Hello, Dear Reader! *GU ABST '15*

Hello! Welcome to the blog for Gannon's 2015 ABST trip to Detroit, MI! We are excited to have you share in our journey. We want to keep you involved as we go through formation individually and as a group as we prepare to travel from Erie to Detroit in a few months! Here is our team roster:

Evan Cook and Cody Feikles (student leaders), Sara Nesbitt and Kurt Hersch (Gannon staff/faculty), Kelly Gaydosh, Josiah Leach, Madelyn Zurinsky (Maddie), Victoria Quagliana, (Tori), Andrew Walker, Nathan Demarest, Megan Alexander, and Malik Hassan.

We come from different backgrounds, have different majors, and have different interests; but we want to remain open to the growth we will experience as we prepare for our upcoming trip. We will be traveling to Detroit over our regularly scheduled Spring Break, which goes from Feb. 28th - March 6th.

Please keep us your prayers and in your hearts as we plan ahead for our ABST. (For those of you who do not know, ABST stands for Alternative Break Service Trip :) ) We have already had a meeting on December 7th, and we are hoping to have another meeting before Christmas Break.

Be sure to keep visiting this blog in the future as we will have many more blog posts to come. Thanks for reading!

- GU ABST '15 - Detroit :)

Geyzel's Final Thoughts

If there is one thing that I learned from the Detroit trip, is to never talk or believe negatively about places like Detroit. Especially if one does not personally live in those particular locations. Generally people tend to place their full confidence on how the media portrays things, even if they are negative. For this reason I once had a dark image about Detroit, which no longer exists in my mind. Now whenever I find myself thinking about the city of Detroit, I see a light, hope, and warriors who together, will overcome any obstacle that life may throw at them.

-Geyzel

Louisa's Final Thoughts

This year, our 　alternative break service trip to Detroit,MI 　was fantastic. This trip really opened my eyes in so many ways 　I have learned to really appreciate life and to accept people for who they are.For some years, the media has always portrayed Detroit in such a negative way but what one needs to remember is that you can’t judge a book by its cover. Even though, Detroit is facing a tough time right now , the people in the city have learned to build diversity in their community. Everyone in each and every part 　of city of Detroit is finding ways to connect with one another. They are finding ways to help improve their health by eating the right nutrition. Organizations such as Earthworks and Freedom Freedom Growth is striving to promote health awareness for the community 　. Overall, I really enjoyed the trip it was awesome. Everyone that we came across, demonstrated hospitality and they included us as part of their table.

-Louisa

Kayla's Final Thoughts

To sum up an experience like I had in Detroit in just a few sentences is an impossible task. What I'm bringing back through Detroit to myself is three important life altering lessons. Simply experiencing the presence of the people of Detroit, I quickly learned how accepting they are. Just two days back on campus, and it hurts my ears to hear a judgmental statement in day to day conversation. Detroit has also reminded me of a simple concept. Nothing will be achieved if everyone can't work together. We all have gifts, different points of views and areas of expertise which are more effective when used in a collaborative effort. In closing, Detroit has left a fire burning within me to change my life and has me rethinking a career path that will benefit our home that we call America the Beautiful.​

-Kayla

Amanda's Final Reflection

Our time in Detroit was the most inspirational week I have ever experienced. Seeing the city for myself instead of relying on what the media says was a great decision. One of the most important lessons that I feel like I got from the trip is to not judge something based on what you hear. There was so much negativity portrayed about Detroit before I left, but actually being there and interacting with so many residents of the city, I realized that you should always experience something for yourself before you listen to what everyone around you has to say. Everyone that we talked to was very hospitable, and I could not have asked for a better week. Also, I could not have asked for a better group of people to go with, it was amazing how in just one week we made our own little family.

-Amanda

Leigh's Final Thoughts

A few days before the trip, I didn't want to go. I felt swamped by all my schoolwork, overtired from sleep deprivation, and frankly, kinda homesick. The day before the trip arrived, and I spent most of it frantically packing. I look back at that stressed out gal and wonder where she went. Nothing could have prepared me for what the week was to bring or how positively it would change me. Art, innovation, agriculture, race, history, creativity, family, reflection, future plans--we covered it all. I've never felt more open-minded, more capable, more inspired to become a hopeful, hardworking influence in my community. I don't know why the universe decided that I deserved this ABST, but I thank all my lucky stars that it did.

