Sewing Week: Bits and Pieces

So this week, three women from Women in Service to Appalachia came to the Farm for their sewing week. They were looking to make 200+ pillowcases, wheelchair caddies and other assorted items for the Nursing Home.

Jamie, Colleen and I didn't really know what to expect. Boss-Man Joe told us to treat it like an off week so we were pretty much thinking that we would all go our separate ways this week and if they needed anything they could just tell us at the staffhouse. Well, as these things often go, the week completely surprised us. The ladies were all awesome and hilarious. Despite the large age gap it was so much fun to talk to them. I really began looking forward to our conversations over dinner every night.

Current Picture of the Farm Staffhouse...Jamie and Colleen are really getting out of control

Mary Ann had so many experiences with service. She served in Alaska in the early days of Jesuit Volunteer Corps and had actually been considering becoming a Glenmary sister at one point and time. Dorothy was hilarious in that she was always trying to get out of sewing. Meanwhile she has such a passion for... well, for lack of a better term... people having a passion. She was concerned that a lot of people coming out of college end up getting jobs in the business sector and end up hating it. She felt that more and more young people were getting plugged into a system dictated by money and were losing the human connection. While her view isn't entirely accurate and the business sector isn't devoid of all love etc, I think seeing us go about our job really gave her a sense that the younger generation does actually care about helping people. Cindy was the ringleader and a very impressive individual. Her passion for what she does and the effort she puts into WSA was really admirable.


I think this week, more than last, really taught me about the rhythym of the Farm. Last week, I was so concerned about all the kids and the sites and everything was so new that it was hard to really appreciate everything. But this week has been so laid back that I've really had the time to appreciate the connections we've made during their time here. But, as the Farm goes, as soon as those connections are formed the people leave. It's like constantly making friends and then having them constantly leave. I realize that it is a such a short time and that some people might not understand the connections that are forged here on the Farm. But there's something about this place and its simplicity that allows meaningful relationsips to form in such a short amount of time. Without the distractions of a lot of technology, people actually make an effort to talk to each other. The reading Dorothy had this morning really summed it up well and also serves as the byline for my entry (Bits and Pieces). "People. People important to you. People unimportant to you....cross your life; touch it with love and carelessness and move on... You will find that you are made up of bits and pieces of all who have ever touched you along the path of your life. And you are more because of it, and you would be less if they had not touched you."


So thank you. Thank you to those who have come to the Farm already and thank you to those who have not yet passed this way but will in the future. You have done and will do great service for the people of Lewis County but you will also do a service to me and those who live here at the Farm. Even though you aren't here for long, you presence is felt and appreciated.

McNicholas High School: The Week I Became a Ninja

This past week a group came down to the Farm from McNicholas High School in Cincinnati. I was excited to have more people down here (not that Colleen and Jamie aren't great but it's great to see new faces) but also a little nervous since it was my first group. I shouldn't have worried so much, this group was fantastic. All the kids were so willing to help the people of Lewis County and really threw themselves wholeheartedly into service. There was a really good mix of people including a part time dragon slayer. Jeff and Sarah, the chaperones, had been here many times before and they really understood the charisms of the Farm and what it stands for. As a new Farm Manager it was nice to have them there.

The group worked hard over the week. It was Pantry Week here so a few of the small groups were at Lend a Helping Hand Pantry in Tollesboro. On Monday they packed 240 food boxes for the families that come through the pantry. I was super impressed by their hard work and lack of complaining even though the Pantry was about 16748249 degrees. I didn't realize what a feat it was since I don't have the perspective of having done this a lot but Jamie went all bug eyed when she heard we had packed all the boxes. I was also excited to finally meet George and Sue, who run the Pantry. George was happy to hear I was the new Farm Manager since, as he put it, "Them girls can't boss us around on more". The groups also helped to clean up the clothing store, which looked like a disaster area when we arrived.

Groups also did construction work with People's Self Help in town. They helped put up the walls of a house and then cut up some firewood for the Farm. There was also the requisite visit to Wildwoman with some Hillbilly Kisses given out. The kids were traumatized by an attempted cow mating accompanied by hilariously innappropriate side comments by Dub-Dub.

There was also a group that helped to mow the Mansfields' lawn downtown. Rick and Sherri were in danger of being fined by the city for their lawn and they wouldn't have been able to afford it so the help by the kids was much needed. I thought it was interesting how a Ministry of Service site sort of morphed into a Ministry of Presence. After running to the Clothing Pantry to put together a box for them, we came back and talked to Sherri. She has diabetes and has limited mobility and I think it was nice for her to have visitors to talk to. She spoke of her fear of going blind and . It broke my heart to see this woman who literally has nothing (we had to bring them toilet paper so they didn't have to continue using newspaper) apologize for not having soda for us to drink and insist that we take back a basket of chestnuts. It's true compassion and generosity to offer something to someone when you don't have anything for yourself.

