What an Opportunity

Being here in this place..I am realizing what a privilege it is...yes I am tired..yes its a lot of work..but its good work...here in this place that is designed to live out my faith each and every day... I am constantly being inspired to be better..to do more...to give more...it is a blessing and a gift...no matter how many struggles, challenges and hardships I meet along the way/ did meet in getting here

Today I spent the day with the same wonderful group of students...we went to Comprehend and had such a great day...meeting new friends, playing games...having good conversations..good food...and lots of laughs

Today I am starting to realize what an opportunity I have living in this place!
Feeling very blessed,
Colleen

Day 2- with Archbishop Hoban High school

Yesterday, I spent the day with a group of students at Wild woman's house. We got to hear her story and spend good quality time. Then, we also got to mow her lawn...despite mechanical difficulties. It was a great day! Everyone worked hard...another good one!

(I also had a mini personal freak out since a part of my permanent retainer chipped off...ahh so that will be fun to try and fix or wait until back in NY to fix...anyways...dont sweat the small stuff right?)

Today, Tuesday (I think? Being on God's time...and having a watch that died....makes it difficult to track the days/times etc)- Well today I spent the day at Construction. I got to work with Rick and his crew...and a great group of volunteers! We picked up scraps from the rood they were re-roofing and wrapped the siding in tyvek(?) to prepare the House for new siding as well! The home owners were there and were very friendly...also despite the very cold...unexpected weather...the conversation was good and the spirits were high...another good day!

Sunday...today we welcome another group to the farm!

Today, we enjoyed another wonderful mass at Holy Redeemer followed by fellowship and good food! Then, I accompanied Jamie as she gave the Eucharist to an elderly woman from our parish. It was neat to visit and spend time with her. Now, it is on to double check our planning for the group. Please keep us in your prayers this week. Pray that we have a good week...the second time for anything is often the hardest...trying not to compare it to the last...open to what new gifts it may bring....here's to another great week...

Preparing, recovering, and visits

The past two days have been filled with recovery, preparations and visits. I am tired from the week of sewing that although was not physically hard, was mentally taxing. Thus, the one thing I really am longing for, is a nice nap in my bed....however, there is work to be done.

We have spent time grocery shopping and getting the farm ready for the next student group to arrive. Yesterday, we went to the Peoples Self Help Housing open house, to see their finished product..houses that will save people money on energy costs...very efficient..very cool! The Joe came over and taught us how to do our bills/ record keeping...and then we realised we needed to make the monthly trip to Cincinnati to shop in bulk at Costco...to fill our pantry. Me and Jamie went with Joe shopping...then today, Saturday we all went to the farmers market...to buy local produce for the group...and also to support our friends from the sewing week! It was neat...they had a harvest festival going on...so much produce..and good treats! Everyone was really helpful!

After that we drove to Portsmouth OH to finish our shopping...and now it is time to rest.
**Also, the past few days have been fun since Alex's girlfriend Mercedes came for a long weekend! Its fun to have a visitor and another person in the house! Reminiscing about college days and hanging out...although tired...its been a good one!

reaping the benefits of hard work

Today we will hand out the gifts made to the nursing home...they are so beautiful...so filled with love....it should be a good day. Other than that...trips to the library...errands and the like...feeling blessed to have met such wonderful women this week! Hoping to return the favor of hospitality and wisdom...

sewing circles...an unexpected blessing

This week, sewing with the women in service to Appalachia, as well as women in the community has been a blessing. Through history women have gathered to do this same thing and now I know why...it sounds so simple...gather and so- but its much more powerful than that. The fellowship, the sharing of stories, the gathering of talents for a better cause...I have had such a great time, and made many new friends. In the process we made over 200 pillow cases, as well as many adult bibs, wheel chair caddies and walker bags...it was a great project. I feel empowered to be a woman...which is interesting coming from an act that is so stereotypically womens work...yet it was an event I am positive could only be completed and valued by women...the real outcomes of this week will be felt by those present in the past few days...effects that hold a deeper meaning... it was a surprise...a blessing...I am grateful...
Knowing God works in mysterious ways...
grateful for the hospitality shown my way,
sewer in training,
Colleen

