Tuesday, February 28, 2017

"Lettuce" Begin

February 27, 2017
              
               Today was the day!  Our group finally arrived at Earthworks for our first day of orientation.  As they say “the early bird catches the worm,” so bright and early, we loaded up the van and drove to the west side.
                Upon arriving, we saw the multiple greenhouses and garden plots surrounding one side of the parking lot and some lots across the street.
                This morning we were able to meet with Shane, one of the leaders at Earthworks, who we have been in contact with for the last couple of months.  Shane is knowledgeable in all things Detroit and agriculture, but he has a special knack for drawing you into deep thoughts.
                “I want you to introduce yourselves and include what you call home, along with your favorite food,” he first stated after settling in.
                We rambled through lists of homemade desserts, pastas, and delicacies.  Shane brought to our attention that we have such a close relationship with food.  It goes beyond just a physical response and enters an emotional center within us.  Food is comfort.  Food is joy.  It can tie whole communities together.
                The orientation this morning was all about learning as we expanded our perspectives on Detroit.  We found that growing our own food is tied to our very roots.  Our ancestors had to plow their land and we are finding the love in doing it once again. 
                After a few hours of touring and discussing our expectations for the week ahead, the group sat down to lunch in the soup kitchen.  Tommy, Julianna, and Jessica found themselves sitting next to a wonderful gentleman who discussed all of his favorite things about his city.  He wanted to know all about our trip and after the conversation, asked to take a picture with them, stating that he would be praying for them the rest of the year.
                In the afternoon, the hard work began when we split off into two groups to perform pruning and mulching.
                The hours were spent attempting to figure out what parts of the tree to clip and/or climbing them to search the tops.  No one was hurt (except maybe some egos).  Three others were truly breaking a sweat shoveling mulch and flattening out the soil.
                Afterwards, we were able to start pruning some grape vines.  Even though this was one of the most confusing tasks of the day as we struggled to define new baby branches, it was incredibly rewarding.  It felt as though we were saving all the future baby grapes.
                When 3 PM hit, we were ready to head over to Belle Isle.  It was incredibly beautiful, especially in the off season.  Some sandy beaches provided the perfect backdrop for our reflection period.
                Today was full of so much.  We started it with learning, then hard work, and then some reflecting.  It was great to see Earthworks for the first time and we can’t wait to see what the rest of the week has in store.
(Earthworks Logo)

(Greenhouse at Earthworks)

(Rachel, Jillian, and Crista hard at work)

(View from Belle Isle)

XOXO,

Detroit 2K17

Sunday, February 26, 2017

Gathered in Love

                Today, our group was fortunate enough to attend the beautiful gospel mass at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.  Located right near the Eastern Market, this is also a center of social life for some members of the Detroit community.  From the minute that we walked through the door, we were welcomed and greeted with loads of smiles.
                Sitting in the back pews, we were able to observe everything around us.  The congregation members seemed to all know each other, smiling and waving from across the chapel.  In front of us was an adorable little boy and his mother.  He kept waving and showing us his tiny white bear.
                Looking back on it, we were all in agreement that the service was one of the best that we have ever been to.  The choir was astounding with their loud voices and we were welcomed deeply by their close-knit community.
                Reverend Thomas, the pastor of Sacred Heart, preached on how the “inner city” is viewed by outsiders.  He questioned what that term truly means.  The stigma that surrounds this city is untrue, making it seem so different than it actually is.  As he states, each individual is a wildflower and is truly important to God.
During one point of the service, Reverend Thomas took a special break to invite members celebrating birthdays and one little girl with a fantastic report card up to the altar in recognition.  While our hearts were busy melting, we realized that the Reverend was calling our own group up. 
“And all the way from Erie, Pennsylvania is a group from Gannon University.”
At first, I felt awkward making the long trek up to the altar as members clapped and cheered.  However, that feeling soon disappeared as we were hugged and given warm wishes by so many members.  Older ladies, young children, and elderly gentlemen shook our hands and hugged us, wishing us peace.
                I know that for me, this was an incredibly moving moment.  I wish that the church knew how much we appreciated all the joy they provided to us.
                Later that afternoon, our group explored some more culture of Detroit at the Detroit Historical Museum.  Beginning in the basement, we traveled through time for the history of Detroit, from its settlements in the 1700s to present day.  Who knew that Little Ceasars came from here?  We didn’t.  Who knew that they have soooo many cars?  You probably did, but I didn’t (oops).
                We concluded our lovely day with some smoothie tasting and exploring two grocery stores within Detroit, glancing at our surroundings (who was shopping there and how expensive grapes were).
                The day started off bright and sunny (literally) and continued to be full of joy and exploration throughout.  From being gathered in love at the church to gathering in love around each meal, the trip is going swell.

(Passing of Peace at Sacred Heart)

(Annmarie and a Congregation Member of Sacred Heart)

(Outside the Detroit Historical Museum)


XOXO,

Detroit 2K17

Saturday, February 25, 2017

"It's not the destination, it's the journey."

   Half asleep at 7:30 AM this morning, our van of ten students and two facilitators drove away from Gannon’s arch to start our journey to Detroit, Michigan.
   As Deen Meah puts it, “we were all closer than ever before.”
   After about 4 ½ hours, we arrived at the Eastern Market deep in the heart of the city.
   Immediately walking into the stalls, your senses are overwhelmed by scents, shouts from vendors, and crowds of people perusing the vast tables of colorful produce.
   Small groups split off and explored all there was to offer.
   We sampled cheeses, sausages, dark chocolate, juices, and some nose-clearing ginger tea.
   The beauty of it all was that each item was planned and made with care right there in lovely Michigan.
   As one vendor put it, “you can throw a dead cat from here and hit our door.”
   The pride they have in what they create is evident in their knowledge of exactly what was in it and where each ingredient came from.
   An hour of sampling quenched our desires and we found ourselves wishing to be able to take home more to our families.
   At this time, we are planning our own dinner, excited to see what is on the schedule for tomorrow.
   Even though we haven’t truly started our service work yet, the twelve of us have all had that “sampling” of all that Detroit has to offer.     And so far, we’re craving some more.




XOXO,
Detroit 2K17