I was really impressed by the variety of the reflections offered by the groups each night. They were really creative and used multiple locations on the Farm. Star gazing, journals, and the Creek were all featured prominently. The Glow Worms even obliged, giving us some impromptu lighting (see left). They brought a lot too the table including a benediction from John Norman, the McNic faculty member who first brought students to the Farm some 20 years ago. I love music so oftentimes the music selection makes the reflection for me. They used some songs that I thought were really fortuitous in addition to being enjoyable. My favorites were I Must Belong Somewhere by Bright Eyes and Soul by Dan Bern. Looks like Jaime, Colleen, and I will have to step our game up in the future. Thanks to Jeff for giving us those 2 CDs of reflection songs at the end.

There was also time for some fun on the Farm. We had some delicious meals cooked by the students. The Monkey Bread was a big hit, as always, and the O' Henry bars didn't last long either.

Mmm...Monkey Bread. What part is the brain?

Grill Master Sam and I grilled out on Friday and there were burgers and dogs for everyone. The kids also took advantage of the creek. They even attempted the rope swing, though with the creek level so high it was really just a glorified plunge straight into the water. Mud Alley ended up being closed on Friday and some of students were a little disappointed. Luckily, they were able to cut quite a rug at Beechy Creek Dance Hall. Connor's dancing kept everyone entertained and props and snaps are due to Luke for filling in as a drummer with John and Trina. Much to the delight and endless amusement of the Farm Managers, the ladies of the Sewing Week trip even joined in the ridiculousness.

The McNic kids can also be proud that they left a lasting legacy on the Farm (at least while we're Farm Managers) beyond their service. They taught us the completely amazing game of Ninja. Everyone circles up and assumes a ninja pose with their hands in knife-like form. The point is to strike another person's hands, at which point they're out. Each person gets a turn in which they can reposition themselves or strike. It's a simple concept that combines the awesome elements of ninjas...and slapping people. This will definitely become a Glenmary Farm staple.

I'm hoping to teach Mao how to do this so we can hold staffhouse ninja parties

New Beginnings in a Familiar Place

Hey Guys,


You'll notice it's been a few months since I've been on here. It's not that I haven't done stuff since my visit to the Farm but I didn't feel like recording all the unecessary minutiae of my life and burdening you all (and by you all I mean like 3 people tops) with it. But just to update you a little bit: in the intervening time I graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a B.S. in Biological Sciences and Political Science, took the MCAT (Medical College Admissions Test), and spent way too much time surfing the web looking for hilarious links to send via e-mail to all my friends.


But the most significant event (relative to the purposes of this blog) was me applying for and getting hired as the newest Farm Manager at Glenmary Farm! I was super stoked about it partly because I liked my last experience on the Farm so much and partly because it got my mom off my back for not having my life together. All kidding aside, I felt that the Farm was the perfect place for me to do service that really integrated the values of social justice and faith. Various people gave me funny looks when I said I was leaving Notre Dame/Orange County to do service work in Vanceburg, Kentucky. I'll readily admit that Vanceburg isn't exactly a bustling metropolis but it has qualities that make it a special place. The Farm, specifically, inspires a feeling of peace that I sorely needed after 16 straight years in school.

For those not familar with the Farm and it's relation to Vanceburg (and who are too lazy to look at my previous posts) I'll give you the scoop. Vanceburg, Kentucky is located in Lewis County

near the Ohio border. It has a population of about 14,000 with a per capita income around $9,000. Glenmary Farm is run by the Glenmary Home Missioners, which was founded by Father William Howard Bishop in 1939. It serves communities in over 40 locations ranging from Appalachia to the Southwest. It targets communities that are less than 3% Catholic and where the number of people living below the poverty line is nearly double the national average.

The Farm itself began as a way to encourage young men to enter the seminary. However, it morphed into a Catholic volunteer camp. It brings in groups of high school and college students as well as faith based groups to volunteer in Lewis county. These groups work with a local nursing home, adult day care mental health facility, a food/ clothing pantry and anyone else in the community that needs help.

So that's what I'll be doing for the next year. As a Farm Manager I'm essentially in charge of all the groups as they come through and do my own work in the community when no groups are present. I'm really excited for the opportunity to be here and be a part of the community. I'll be updating the blog when I can so follow me when you feel like it. But it's off to bed now. We have our first group tomorrow!