Sewing week- never know what you will find

Today I worked with a group of older women from the Women in service to Appalachia group ..who are staying at the farm this week to work on a sewing project making over 200 pillow cases, wheel chair and walker bags as well as other beautiful things for the local nursing home. Although much older than us farm managers, they hold similar values and are really interesting to spend time with. They have lived interesting lives, some have worked with those in the Catholic worker, gone to Palestine, been some of the first JVC volunteers and run many of their own service programs. They represent how to serve as women, and they have lots of wisdom to share. It has been fun spending time in their company. Today, I spent all day learning to sew on a sewing machine! yet another new tool to add to my resume :) Also, we worked with women in the community from different churches all for the same purpose. We enjoyed good conversation, and had a really fun time. It is a neat project, and a good group to be a apart of. I was not expecting to learn so much, so it is a pleasant surprise.
Although there is a large age gap, we are more similar than we appear...I guess its another lesson supporting the adage that you cant judge a book by its cover...

So heres to learning more new skills, and making new friends
sending my love
and best wishes
Colleen

Friends, wisdom and community

This past week was spent with a student group from McNicholas High School in Cincinnati. It was a busy week(you may have noticed by my lack of entries), being my first time with a group, but it was such a blessing. It was such a good group, and if every week is going to be filled with so much adventures, laughs, ups and downs...then I am in for such a great experience. The group was joyful, cooperative, and appreciative, seeing them appreciate the farm, helped me see it in a new light. Having a larger intentional community here was also fun. All the hard work, seemed to go pretty smoothly. One thing is for sure, it is hard to make new friends one week and them see them go...I anticipate it to be a challenge to be able to make friends every other week, say good bye and then do it again.... Overall, it was a week of growing. Seeing the rhythm of the farm, working construction and a pantry hand out day, as well as odd job tasks...it was work that kept me busy, which is how I like to live....but I am tired and am glad to have a day to rest. Seeing the day to day work of the farm, but also the deeper meaning that one can take away from a week here... the "real world", the value of simplicity and "tuning out", slowing down and only using what we need...being closer to God and trying to see all as God sees them....its true-this place does grow people...I know I am growing each day but am not sure exactly how...I am happy to be here...and am proud to be apart of this program

until next time... from a tired farm manger
peace and God Bless,
all my love
thanks for tuning in
Colleen

Construction

Its so fun with the groups here! Gods time is hard for me, a compulsive watch checker...construction today was fun! I am not good with a hammer but I am with a pick ax...lots to learn...very tired...more reflection at a later date!

My first group

So Today, my first student group arrives around 4pm...from then on, this week will be busy...but I will check in when I can. Yesterday we spent the day getting ready for the group, grocery shopping in Portsmouth OH, and getting the site ready. Today we are basically waiting for them to arrive. I am both nervous and excited. I want them to love this place like I do, and for it to be a completely wonderful experience. Although we live on the Glenmary farm, we do not have many animals or a very large garden...they say we grow people here....well I know I am growing...I only hope I can return the favor

Wish me luck,
Colleen

A Sunday in Cynthiana

Sunday, I have officially been here 2 weeks...wow it time starting to move fast..or am I just getting used to this life style?

Anyways, we started the day with mass at Holy Redeemer, followed by good food and fellowship with the rest of the parishioners afterwards. Then, I researched how far Cynthiana was from Vanceburg bc I had to go to Virtus training, or protecting God's children, a mandatory training for anyone working or volunteering in the diocese. Anways, I miss judged my time and at around 12 realised I was going to be 40 minutes late...ahhh I sped out of the car, hoped for the best, drove like a wild woman...and made it just as they were getting into the real material..phew! I lucked out. The training was interesting...it taught all about how to look for signs of pedifials, how to protect children from them ,and also how to protect yourself, and basically create safe environments for kids..or anyone... actually liked it. From there, I had to make my way to a gas station, and ask for directions back to the main road since I didn't have time to look that up before i left...well as I paid for the gas, all the employees jointly gave me directions...but as I was getting in my car, a guy came up to me and basically said that I had been given the wrong directions...he helped me find the right way, which was great...some people are just very nice! I would have made it on my own through trial and error...there aren't too many major roads around here..but it did save me some time...so thanks!!
Also, the area I drove through was so beautiful! Lots of farm land, cows, horses, fields and flowers- the sun was shining just right...it seemed perfect. I passed many small stores and churches, as well as many historic sites and markers...mostly civil war sites. I passed the Blue Lick state park(which I want to visit at some point) and went over the Licking river( which accordingto my research so far I believe salt lick creek, salt lick road and licking valley have names related to in origin!) I also saw a mailbox about 2 stories high...and a family out for a Sunday horse ride...it was a good day!