-Leigh

Doc's (Dr. Baker's) Final Thoughts

What an awesome Alternative Break Service Trip. Our trip to Detroit focused on issues food security, defined as the opportunity for all people at all times to have access to sufficient, safe, nutritious food to maintain a healthy and active life. Food in this case dealt with natural food. What I did not anticipate is that the issue of food security also addressed issues moral and spiritual food security. The symbolism of food, how the need for food transcends are social, racial, economic, political, and governmental concerns. In our Christian tradition Jesus was often revealed in the breaking of bread or the distribution of fish. What I discovered in Detroit is that I represent the “Bread of Life”, that I’m to share the grace of God by distributing myself, giving “the opportunity for all people at all times to have access to sufficient, safe, nutritious food to maintain a healthy and active life”, both naturally and spiritually. A life-changing week!

-Doc

Jennifer's Final Thoughts

During our time in Detroit I learned to appreciate the small things in life. Everyone we worked with was appreciative of the work we performed. Whether we were painting, mixing soil, pruning trees, or cleaning bee boxes, everyone was thankful for our acts of kindness. Many people we talked to were glad we were there and happy to talk to us. They seemed to appreciate the fact that we were trying to see the city for what it truly is. Small things are something I believe we all should appreciate. After all, small things often are the most meaningful.

-Jennifer

Vernadette's Final Thoughts

This trip opened my eyes to the truth about Detroit and the importance of community. Detroit is a beautiful place with resilient people willing to fight to keep their city alive. I learned so much from the people of Detroit and I'm still having a hard time fathoming all of the things I learned. I hope to make an impact not only in my own life but to my community, whether it be at home or at school, to encompass what I learned in Detroit.

-Vernadette

Kevin's Final Thoughts

Looking back at the week, I can't get over everything that happened. I never dreamed that the trip would go as well as it did. Over the course of 8 days, a group of students that barely knew each other came together did something remarkable. We ignored what others may have said about Detroit and embraced everything that city had to offer. Throughout our trip, we immersed ourselves in its culture and lived among its residents. We met some great people and did things that we will never forget. I will cherish my time in Detroit for a long time. Thank you Detroit and my fellow Table Sharers for an experience that will last a lifetime. 

- Kevin  

Signed, Sealed, Delivered

Hey folks!

We are back home in Erie, and what an adjustment it is! It saddened us all to part after such a spectacular week, but we suspect that everyone enjoyed an extra-long shower.

Before leaving Detroit yesterday, we gave a few hours of our time to Earthworks. The tasks included seeding cold weather plants, mixing more growing medium, and cleaning off bee boxes in preparation for (you guessed it) bees. A huge thanks to Earthworks, especially Patrick and Shane, for allowing us to learn more about urban agriculture in Detroit.

We may be home, but we are certainly not finished with Detroit. Keep checking the blog for the next few days--we'll be posting individual reflections on what the week meant to us.

Signed, Sealed, Delivered...we're home!
Table Sharers

Home again!

Hey folks!

We are back at Gannon University! Once we're all settled, we'll send some more info about today. Home sweet home!
Table Sharers

Come and Get These Memories

Hey Folks!

Day two of real deal physical labor went well! The folks at Earthworks had us mixing grow medium, pruning trees, and pricking tomatoes. They treated us to lunch at the Soup Kitchen, and we enjoyed intriguing conversation with the our fellow diners.






After the scrumptious meal, we spoke with another staff member at Earthworks, named Patrick, who shared his vast knowledge of Detroit and urban agriculture history with us. Shane also contributed to the conversation, despite a busy schedule otherwise.

If you can find a moment of your day please give a moment of silent respect. We would appreciate it in the name of one of the houses of the Heidelberg Project, which burned down last night. On the way back to EMEAC from Earthworks, we drove by the house, and the emotional impact affected all of us. Here is a link to learn more.

Although we are saddened to be leaving tomorrow, we've Come to Get These Memories, and we certainly have!
-Table Sharers

You've Made Us So Very Happy

Hey folks!

Do you guys remember Shane from earth works? Well, Tuesday night he invited us to a hip-hop open mic night at the 5-E Gallery. The focus of the evening was on Women's History month. We were so privileged to have heard amazing and inspiring poems.