Friday was spent doing more construction so I’d like to use this entry to sort of summarize my thoughts of the experience and its lasting impression on me. These entries don’t even begin to cover everything that happened during the week, which itself is really only a small snapshot, I am sure, of the Appalachian culture. But just by doing this blog and chronicling these events, I can see how the values that Jones identifies run through the region and people and provide both with strength. The region is united by its close family and community ties and a deep faith. It certainly faces hardships but it faces them as a united community rather than a collection of individuals. This gives me hope that the region can overcome the issues it faces and also inspires me to look for that kind of strength in my own community.

I think looking back on it that the one uniting theme that wove through all the other values that I’ve referenced to was sincerity. There is such an honesty to everything that the Appalachian people do. It pervades the interactions the people have with each other and outsiders, its art, and their worship. There are no facades or barriers here. With people that have so little materially, there is no need to put on airs. However, by subscribing to this culture of honesty the people of Appalachia are richer than some millionaires. The honesty that then gives way to the other Appalachian values allows them to fully appreciate every encounter and experience they have and become enriched by it. A woman, who the Farm regularly brings volunteers to visit, said that she “is dirt poor when it comes to goods, but how many other people can say they’ve met such wonderful people like you?”.

The trip reaffirmed how much I like being around people and being a part of a community. From the volunteers I worked with to the people I served, they all taught me something about the region and about myself. It sounds cheesy but what I’m trying to say is that the themes of Appalachia can be widely applied. For that’s what I discovered: while the region certainly has something uniquely Appalachian to it, there is a common humanity to be found as well. The nursing homes and senior centers can be found throughout the nation and there is construction work that needs to be done in every county of the US. A strong sense of family and community would make any society strong. As an aspiring physician I realize that “being there” for patients is another way of saying Ministry of Presence and is another facet to the healing process. I realize that to be a good doctor (or really any profession where people are the main concern) is to take that to heart. I was actually so inspired by the week that I picked up an application to become a Farm Manager for a year. Whether I end up doing that or not I hope I can take these realizations and apply them to whatever it is I do in the future. After all, the lessons learned on the Farm aren’t meant to stay there.

Thursday

Thursday night we went to mass at the local Catholic parish, Holy Redeemer. As you can see in the picture on the left, it’s an unassuming building. It’s rather small since it need only serve the 54 Catholics who live in Lewis County. Looking back on it, it was a perfect depiction of the Appalachian value of sense of beauty that Jones describes. This church didn’t have the soaring rafters or intricate statues that grander churches might possess. But it was still beautiful in its craftmanship, which Jones notes the Appalachian people take much pride in. Some, myself at one time included, might say that Appalachian art is simple. Now I think this doesn’t do justice to the skill that goes into it. Instead, I think a better way to understand it is that the art is a reflection of the modesty and unassuming quality of the region as a whole. Beauty is found in practicality, not ornateness.

Especially noteworthy in the church were the handmade stations of the cross made by local artist, Charley Campbell. These were black and white sketches that are set in the local town of Vanceburg. While unpretentious, these stations pack a lot of rhetorical power. By choosing Vanceburg as the backdrop for his stations, Charley makes a conscious effort to see Jesus in his own community. Doing so makes them social commentary as much as they are religious symbolism. For instance, Charley says in reference to his depiction of Jesus’ first fall: “I tried to depict all three falls in the same way. Jesus was a very poor man and I am sure his house was not very nice. People here who live in houses like these feel like they are failures. I do not think that is right. Jesus lived that way and he was able to get up”. So much for being simple huh?

It’s thoughts like these that show that the so called “simple” art of Appalachia and the “simple folk” behind it are not simple at all but deeply philosophical in their determination of what is beautiful. They are like most of us, looking for an accurate representation of beauty and truth. As deeply religious and communally oriented people, as Jones' values assert, it is no wonder that they find it in Jesus, who they envision in their local environment. Patrick, the other Farm manager said that the people she's met have shattered any preconceived notions she held before coming to the region. I can see why.

I can’t resist pointing out that during the exchange of peace, Charley’s eyes lit up when he saw me and he said “Oh my gosh boy- you would make a fantatstic Native American! Your face is perfect.” See? The Appalachian people are always looking for beauty, even in the face of a college student who hasn’t shaved or bathed in 4 days.

Wednesday

Wednesday provided a glimpse into another of Jones’ Appalachian Values. This time it was religion. We had the opportunity to attend Mosby Pentecostal Church. Traveling deep into another holler led us to one of the most unique experiences of the week: a pentecostal revival. A revival is usually a weeklong period that the church uses to stir up the congregation’s enthusiasm by encouraging them to get others saved. The service was so different from any of the Catholic services I’ve attended. First, when they prayed, they prayed out loud. So when the pastor asked everyone to bow their heads and pray there was the commotion of 40 people all praying for different things at the same time. There were plenty “Amens!” and “hallelujahs!” both from the preacher and congregation. There was also some whooping for good measure. The service itself wasn’t as structured as I was used to. There was a sermon delivered by Brother Rick and they had a guest preacher deliver a sermon loosely tied to the beatitudes. After this they played music and called anyone to share music or prayer in a testimonial “as the spirit moved them”. There was no time limit to the service and it only ended when everyone in the congregation had their say. Brother Rick said that if the service kept him out until 3 AM and he had to get up at 5 AM the next morning, God would give him the strength to do it.