Yesterday, 9/11 I decided to attend the Lewis County homecoming game...since Jamie had stuff to do, I went alone...and although weird at first, it was comforting...it reminded me of my old high school days...and the community and school spirit was fun to be around...I was glad I went!!

Today, we spent the day getting ready for the parish picnic which was here at the farm...but we were not present since we went to pick p Alex, our third farm manager at the airport.

We left a little early in hopes of catching the local "babyshow" at a nearby harvest festival..just missing it, it was still a neat event...we then made it to the airport...and had quite a fun time holding our massive sign...saying "Welcome to the farm alex!" If you want a fun time...well just stand in an airport holding a massive sign...looking lost...it was so fun the variety of reactions. After finding Alex, we found out his bags got shipped to Atlanta..and had to wait for them to be brought back...so we had dinner and hung out...long day...but a good one...
Colleen

I made it!!

Surprise! Surprise!! I made it to Cincinnati all by myself despite the early morning fog, the long unknown drive, and doing it all in the huge truck!! Somehow(God willing, I made it there in one piece). After over 4 and a half hours of aptitude and psychological and personality testing...geez yes..that long...I was done! Woo...so glad thats over with!!

So buying the cheapest alarm clock at dollar general might not be the best idea... it only functioned on military time...and every hour on the hour it played various tunes like those played from an ice cream truck...at first each hour id wake up startled, but it really depended on the song the clock decided to play...around 3am last night...the song was louder and scared me awake, I went to hit what I thought was the snooze but was really the automated talk button..which is loud and freaky...so now wide awake...I timed it Right so I could hear the noises of what we think is a weasel..which I thought was a crazy drunk woman running on the property...anyways long story short... I did not get much sleep last night ..so we returned the stupid thing for a different brand...I didn't splurge for the alarm that had a spinning projectile laser of the current time, or the one that flashed rainbows...I hope this one will do....oh the little things...

Anyways today I had a meeting with Dave from Peoples Self Help Housing... learned a lot of interesting things about the company and how its being effected currently by the economy..important and hard to hear...then me and Jamie went to deliver and emergency food box...and I got to use the riding mower to get the farm ready for the Parish picnic this weekend
...that's all for now, keep checking in
...and keep me in your prayer tomorrow as I try to navigate to Cincinnati at 6am all on my own...

making it ours...

Today was good. I got to run, I got to read and learn some history, Joe came and taught me how to plan a schedule and a menu for the group(...next week will be busy!), I ventured into town alone and bought an alarm clock so I can get up early now, and me and Jamie decided we needed a sitting room in the staff house...we moved and cleaned and now its more ours...and feels more like a home... first move of the new farm managers

This is my story.

Out here, the radio stations play the same songs over and over so when a new one comes on, you listen to it a little More intently. Well I am not embarrassed to say, though maybe a little surprised that when the climb came on by Miley Cyrus, it brought me a sense of peace. I have heard that song many many many times before, but I heard it differently this time. Being here is fun and exciting, but its also hard and you feel insecure. Coming from being a college senior to living at home and working the same summer job, there was not room for insecurities...I knew what I was doing...in a new place, with new people and new challenges...you grow, but also question many things. I had started to become anxious for the day when being here would seem easy, when I would know how to get everywhere, and would know more people, and when I would not have to ask so many questions. Also with all this time on my hands, questions about My future and what I really want were flooding my mind..I just wanted to have all the answers...listening to the words of that song: There's always gonna be another Mountain, I'm always gonna want to make it move...Ain't about how fast I get there, ain't about whats waiting on the other side, its the climb... then it became a little clearer...I had a sense of peace

