Dear Friends,
As the year 2022 is coming to an end, we would like to share with you how we are doing in Dechen Chöling at this quiet time.
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One more year has passed and luckily Dechen Chöling can continue to benefit from the presence of Alain, who has been our maintenance person for a long time now, working as a guardian of the place and emergency – savior during programme season! He not only takes care of the buildings but also of the people around and the practice community. He will always make space for a good – sweet conversation. |
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As there is no cook at the moment, the staff is self-organized. Luckily we have Iryna, who has been cooking amazing ukrainian recipes everyday. For those of you who don’t know, Iryna is a courageous and kind Ukrainian woman that has been living with us since July. Iryna is a buddhist and Shambhala member of the Ukrainian sangha, and that’s how she connected with Dechen Choling. Living with her has been a tremendous teaching for all of us: even in the midst of a painful and hard time for her and her country, she expresses joy and happiness in simple – daily – activities. Besides cooking, she also does health treatments and takes care of everyone around…! |
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Maggie and Mikaël continue to be our super landscape and facilities team, upholding the challenge of keeping Dechen Chöling in good shape. This exquisite landscape pair is much more than co-workers: they are good friends and with humor take the enormous task of keeping DCL’s land bright and shiny. Recently they had one piece of hard news: the little tractor that is used everyday for work has died…! Now they’ve been waiting for a good solution: it is impossible to clean the land otherwise. |
| Following the river of changes, Csaba decided to completely change his function inside of Dechen Chöling’s mandala. He moved from the kitchen to the château first floor and now works planning and creating our communication! If you are around you may have noticed that the gentleman has been more cheerful and smiley: it seems the new position gave him a boost of energy and confidence. |  |
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Christelle and Pascale are our two “Dechen Chöling fort – guardians”, working together in the office. They both have been working hard to adapt to a smaller team: Pascale does both office and household work and Christelle not only does accountancy but also just became our operational manager. Besides that, they keep a lovely – homy environment in the office that is felt by anyone who comes in: always in good spirits and available to help. Dechen Chöling’s team has been working harder to be more unified… So the few steps into the cold and rain that separates château and office are not enough to separate the group!
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| Many of you may not know Luciana, the newest staff acquisition of Dechen Chöling. She arrived around a year ago as a volunteer and never left, starting working as Head of Programmes in June. She didn’t know much about the job but jumped in trying to learn everything with willingness and good humor. Luciana is from Brazil and often too loud for her new french friends, but on the other hand helps to fill the place with cheerfulness and a big – exaggerated laugh! |  |
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You will also find amongst the staff the sweet presence of our dear director, François. Courageously completing almost nine years of Dechen Chöling and two years of direction, he has been a vital force in these times of change. His knowledge from DCL goes from IT and finances to programmes and development, becoming a source of help and work in many more areas than his own. Even though he will finish his time in DCL by Shambhala Day, François has been holding the ship’s mast at this challenging moment. Maybe you are not aware, but even under a great storm he can hold and transmit tranquility.
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| When the Dechen Chöling inhabitants were sure they were doomed to spend the cold winter alone, Catherine and Herb appeared to warm the chateau and the community! Because of a big renovation at their place, they moved in and became part of the family.
Catherine is not only the new president of the internim council but completely committed to make our land flourish again. She has been working full time with the staff, relating to all European Sangha and bringing new – fresh ideas to the table everyday. With a great balance between optimism and realism she is the boost of energy that DCL needed to keep going. |
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From Herb and Catherine:
It is a kind of time warp feeling to be living with the Dechen Choling community again after twenty seven years.
It is an extremely challenging time here but these kinds of times can bind people together and bring out their best.
Everyone is very supportive of each other so there is a lot of laughter and care.
Because of that, a lot is being accomplished to create the environment for a bright and successful 2023. The new calendar is ready with rich and diverse programs providing a path forward for our community and an open invitation for new participants.
We look forward to seeing you all and continuing this amazing journey together.
We are so grateful that many people have helped and continue helping Dechen Chöling, in many ways, over many years. Please help us by donating for our End-of-Year fundraising campaign!
❤️ Donate Now ❤️Sending love and best wishes from the Land of Great Bliss,
The Dechen Chöling Team