I reallly got a sense of the importance of Religion in Appalachia as the service lasted three and a half hours! The majority of this was the testimonials. I had to admire the passion that these people worshipped with. It was a cathartic process for them and a good number of them broke into tears or near it throughout the service. Toward the end, one of the kids from the Farm requested that we sing Amazing Grace. During this, one of the men in the congregation was moved to accept Jesus as his personal Lord and Savior. So not only did I get to go to a revival, but I saw someone get saved too! How’s that for my first Pentecostal service? I discovered yet another pillar of Appalachian strength that night. Many of the testimonials were about how the individuals had been in a low place, sometimes financially related, but that they kept their faith in God and they had pulled through. They all seemed to have such a steadfast belief in God’s power to get them through hardships. It was a powerful experience just to be a witness to.

Tuesday

Tuesday was the most grueling day of the trip. We spent the entire day in nearby Tolllesboro, working with People’s Self Help Housing. This non profit company builds and renovates low cost housing in Lewis County. Substandard rural housing is a problem affecting Appalachia as a whole. In 22 Kentucky counties, over 10 percent of all occupied residences were considered substandard according to the 1990 Census. In 2002, the proportion of homes lacking proper plumbing still exceeds the national average. For example, in a Tennessee county, while 79 percent of all households owned their own homes, 7.7 percent of all houses lacked proper plumbing, much higher than the less than 1 percent national average. While this has happened, federal funding for for rural housing programs has not kept up. It is in the face of figures like these that People’s Self Help Housing serves the people of Lewis County. We worked on two houses for the day. Both had experienced severe water damage due to water coming up through the foundation. Our job was to dig a foot deep trench from the house to the drainage ditch by the side of the road. Then we laid down PVC pipe and covered it back up. So much for not being asked to dig a hole and fill it right back up huh? In fairness I suppose there was a pipe in it. Even with 6 of us working on the job, it was hard work but it was certainly necessary. When we finished the first trench, we knocked a hole to release the water. There was literally a gushing torrent of water that didn’t stop for 35 minutes!

I wasn't kidding about the amount of water

Besides bringing to life the rural housing issue, the day brought out yet more themes and values of the region. The two that stood out were neighborliness and sense of humor of the people. During our lunch break we were able to interact with the crew. We had packed the ingredients to make our own sandwiches while they had gotten hot food from the local eatery. They were quick to offer it to us, insisting we have their fried chicken and potato salad. Like many of the encounters with the Appalachian people I had over the week, the offer was made with sincerity. It wasn’t a token offer made with the unspoken expectation that we wouldn’t accept it. I’m sure had we said yes, they would gladly have split the meal with us.

The actual work that they did also spoke to Appalachian neighborliness. It turns out some of the men on the crew live in homes that themselves need renovating. Yet here they were laboring over someone else’s project while their own needed attention. Upon reflection, I realize this is the ultimate definition of neighborliness. It’s one thing to help the less fortunate, which has its own virtues. It’s another to help another while you are in their place. It’s sort of the mantra of Christianity’s Golden Rule of “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets” (Matthew 7:12). These men live that code and the region is known for it. One could look at it as an extension of the familial bond that runs so strong in the region. The people seem to treat everyone like family whether they just met you or have known you for 20 years. Opposed to my own neighborhood where I may exchange a greeting with someone who lives down the street from me, these people take the role of neighbor to heart and live out the responsibilities that come with it.

That brings me to the other theme of the day: sense of humor. In the face of the hard work that they had to do and the seemingly unending amount of it in the county, the men were always ready with a joke. I know that my group was too tired from digging to string coherent sentences together but here were these men laughing it up like they were sitting around a poker table. Most of the jokes were at the expense of each other but you could tell it was because they genuinely liked working with and respected each other. True to Appalachian form, they would often sprinkle scripture into their jokes. At one point one of the men came up to us and asked us if we had ever heard of the scripture passage about the blind man leading the blind. We responded that we were familiar with it. He then pointed to his supervisor and said loudly "well if you keep following that blind man there he'll lead y'all right into that there ditch!". Like Jones says about the Appalachian sense of humor, I couldn't help but think that their humor helps them weather hard times. And while John the supervisor wasn't pompous, he was an authority figure and they certainly schemed to "get his goat" by playing practical jokes on him as Jones puts it.