfast, we share conversations, not only about the weather and things to do in the Gettysburg area, but also learning about each other's lives, including highly personal topics such as what life means to us.
I asked a guest who is a renowned psychologist and professor to show me photos of him from different stages of his life. Looking at the photos, I asked him, “How can I believe that all three of these are the same as who you are now ? Here you see an innocent child, a handsome teenager, and a confident young man. They are each quite different from the other, and from who you are now, in your more advanced age.” The professor, after thinking for a moment, stated, “ Even though the body changes, the common factor of who we are over the years is Ruach – spirit and soul. This is the essence of who and what we are.” Knowing of the guest's professional writings, I replied, “But, in your publications there is no such statement.” The professor quietly answered, “If I would state this in my writings, I would not be able to keep my job.” (at an Ivy League university).
Holidays inspire us to take time to reflect on our life and who we are, underneath all the layers of “stuff:” our physical attributes, our possessions, and even our achievements (or failures). The Christmas Saga and the follow-ups presented in Biblical teaching and examples can summarized by this statement: “Would it be of help to you, if your conquer the entire world but at the same time lose your soul”? We have tried to keep this in mind so as to balance our active professional life with our personal life.
We are grateful to share with you some of our favorite moments, and hope that you will write back to share your own!
Message from Cecylia:
This year I fully participated in all the farm activities, while continuing to play concerts and teach privately. Especially rewarding were my concerts with Elizabeth in New Hampshire and Baltimore. We always included a set of Ukrainian songs, in solidarity with the Ukranian people. Our spirit of exploration led us to the “Lost River” Park in New Hampshire, where we crawled through a labyrinth of dark caves. In May, we also camped and visited National and State parks in Nevada and California. Recently, together with Elizabeth, we enjoyed the stunning views of Iguazu Falls, from both the Argentinian and Brazilian sides. We joined what seemed like the entire country of Argentina in their excitement to see their soccer team make it to the finals of the World Cup... and win! We relished the opportunity to learn about tango as well as other traditional Argentine dances (and musics). We also enjoyed meeting penguins, sea lions, elephant seals, and other amazing animals at the Valdez Peninsula (Patagonia). Frances, Emmanuel, and Elizabeth continue on with their successful careers. The highlights include a very busy summer teaching and performing at summer festivals (they were featured as a trio in festivals in Maryland, Nebraska, and New Hampshire), fall concerts at Lebanon Valley College, Dickinson College, and Elizabethtown College, and a tour of Lithuania with Charles (http://intermusearts.org/lithuania2022). Emmanuel and Frances premiered a duo for violin and cello by the renowned composer James Lee III. In addition to teaching, Emmanuel and Frances pursue the business of string instrument repair and sales (www.GraceAlbertStrings.com). Elizabeth continues to write music to inspire young musicians: her pieces have now been purchased by players and teachers in over 11 countries and 21 states!
Wishing you and yours a meaningful Christmas season with loved ones, and New Year full of new enthusiasm!
Charles & Cecylia