Saturday afternoon: A barn with sunlight streaming through the planking. A dozen children, teens, and adults drum for us, while we sway in rhythm on hay bales. Four girls dance on the hay strewn floor. Their leaders speak of gifts and community. All are asked to reflect on the gift of this day, the meaning of such a gathering. A leader speaks of how the rhythm of these African drums were inspired by the rhythms of nature. How when the drums stop, we'll hear the rhythms outside, if we just listen. I take it all in thinking, thinking of how I'll keep this beat with me today, tomorrow.