Heading Home

Yesterday, we spent the day giving back to the farm that we've spent the last week at. One crew, the river rats, cut a bunch of sycamore trees out of the river bank. Others worked on maintaining the labyrinth we walked through for future groups, on cutting away brier patches, and building a bridge. This work was important to ensure that other groups can come after us and benefit from this eye-opening experience.

The view from our farmhouse the morning of our departure.

Our group (without Maegan, who got picked up early :( ) just before leaving the farm. Jeannie Kirkhope was our visionary retreat leader (back row, second from right).

Little Round Top. Gettysburg, PA.

We'll be completing the last leg of our physical journey tomorrow, but a pilgrimage like this doesn't end upon returning home. We hope to share with you reflections from our experience over the course of the next few weeks. 

Long day, all a little bit punchy....

Disclaimer: The tone of this blog post is not entirely serious, while the events are entirely serious.

We went on a Stations of the Cross hike today.  It's a good thing we brought up lots of water, because Annie was forgotten on top of the mountain for hours.

Our amazing behind the scenes gal, Audrey. She is always up at the crack of dawn without any problem. Unfortunately today she received two hornet stings on her hand in the outhouse and her scream echoed through out the holler so please keep her in your prayers.

                                                           West Virgina Trees. -Kurt.

We all really enjoyed walking around this circle today.

It was very difficult for some to find their way in the labyrinth today but we all worked together to make sure we all made it out safe and uninjured. -Maegan

"Pretty views but no food :(" -Jonah

"I couldn't keep my eyes off the butterflies in the other pasture" -Annie

"I was watching the dogs and following Annie, then I followed someone else." -Aidan

"We are supposed to say nice stuff, right?" -Conor

"It's more than a circle" -Lexi

"I'm not saying anything." -Chris

"I thought it was like one of those circles, you know? where it goes around and hypnotizes you???"       -Aidan

Authors; MB,LD,AD

Misty Sunday Morning

We went to mass this morning and attended a coffee hour with the local Catholics. This casual conversation gave us more insight into the culture and daily life of West Virginians and Appalachians.

Day 3- On the farm

As day 3 approaches us, we are all a bit tired and ready for some rest, but we have been working on a farm that is owed by a neighbor, which is much more of a fulfillling task then resting. We have been able to help the owner clean up the land for all the animals, which is much needed. Another day of work in nature, and only a few days left.

Betty and Bill

You never know what or who you will encounter when leaving home. I believe that everyone on this trip so far has met someone that has either touched their heart or has given them a story to share. I have been lucky enough to have met two older people from Spencer, West Virginia. On our first day in town we went to the Committee on Aging. After a few games of Bingo we had lunch with the people there.  By chance I happened to sit next to a woman named Betty with a bright purple shirt and who was filled with stories and laughter. I never thought I would see Betty again. Which is a sad thought, but it was almost as if we were on an airplane sharing our life story with a complete stranger. But later that night when I was reading on the porch Jeannie called me inside. Betty was her neighbor and I was welcome to go over and visit her.

What happened next was a "tiny miracle". I was sitting across from Betty in her living room with a group of other students, surrounded by photos of her family. Generations of her family sat with us all as we talked. After she shared stories of her life, family, and the weather that we soon realized we had spent an hour sitting with her visiting. It was time for us to leave and hugs were shared among everyone. I felt that an hour of talking and a hug was not enough for Betty and I. I still wanted to hear about how her grand kids were doing and what her life was like when she was younger. I wanted to share with her our green mountains like she has shared hers with us. Which left me with one option that I knew was very important. I asked Betty for her mailing address so we could stay in touch. And now when I go back home, nestled back into the green mountains, I can continue my conversations with Betty. 

Just like I had said earlier, I was fortunate enough to meet two people that have touched my heart. We were back at the Committee on Aging on our second day. We found ourselves again sitting among residents of Spencer. Some we had seen before, others were new faces. While I was munching away on a PB&J an older man approached our group. We started out by exchanging stories and then eventually to exchanging names. This man's name was Bill. He told me about his life when he was younger and all the mountains and hills he had climbed. He told me about a canoe he had made and wished that he could take out on the water again. He told me stories of his wife who passed away nine years ago and all three of his children. I was truly compelled by every story and passing minute that I shared with him. We had been talking for so long that everyone had left and we were the last ones sitting at the tables. 

Our goodbye was a handshake and some good words of advice. He told me that when looking for "the one" never pick the first one. And because of that he was able to meet his wife. I will never forget Betty or Bill. Their love and wisdom will forever stay in my heart. Hopefully, I have touched them in some way too.  

-Bridget G

Quick Photo Update

First Night in West Virginia

After two days of travel, topped off with 30 miles of windy West Virginian switchbacks we have arrived at the Appalachian Catholic Worker farm. Although the hard work hasn't started yet, our spiritual journey has. We've started learning about and considering the Catholic Worker Movement, and tomorrow will spend the day with members of the community from 1st grade to senior citizens.

Stay tuned for updates tomorrow! 

Country Roads to West Virginia

On 19 June, 14 pilgrims from Holy Family/St Lawrence and St Pius X Parishes are off to West Virginia.  Seemingly a mission trip, we really envision this journey as a pilgrimage.  This will be an encounter with God’s creation.  We will labor, learn and forge new friendships.  The exchange between people will open our eyes to the reality that we are all one, a universal community, under God.  We plan to experience our Faith and tell our story, and who knows what inspiration may return with us to Vermont.

Follow our adventure here!  We will try to post something every day.