Deep Calls to Deep: From Muck to Wonder

When Will was four years old, we drove an hour away from our house to the Hoosier National Forestry in south-central Indiana. This area is beautifully wooded, hilly, and perfect for a young first-time hiker. I could tell Will was excited based on how much he talked during the hour it took to drive there.

When I pulled into the parking area, Will was already out of his seat and standing by the car in wild excitement. He put on his jacket and asked me to help him with his backpack. I helped him...