Yesterday afternoon we went to the Detroit Historical Museum where we had the chance to explore the different eras in Detroit. A few highlights were the Kid Rock Music Lab, Streets of Old Detroit, America's Motor City, Doorway to Freedom Detroit, and the Underground Railroad.

We also had the chance to visit the Detroit River Walk. Some of us for the first time had the chance to view Canadian territory across the Detroit River.

The table sharers would like to give a special shout out to yesterdays' dinner team for cooking an amazing Curry plate, first time for many.

This morning, after an invigorating dance class led by Kevin and Sarah, we drove our majestic white van to the New Works Field Street Collective to spend some time learning about their community and helping to paint some of their walls. They generously made us a fantastic chili lunch, and afterwards we heard from the co-founders of Feedom Freedom Growers about their collaborative urban agricultural effort. Mamma Myrtle and Wayne Curtis shared their passion with us...expect some homegrown fruits and veggies from us after spring semester!

This evening we had the privilege of spending time with Joe Bione, a Gannon alum whose generosity equals his candor in speaking about Detroit. He drove us out of the city toward a suburb called Troy. He impressed upon us the stark contrast found within a 20 mile drive of the city. 

We'd like to say a huge thanks to everyone this week who has shown us generosity and hospitality--the people we've met have been a blessing. You've Made Us So Very Happy!

-Table Sharers

Chain of Fools

Hey folks!

Any of you ever heard of a little place called Hitsville, USA? Well then make your way on over to this link, and let the musical history wash over you: the Motown Museum. Because we were so much in awe of this magical place, we decided it would be easier to write up a couple of lists.

All the Times We Felt Starstruck
-when we saw Michael Jackson's hat and glove
-when we found out that Paul McCartney had been to the same museum
-standing in Studio A

All the Times We Sang Along
-with the opening film history of Motown
-with the tour guide as we moved through the exhibit
-with the tour group into an echo chamber
-singalong at the reception desk where Diana Ross once worked
-right before the end of the tour when we sang My Girl

All the Times We Wished We Were in the 1960s
-looking at the costumes of the Supremes
-seeing the records hung on the wall
-getting a glimpse of Berry Gordy's apartment

Things that were Just Overall Cool
-how they kept the Baby Ruth candy bars in the same spot so that Little Stevie Wonder could always find his favorite sweet treat
-seeing the couch on which Marvin Gaye used to crash after late nights of songwriting
-the holes worn into the floor by the sound engineers who tapped their feet

We hope that was vague enough to convince you to check out this amazing museum yourselves someday! Thanks to the folks at the Boulevard Cafe & Coney Island for a delicious meal after an incredible tour. You'll find no Chain of Fools in this group of table-sharers.
-The Table Sharers

Living for the City

Hey folks!

The Heidelberg Project (link here: http://www.heidelberg.org/) tour, led by Lisa, kicked off our day with a healthy dose of urban art. The beautiful outdoor exhibit resonated with a profundity unique to each of us, so instead of summarizing it for the whole group, here are our individual opinions...
Disclaimer: the pictures don't do it justice!

Louisa-Lisa point out that  there are more churches than schools in Detroit. It seems that church is not doing anything to help the community.

Sarah-It was impressive to me how the Project was able to illustrate the unconditional love, forgiveness and powerfully strong sense of community in the neighborhood.

Kevin- Heidelberg is a real example of how one man's trash is another man's treasure. It showed that no matter art is made up of or looks like, it can move someone in a way that one cannot explain. 

Kayla- The one thing that really stood out to me was the Polka Dot House. It was the start of the Heidelberg Project and is now referred to the "White House"... possibly resembling where the heart of Detroit is, or the true governors of Detroit...the community.

Amanda- The most inspirational part of Heidelberg for me was the fact that when some of the houses were vandalized by fire, the community is willing to take those responsible back into their neighborhood to be helped and listened to. That is a trait that you would not see in many communities.

Jessie- At first, I had a really unpleasant reaction to the house that was covered in decaying stuffed animals. It looked like a perverse expression of childhood and youth. However, the guide explained to us that the artist's intent was to show how natural and beautiful the aging process is. To see old stuffed animals breaking down in the elements, but still maintaining their whimsy and fun, was turned upside-down from me from feeling sad to feeling natural and joyful. I was grateful for the change in perspective--especially as I begin to move from "young adulthood" to straight-up adulthood! It's important to acknowledge and embrace the beauty in aging.

