Our Interests

Poetry events are a favorite pastime, from Smith College right down the street, to festivals and conferences in places like Chicago, New Orleans, and London. We're just as happy, though, to spend a quiet evening at home, with Adam playing music on his iPad and Jendi making bead jewelry.

Jendi has published three poetry books and several short stories, and is working on a novel. She loves making comfort food (her pecan sticky-bun cookies are a favorite with friends), shopping for new perennials for her garden, and singing at her Episcopal church. Daily prayer helps her deepen her connection to other people and surrender the uncertainties of life to God—an essential support in the adoption journey.

Adam is the technical one, always trying out new computer gadgets and programs. He's actively involved in our neighborhood association's efforts to protect our urban trees and wetlands. Both of us are also strong supporters of our town's GLBT population and have taken part in marches and rallies for equal rights. Adam relies on his Buddhist meditation practice to keep him grounded and peaceful. In a few short years our living room has already hosted a remarkable array of Bible study groups, meditation center board meetings, city councilors, and strategy meetings with neighbors.

Our spiritual paths are different but complementary. The style of Buddhism practiced in Adam's community is known for its simplicity, humility, and accepting nature. Their tradition emphasizes the quiet cultivation of mindfulness and compassion. Rituals are simple and few. It's common for people to participate in the meditation center at the same time as they practice other religious traditions. It's a comfortable fit with Jendi's Christianity. Her church is stronger in its holiday celebrations, rites of passage, and programming for children. Having knowledge of each other's traditions has deepened our insights into both, and it helps curb any excess of pride, intolerance, or exclusivity.