Lente, spring, was an easy Dutch word for us to learn because Lent, the English word for the 40 days before Easter, comes from the same Germanic roots. We now find ourselves in both Lent and lente. 

This year’s Carnaval prins and prinses (two more easy Dutch cognates) have put away their fancy costumes. Crocuses are blooming in the front yard, violets in the backyard, and we Christians are being called to “repent and live the Gospel.” 

I heard that phrase in an Ash Wednesday service years ago. I’m glad so many of you have taken it to heart. Because while violets are blooming here, our brothers and sisters in Eastern Europe are still looking at two more months of winter heating when wood is hard to find and prices keep climbing. Your generous financial gifts help our partners in Moldova deliver food packages to the most vulnerable members of their communities. Thank you.

Mary van Rheenen