Jennifer- When i first saw the art, i have to admit I did not know what to think of it, in fact it first made no sense to me. After the guide explained it i saw it in a whole different way and saw the meaning of the art.

DJ Doc- I was emotionally moved into amazement and shocking silence when the group was introduced the
museum pieces of shoes placed in an oven reflecting the Jewish Holocaust and shoes hanging from trees representing the lynching of African-Americans. In its simplicity the piece powerfully illustrated the pain of the times and the importance to never forget.

Geyzel- One of the art pieces that really got me thinking was a clock. The clock represented how people in general feel that they are always running out of time. We spend so much time focusing on our own problems, but how much of that time do we give back to the community. My goal from now on is to stop always thinking about time, myself, and start thinking about what I can do for MY COMMUNITY.

Vernadette-The art piece "Mona Lisa" really captured my attention because it reflected the struggles of the Native Americans, but created something beautiful out of it. It was representative of the Heidelberg Project's purpose in Detroit and what the artist was trying to convey. Which is that struggles can truly be transformed and create positive outcomes within a community.

Leigh- I am still and probably will always be processing what I saw today--I'm just happy to have been able to experience such a unique 'museum.' I am ruined forever for traditional art exhibits.











After reflecting on the art, we visited Earthworks--the site where we will be volunteering time later in the week--and were given a tour and history by Shane. The Capuchin Soup Kitchen (CSK) is a well-established organization in the Detroit community founded in 1929 and dedicated to not just putting a bandage over the wound that is poverty, but teaching skills which allow people to help themselves out of bad situations. (Fun fact: the CSK funds the On the Rise Bakery also!) The Earthworks garden itself has existed for 16 years and furnishes healthy alternatives to people who might have only had access to processed foods. Shane feels a sense of purpose in his work, and his message was especially powerful for Kevin and Jessie who had anticipated meeting him for the past few months. According to Shane, people of Detroit should be known for their "creativity and resilience."










Some of the group members took a walk to a local bookstore called Source. Janet, a staff member of the store, supplied valuable insight and background which widened the lens through which we look at Detroit. She challenged us to examine what motivated us to come to Detroit, the questions we should ask the people who live here, and the bias which we might come across in the opinions we hear.

For dinner, Megan and Sarah welcomed us into their home to share some delicious vegetarian chili and some stimulating conversation. Jessie met Megan at a social justice conference earlier this year. Students and staff from Loyola University in Chicago and University of Detroit Mercy joined us to create a well-rounded group. We discussed the pros and cons of deciding to live in Detroit and exchanged wisdom about life decisions as important as home ownership.

We happily expanded our table to include new friends. We're Living for the City!
-Detroit Table Sharers

Some New Looks!!

Meanwhile... Louisa gave Vernadette and Kevin a new look. Here's pictures to prove it!

                                           

 

I'll Be There

Hey folks!

The first order of business this fine Detroit morning was to attend a mass at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church whose mission statement describes it as "a diverse parish rooted primarily in the Gospel of Jesus and in the heart of the community of Detroit." It was a gospel style service to which our group members all reacted differently. Some table-sharers were moved by the music while others found the nature of the church challenging.

After the service, we traveled through a neighborhood that gave us a better picture of Detroit. Our destination was On the Rise Bakery (check out the website to learn more here: http://www.cskdetroit.org/bakery/) which in contrast to the neighborhood filled us with hope and a unique perspective on some of the citizens of Detroit.





We had the privilege of meeting two men involved with the ROPE (Reaching Our Potential Everyday) program: Taiwon, who graduated from the program, and Brandon, who is currently enrolled in the program. The bakery which employs members of the program explains that the ROPE program "focuses on helping men who have been recently released from prison or completed substance abuse treatment."  Upon being asked to describe the food, Taiwon expressed that all the baked goods are 'dangerously' delicious. The general feeling among the group was that it was more dangerous being tempted by the pastries than it was entering the community. The other customers willingly expressed their support of the bakery and kindly took a moment out of their day to speak to us. Brandon worked diligently and spoke comfortably with us. Taiwon generously donated the small tip we were able to give him back to the bakery which has given him so much. 

A grocery trip later in the day demonstrated the malleability of the relationship between consumer and producer. Although the store was run by a family of Middle Eastern descent, the grocery team found items less derivative of Middle Eastern culture and more suited towards the needs of the community. 

