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