I knew then that This is my story. I am making it now. This, that I am going through, these questions, these quiet nights, the insecurities, the transitions, the triumphs, the fear-- they are ALL apart of my story. I do not need to have the answers, I don't need to be anxious for the end product- my future and what will I become or when I finally fit in and this transition is not so hard whatever the end product is, this, this jumbled mess-this is my "ride" my present- living in it is my challenge and my ride. My story after all is all about the ride...

errands, errands, errands

Today was a day to go around town. We did not have official plans so we filled the day with many errands-post office, getting a library card, and delivering school supplies! Surprisingly school supplies are something needed around here. Many people donated bins and boxes full of supplies for all ages to the farm, so we used today to drive around to the local schools and drop them off. Something so simple, but can make a big difference! We also tried to rake up the piles of grass from the riding mower..we followed my dads method of rake and then use a tarp to transport...all was going well until it started to rain and we had to stop. As well as calling and calling student loan companies...which was not at the top of my fun list...Other than that, I am desperately trying to learn the history of Lewis County and KY...in realising the benefits of a NY state education I see now that I learned a lot about NY and not too much about KY or Appalachian culture. Before I can really embrace a place I like to know its roots...it just helps me piece it together(maybe that's the historian in me)..anyways with a few books from the library and some here at the farm..that's my new project in my free time...other than that trying to learn more of Lewis County...
Until next time,
Colleen

Lesson learned at the farm

So today, Labor Day...I guess its a day where people should not do work...well we decided to be productive today and for some reason everything seemed more trouble than it was worth...but after a good laugh it was all good...here's some lessons learned at the farm today:

1. Do NOT try to drive Big Red Truck up the hill after its been raining all morning:
You WILL most likely get stuck, and when you reverse back down to get yourself out of the situation you will again most likely make HUGE mud marks across the front lawn...which is not a good thing when your boss is coming with visitors early the next day...oops
2. Be careful driving in KY with Ohio plates ;)
3.Cooking things from scratch is much more work
4. Making a small change to a Betty Crocker cookie recipe WILL result in two VERY different batches of cookies

Until next time...still lots to learn,
Colleen

Sundays...a day of rest

Around here, which is different than what I am used to, Sundays seem to be used as a day of rest. So after a wonderful mass we retired back to the farm for some rest. Determined not to use anything with a screen for one whole day, I did a lot of drawing and reading outside. I also had to keep an eye on locals who were loudly using our swimming hole. I took a walk, enjoyed the nice weather and later Jamie and I cleaned out years of food from the staff house refrigerator...yuck! It was not as bad as it sounds, it was mostly 2year old ice cream containers...it gave us something to do at least! Then, just read some more...not too uneventful, but nice all the same
Colleen

River days festival

(pics of Ohio River today at the River days festival)

Saturday- a day off...hmmm what are two farm mangers to do...Jamie decided to use the riding mower and I cleaned the staff house..then we headed for the Portsmouth River days festival...well the website didn't list any events but we wanted to check it out...not too much going on there during the day, but it was nice. We walked around the town, hung out by the river and ate some festival food...always good! The river was beautiful! The sun was shinning, it was nice to be out and about on such a wonderful day. Later at the farm we constructed our quote wall..and relaxed...here's to another day at the farm

Colleen

first pantry day

Today was my first pantry day...twice a month Lend a Helping Hand pantry hands out food boxes and clothing to those who show up(200+ today). Well farm managers usually man the clothing section which is in its own building. It was fun, it was busy... I think I need to work a bit on my enforcement skills...but it was good overall. I got to meet many people, and saw some old faces. Afterwards we drove food boxes to people who could not drive...all over the county. Later we headed to Maysville for a dinner out...and now back at the farm with a weekend off..full of possibilities.