For the evening's reflection, the group gathered around our table and drew suns whose rays were labeled with people, places, or events which have inspired who we are today. As we discussed these meaningful aspects of our lives, we became a more unified group, open and accepting of each other and our backgrounds. While we, the table-sharers, broke the bread from On the Rise Bakery, we broke out of our comfort zones. 

I'll Be There, and we'll be here all week!
-The Table Sharers

P.S. Happy Birthday to Vernadette!!

Ain't no Mountain High Enough in Midtown

Hey folks!

We made it through our first day here in Detroit! We've already learned some valuable lessons and experienced some incredible moments. 

One of the highlights of the Eastern Market is a woman we've deemed 'The Tea Lady.' This kind woman shared not only her product but also it's ingenuity with us. She brews the tea she sells in apple cider (instead of water...crazy, we know) and hands out free samples to anyone lucky enough to stop by her stand. She lovingly calls this concoction City Cider; a name whose creation was spurred by the satisfied customers looking for a name to put to the face. Be on the lookout in stores near you for this up and coming product.

The next stop was Bert's Marketplace, a charismatic joint with karaoke blaring from the speakers out front and a sign boasting soul food inside--we couldn't resist checking it out. Our good fortunes took us here on the day of Bert's seventieth birthday, and the gangster-themed shindig was a sight to see. The atmosphere impressed us as we were welcomed with open arms into this colorblind family. Bert's has a seat for Detroit-ers and outsiders alike; the only one not welcome there is racism. As if we weren't already falling in love with the place, we decided to try the macaroni and cheese, which has ruined us for mom's homemade dishes forever.

Next, we arrived at our temporary residence where Kim, a gracious representative from Eastern Michigan Environmental Action Council (EMEAC), gave us a grand tour. She enlightened and inspired us to share her appreciation for the city she calls home and the potential she sees in it. 

As we continue our week of service, we'd like to focus on the connections forged by sharing a table with others. As we break bread, so do we break stereotypes.

Ain't no mountain high enough in Midtown!
-The Detroit Table Sharers

We made it!

Hey folks!
After a fun-filled five hours in the car, we made it to our destination! Our first stop was the acclaimed Eastern Market where we picked up some fresh victuals to sustain us for the next few days. At a nearby Motown Restaurant, we were treated to music and atmosphere before heading to our temporary residence: the beautiful EMEAC Center. More stories to come later tonight, once we've settled in a little!
Excitedly,
The Detroit Table Sharers

The Soundtrack of the Table Sharers

In preparation to leave for Detroit, we all had a challenge. We had to think of a song that relates to us or to name our favorite. Here is our list. Please comment if you think you know what song relates to one of our members.

Jason Aldean - Tattoos On This Town:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EU-zks4FRlI
Kirk Whalum- Unconditional:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJYbg-bsEEM
Casting Crowns- Courageous: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pkM-gDcmJeM
Brandi Carlile - Hard Way Home:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83ExRzEHtjU 
Birdy- Wings: -          http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJTXDCh2YiA

Lecrae – Tell the World:    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yc8x33lAnAk 
Jimmy Eat World- Middle: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKsxPW6i3pM
Tyrone Wells - Happy as the Sun:    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKo3fyopB6M 
Hot Chocolate- You Sexy Thing:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-m9uG50mSw 
Jessica Andrews- Who am I?: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMPCNrWNCg8 
Beyoncé- Get Me Bodied (Extended Mix):    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RioOJ7dZxuw 
Katy Perry- Roar:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CevxZvSJLk8

Everyone's Thoughts

As we settle back into our routines of the Spring Semester, we all know that our trip is just around the corner. In four short weeks, we will be headed off to be in solidarity with those in Detroit. Right now, we all are feeling different emotions leading up to the trip. Here is just a little snap shot into what everyone's current thoughts of the trip... 

                                              "anxious"                  "enthusiastic"                                "excited"

                                        "enthralled"                                       "blessed"               "anticipatory" 

                                                       "enthusiastic"                            "purposeful"             

                                                  "blessed"                             "excited"                   "nervous" 

Please stay tuned to see how thoughts of the trip change as we get closer to our departure. Before we know it, the date will be March 1st and we'll be piling in a van off to Detroit. 

We would like to thank all those who have helped us to get we are that this point in our preparation. Without your help, none of this would be possible.

-Detroit Table Sharers