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...

What is your spiritual coffee

Question: what is your spiritual coffee? Answer: what?

Today at mass, the priest in Philly talked about how we all need coffee..to wake us up and keep us alert during the day. Physically we need coffee. Which, lately for my life has been true…I have converted and recently become a coffee lover. For those of you who knew how I desperately tried to avoid it even in college, well now I depend on it- long drives, long work days, many hours at the clothing pantry…when people ask how I will get it done I now reply coffee, and it is understood.
Well, this priest related coffee to spiritual life… He transitioned to advent and how we need to be ready for the Lord to come…we need to prepare ourselves and be awake. He posed an interesting question…what is your spiritual coffee? What keeps you awake and stimulates your faith? And honestly, I don’t know. He talked on the importance of prayer to a healthy growing prayer life…and well I pray each day…but I do not take quiet time to listen to God each day. He also talked about purple being the color of repentence and making sure you were right with the Lord. Hmmm…something to think about. So, I guess my challenge for Advent is to find my spirtual coffee…what in my life can awaken my spirituality and bring me where I need to be. Something to think about at least…

Turkey, Mr. Arlington, Friends, and Family

Thankful for Thanksgiving:

This year, we got a nice break for Thanksgiving. After pantry handout(410 families yikes!) we had almost a week to be off. Me and Allison had decided to drive home. She is on my way back so we were able to split the drive . Also, flights these days have been a bit crazy…so driving was a nice challenge to take on.
We made it pretty smooth. We even timed it so that I almost saw my old teammates finish their last XC race of the season(and for some of college). Go Foxes!!
My trip home was pretty great. Busy and full of visiting but nice. Actually it was full of watching the tape of Mr. Arlington…yeah, that’s right my brother won. I got a day with Nana and a day to visit Marist and sit in on a friends class. I also got to help tow my old red car out…man it did not want to leave me. That car was a trooper…whoever gets parts from it is lucky! We had a great Thanksgiving…full of family time and food! And of course I got to see a bit of Melly and Linds when I was home too! We capped the break off with the annual trip to Philly for the Oireachtas. Man, Irish dance is crazy…sometimes I forget…and yet I still love it. Tim and Mich danced great1 Especially for the amount of prep time other sports and injuries allowed them this year. Tim got third, which he deserved but was unexpected…Mich did great too..but for those who know Irish dance..well its just another thing for girls…she was in the seventies…like 4ish away from a recall…pretty good I think! And now, after a sad goodbye to the fam…I am off again to KY…to continue our work fro the week. It feels weird to not be going back with them…but I am just glad I am at a place that lets me go home. That lets me visit and be there when I need to. And….soon so soon I will be back for Christmas!