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Let’s Go to Oso

Frank & Mary Hammock

Where is Oso? Perhaps the more preferred question should be – What is Oso?

Nestled on private property with water and electrical amenities, and hidden from view of the mainstream world in the small community of Oso, Washington, God’s eternal presence settles like a fog conveniently within the natural surroundings of lush green deciduous trees, well manicured grassy lawns, young evergreens, and the Cascade Mountains beyond. Situated about 12 miles east of the town of Arlington in a valley of the Stillaguamish River, one cannot help but be humbled by such grandeur. Eagles soar overhead and fish frolic in the cool, refreshing waters. A variety of other birds and life compete for their daily bread amongst the foliage that enriches this outdoor garden that promises serenity to the troubled soul.

For some, it is a place to find answers – for others, a place of refuge. Each has his or her purpose, for the common good of God’s Kingdom on earth and the ministry we call the Worldwide Marriage Encounter. Yet, all walk away from the experience a little more enriched.

With the dawn of each morning, the music of birds and the soft murmur of the nearby river awaken the slumbering soul to the smells of time as bacon and coffee achieve their prominence to the senses. By dusk, subtle conversation and an occasional outburst of laughter emanate from a small central pavilion campfire or from one of the various other assembled campsites. In the still but shadowy surroundings, the sweet smell of wood burning smoke lingers in the air like an angel hovering unseen and a single halogen light illuminates the inevitable darkness like a soft but romantic moonlit night.

With all who are gathered in tents, campers, or RV’s, discussions abound from an update on family and lives in general, to local fishing, current events, and Marriage Encounter activities of the recent past, present, and future. Jokes, recipes, information, and stories are happily and freely swapped by day under the shade of a large maple tree, or by night under a star-studded sky. No one argues; complaints do not exist – and everyone’s voice is heard regardless of age. A sense of trust inhabits the environment and remains for the entire weekend like a benevolent disease with no cure or transition.

So, really – where is Oso? Well, still more appropriately – What is Oso?

Oso is paradise – a kind of “Eden” on earth where people still cherish, love, and respect one another unconditionally. It is harmony rolled over, shaken down, and brought together in a mixture of primordial energy and matter that has its origin from deep within the fabric of the cosmos. It’s an event where time seems to stand still and any forward progression is quietly measured only, yet prehistorically, by the rising and setting of the sun. It is but a small sanctuary from the modern world – an example to all of the way that our journey through life was meant to be lived, with Christ at the center and fabric of our being -- dwelling without distractions within the hearts of those who come annually to be filled with its song. And, in contrast, it is a place that fosters reflection, thought, and spirituality.

Quite simply – Oso is peace.

During the day, people while the hours by reading, sleeping, talking, playing volleyball or Bocce. Some do their crochet and knitting for relatives and friends, and still others take their portable water crafts up the river for a cool and refreshing ride back to camp.

On Saturday, in the early evening hours at the central pavilion, a wonderful potluck dinner is shared, bringing everyone together to savor a variety of palatable treats such as potato salad, fruit salad, a variety of desserts, watermelon, bean dip and chips, meats of many kinds, and more. This usually follows or is followed by a Mass, where a priest is brought in from a community to provide spiritual nourishment for this ambitious journey of love and ministry. Afterwards, a time of prayer and a rosary, dialogue, games, or other valued pastimes maintain the gathering and the fellowship within. As night wears on, a crackling fire warms the hearts and the evening as those gathered sit to enjoy a song or a laugh, roasting marshmallows and swatting mosquitoes with smiles on their faces and firelight dancing in their eyes. All are as welcomed as the night is long.

By Sunday, a sense of reality begins to set in that silently tells everyone it’s time to go home. We must return to the world from whence we came. Solemn and somber good-byes are exchanged along with hugs and thanks for simply being able to share another moment of time with good people and good hearts in God’s design. We have come together in the struggles of life for a brief moment of rest and enjoyed every minute of its offering. Couples and families then depart as randomly as they had come yet somewhere in the back of their minds, they will desire for a return to Oso next year – a return to paradise again to savor God’s eternal love and peace the world so often leaves out, a need that everyone truly yearns.

It is here that first-timers find a unique sense of happiness and a family they can truly call their own – and the old-timers continue to treasure with each passing year having already been to Oso.

See you next year – at Oso.
God bless.
Frank & Mary Hammock

Oso is an annual campout event every June for Worldwide Marriage Encountered couples and their families to gather for a weekend of fellowship, relaxation, rejuvenation, and fun. The families come from all over the Seattle Encounter area to relish in each others presence and love. It is a place where no one is judged by job titles, occupation, physical handicaps, or the type of car they drive. Even knowing people by name carries little significance. Concepts like selfishness and greed find no open heart to dwell during this event, and the challenging ideals of a constantly changing world remarkably dissolve almost completely away – replaced by the timelessness of love and peace within the gentle company of God’s people in a natural setting. Only an occasional passing vehicle on the nearby highway reminds us of the world we had just left behind to be filled and rejuvenated for our continued sojourn through life.

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