Parkinson's Unity Walk

Each year my family attends the Parkinson's Unity Walk which is a huge fund for research for Parkinson's disease. Since my mom was diagnosed my family has made it a priority to participate. Each year it is such a gift all of the people who come out to support my mom and her team, Team kelty. So many who can not make the actual walk come and support through donations of money and time to keep Team Kelty's efforts to raise fund for PD alive. This year my mom and her army of devoted helpers were able to raise over 7,000 dollars for the walk. This is awesome!

Also, for the walk itself we had a great turnout. It was an alright day..a little cold but the rain held out. Many of my friends in the area came...thank you all for the support...it means more then I can write!

Have you ever known that you are right where you needed to be?

I have been struggling a bit lately finding time for things I need in my life at home in NY. My family is so busy, but busy in a different way then at the farm(I still do not have a grasp on how exactly just yet). I feel like there is always something that needs to be done and yet I am not finding time for God. I need to find a way to make room for God in my daily schedule...and yet I also feel that this is where I am meant to be.

Today I had a couple of those moments where things felt so perfect. I was so grateful for the day I was given and I know now that these are the type of experiences I came home for.

It was hard for me to leave the farm and I think part of me could have stayed and been very happy there. Yet, I wanted to reconnect with my home. I was tired of missing out of family time, younger cousins growing up, my siblings sporting events, family TV time, and the ability to soak in all the love and wisdom from my grandparents. All these things I wanted back...and yet it was still hard to go.

Today, I knew I was where I was supposed to be. I spent the day at Marist speaking to campus ministry students who volunteer weekly. Students came at different times through the day and it was neat getting to practice my ministry skills...running the discussions and sharing My story with the students. In between talks I was able to wander campus. I ran into many old friends from coaches to fellow alumni to favorite professors. The love I felt by so many amazing people was overwhelming. Towards the end of my day I was invited to a dinner and talk on campus. At first I felt uneasy about the invite because I was not dressed for the occasion. However I said yes( Michaela was sleeping over a friends house and the rest of the fam was in Ireland so it was a perfect set up). Long story short I got to have a fancy dinner with some of my favorite professors, I got to eat great food and listen and partake in good conversations. Also another highlight was the guests speaker who works at the University of Dayton. I got to meet him and talk about the program I am going to. I also enjoyed his speech and the questions asked afterwards. Overall I felt like it was a day meant for me and I am thankful I am back to be able to participate in such things.

Refelctions on Noah's Ark

The more time I find myself removed from the farm, the more I find myself finding wisdom in the experiences I had there. My time at the farm has transitioned from my current life story to more of an abstract memory...its hard to believe I actually did all those things...little old me(with the help of one big God that is)

One thing that has struck me is the image of Noah's ark. During my last week at the Farm, I was looking at my room walls trying to soak in the space...wanting to preserve it to my memory. As I looked around at the decorations that the room came with and the ones I added, I looked at familiar images of what I believe and love. suddenly I noticed a wooden image of Noah's Ark! It had been there my entire time and I lived among that symbol during my 18 months at the farm without realising what it stood for. Even during the floods...which I consider a dark time in my faith life...I was tired. I was so in the middle of it all I forgot to breathe and rest. And yet, God had this little sign of hope in my own bedroom...in my comfort space there was the symbol of this ark....that life moves on, there is hope after the hard times as long as you have faith there will always be hope. I found it interesting that I found this ark special not during the floods but only after I was to leave that space. I guess sometimes even when you are looking for signs of hope, we are too consumed in ourselves we miss what is right in front of us.

New York Transitions

In the last month I have been working on the transition from KY life to NY life. At first I have to be honest...it was difficult. Not that I was not excited to be home...because boy, did I miss my family! But, I was sad to leave my KY families and scared to how I might fail living the GOD life outside of the farm where it was up to me.

I think I was confused and st some times I admit socially awkward..not used to the NY type of business. Yet, after being here, I have slowly been able to let go of the farm...and not worry so much about those I have had to say goodbye to. I think as I have relaxed a bit..I have been able to find my rhythm at home...be present with the ones I love and have missed so very much...and enjoy the change back.

Here is a song whose lyrics have been helpful in my journey
"This Is The Stuff" Lyrics
by Francesca Battistelli | from the album Hundred More Years


I lost my keys in the great unknown
And call me please
Cause I can't find my phone

(CHORUS)
This is the stuff
That drives me crazy
This is the stuff
That's getting to me lately
In the middle of my little mess
I forget how big I'm blessed
This is the stuff
That gets under my skin
But I've gotta trust
You know exactly what Your doing
Might not be what I would choose
But this is the stuff You use

45 in a 35
Sirens and fines
While I'm running behind

(CHORUS)

To break me of impatience
Conquer my frustrations
I've got a new appreciation
It's not the end of the world...

This is the stuff
That drives me crazy
This is the stuff
Someone save me
In the middle of my little mess
I forget how big I'm blessed
This is the stuff
That gets under my skin
But I've gotta trust
You know exactly what Your doing
Might not be what I would choose
But this is the stuff You use

The image of the well

A couple months ago..God placed on my heart the image of the well. It was in responding to a chaperones questioning that I proceeded to explain that I felt my well was empty. I felt I had failed the group because I was just too tired to really get to know them all. This conversation happened after the floods, during the robbery time. Anyways I wa shocked when the chaperone seemed shocked. She replied...whatever well youre drawing from, it must be deeper then you think..because our group had no idea you were running on empty. This got me thinking...that if God supplies my well...then it never really will be dry as long as my life is in line with Gods will. This conversation stuck with me and then faded until recently. It campe up again as i refelected on my time at the farm. Looking back..I was not the well or even the water, God was. Looking back I now see that I was merely the bucket, or the vessel that was used to carry the water out to others. Over these past 18 months all of the grace I have experienced and shared it wasnt me at all, but God working thorough me. I only hope and pray that I can continue to be the vessel in Gods well for the rest of my life.