New Challenges...

So today was a great day! This might not mean much to most of you, but today I successfully navigated my way to the Vanceburg post office...alone and driving the big red truck! My fellow farm manager had to run errands in a bigger town in Ohio and I woke up realising I needed to mail something asap...so I decided to take on the challenge. With Jamie's directions, a google map(which cant locate the farm and therefore is not helpful) print out, an atlas, and the post office directions (given to me over the phone after calling the post office frantically) in hand I was on my way. And...I made it! I got home, went running-in the heat of the day which was another challenge, then went hiking on the Glenmary trails with both farm dogs, and then headed to Licking Valley to help with the commodity hand outs. From there Wild Woman treated me and Jamie to Pizza (yum!) and great company. Later we headed to Holy Redeemer to attend 730 mass...and now its time to relax back at the farm. Its been a good day full of new challenges...with Gods help and prayers from others I am adjusting fairly well. I am starting to feel more comfortable, and am learning my way around-bit by bit...Things I thought I could never do a few days ago(like drive the massive red truck on the little back country roads) I am doing now...and its only the first week! Thanks for all the well wishes..thanks for tuning in...here's to another day in Vanceburg...
growing more each day,
yours,
Colleen

learning that maybe we aren't so different after all

Since this is an "off" week I've had more time to settle in/ update the blog/ keep in touch...but i feel its the calm before the storm...soon and very soon things are going to get busy here at the farm. Today I drove for the first time on KY roads...and made it to Joe, the volunteer directors office in one piece...yay! Then Jamie and I went to help Charlie Campbell, a local artist, mix resin for his stain glass window he was making...so cool!! Later at night we attended a Pentecostal prayer service at a local church. Much different from a Catholic service, but it was pretty neat! The people were so into the service, it was impressive, and hard not to be moved by it. Towards the end of the service a little girl in front of us was getting antsy(it was about3 hrs long after all) and a woman next to her(I'm guessing was her relative) was letting her play with her hair over and over again. It was something so simple but I was overcome with memories of my childhood, me and my sister playing with my moms hair (and anyone who would let us). Then I started thinking...I grew up in New York, I was raised a Catholic...there are many things different about me than these people surrounding me in this church...but that all seemed not to matter...I think after all..deep down...were really are more the same.

lots of new things to learn..lots of work to be done

Today was my first real busy day. We started at 9am with "tool time with Joe". Jamie(my fellow farm manager) and I learned how to use all different saws, drills, and basic power tools. We even learned to use a chain saw which was pretty fun! (until the the blade kicked off while I was using it b/c it was a little too loose causing Joe to take the time to fix it and replace the blade). As I was learning, I couldn't help smiling and thinking if only Grandpa could see me now! :) It turns out we may need to do some construction and we will need to cut up lots of wood this winter, so although it was fun to learn it was also a lot to take in, knowing we really had to use this stuff. After our lesson, Jamie and I went to Wild Woman's to mow her lawn/ get a crash course on using the mowers. Since one mower wouldn't start, I used the push mower while Jamie used the weed eater. We got the yard done pretty quick so we were rewarded with the time to sit with wild woman before heading to our next job. After about 30min, we had to head to Licking valley senior center. We had to pack commodities (food from the government) for the elderly in the area who live on their own. 85 bags later, we were out the door on the way to our next job. We then entered the Tollesboro clothing part of Lend a Helping Hand food pantry. Lend A Helping Hand hands out food to anywhere between 230-270 families twice a month. Glenmary farm managers are responsible for the clothing portion that allows anyone coming in to get whatever clothing they need as well. So, since this week is a pantry week, Jamie and I had to start organising and cleaning the clothing site to prepare it for Friday's handout. After that, we had to put the mowers away in the shed up the hill, and then we were finally done. Wiped with my first busy day, I am looking into the upcoming days with similar schedules. Although I am tired, it feels good. There is so much to learn and so many skills I do not have- slowly I am starting to adjust. Taking it one day at a time, I look forward to the day when some of these new tasks will seem easy. Until then, your farm manager in training,
Colleen