Last weeks in Lewis County

Some of the downfall to making friends is that when you have to move, you have to say goodbye. My last couple weeks in Lewis County were beyond busy. If I could make up a new word for it I would. Each day was planned out with last moments with all I care about. My nights were filled with Grad school apps and present making for the friends i had made. It was craziness..little sleep, lots of tears, and lots of laughs.

Some of the highlights include a trip with George down to see Gods Pantry the food supplyer of our pantry. It was neat seeing all of the other people and the other steps involved in the food hand out process. I also was able to drive to Lexisgton and toward Louisville, and Morehead. I saw an old friend in cinci, and many of my new friends in the county. I brought people to doctors and the hospital and I got to visit a Folk Art museum. I went out to eat and had dinners made for me and I learned to drive a fork lift. I got to see a friend get pie in the face and I got to work with both construction crews. Whew..it was busy, and it was good. I did not get to see all I cared for, and I did not get to say final goodbyes, yet I did get to spend a little time with many. I am blesses to have made so many good friends.

Putting God First

At church this past weekend they discussed the idea of being called. The priest mentioned that we are called and sometimes that call hurts us or others but we must do it because that is what is best for us. I have been thinking a lot about calls and discernment and my will verses Gods will. Part of me could stay in Lewis County and part of me needed to go. In the end, I had to follow where God needed me to be right now which was in New York. Yet, the move was hard for some of my friends I was leaving behind. Yet, it all makes sense what you look at what God needs from us verses others. Just a need perspective...having the courage to follow God's will is difficult...

RIP Bonzo and Mr. Beaglesworth.

For those that do not know, Bonzo and Mr. Beaglesworth have been the farm animals for years. They both are unique characters who love to sleep during the day, eat compost, and bark all night long. They were beloved by volunteers and farm mangers alike, a constant on the ever changing farm. My first friend at the farm was Bonzo, he kept me company the first day as my family was leaving. He sat right next to me as I remained outside trying to journal and figure out all my feelings. Over the year there were many moments when we thought Bonzo may die. He was old for an outside dog and did not move around as he used to. He hobbled up steps and shivered in the cold. In the summer, he looked like he would wilt form the heat of all his hair. Yet, he survived these conditions. Many nights I went to bed praying that Bonzo would still be there in the morning..and he was. Never was I worried about Mr. Beaglesworth. Yet, this winter he suddenly lost tons of weight and passed away. About a month later Bonzo became sick and passed away as well. It was a sad day for the farm, but in the end I know they are both in a a better place. Now, the farm has Aurora..a spunky dog who loves people and is loved in return. She will not replace my dear old friends,because they will always be remembered.

I Love New York

In February, the farm was blesses with volunteers from the New York area. It was an amazing week. One that was worth staying for. I thank the students for their openness, their energy, and their laughter. It was really nice to work with people who understood where I came form for a change. At the end of the week, I left feeling as though I truly do love New York!

Christmas came and went

Christmas is gone and it is already 2011!! What the heck? Where did the time go? Where did the last year go? I know I did not post any blogs during the Christmas season and I am sorry for that. I guess thats because I do not think I had a free moment during the season. I was so focused trying to fit it all in and be spiritually and materially ready for Christmas and God in my heart that well, things just felw by. Looking back, it was all filled with good things. The farm during christmas time is a busy place. We have so many friends here, that we want to let them all know how much we care. This year for some reason we did not get much sleep. We were up many hours during the night making cookies and cards for those we care for. I also was selling some cards so that kept me busy making sure each one was special. We did not have groups in December so normal tasks like the food pantry were still done and kept us busy. We were worried about project Merry Christmas this year, but it went so smooth! We had higher numbers then last year, we had to change locations, and we had a snow storm that forced us to have a second day of project! and yet...it went so well! It was fun this year seeing all of the faces, most of which were familiar to me now...it was fun helping people pick out presetns for their families. It was a joy filled event! Along with the work, me and the girls had fun doing some christmas stuff on our own! we had a cookie baking event with kids and teens, we had a door decorating contest, we played music, and decorated with our own snowflake creations, we saw concerts,crafted,celebrated and visited many who we care for. In the end, although hectic it was great!

After the food pantry handout, I headed back to NY. This time I drove alone. I know I know...it seems unlike me. For those who know of my direction, and driving in general challenges, well I sure have come along way. I made it to maggies place tired and ready for bed, but she met me with food and warmth and a huge hug. From there, my vactaion started. Over the holidays, things seem to blur together too. I saw many friends and family and was busy busy busy. I got to watch tim and michs games and chat with my parents. I got to spend some time with my grand and great grandparents which is always a special treat! I even got to clean out some of my lifes clutter. After working in the clothing pantry this long, I want to just get rid of all I do not need. Overall, it was a Christmas like it should be...filled with family and togetherness and coming home.

As always it was sad to leave, but it was also sad to come back to vanceburg..my now second home. I love it here and the people here and driving back well, I couldnt help but get sad that this would be my last drive back for at least a while...