I traveled to Summers County West Virginia with 25 college students from across the country to Bethlehem Farm Inc. I was greeted by 7 care takers with hugs and welcoming faces. Bethlehem Farm is a Catholic Community in Appalachia that transforms lives through service with the local community and teaching sustainable practices. Their four cornerstones are service, prayer, simplicity, and community. I participated in all 4 cornerstones during my stay at the farm. Service: I helped construct and build a deck with a ramp for an elderly couple. I helped clean a homeless shelter in town and also plastered the walls. I served on "home crew": stayed on the farm to prepare lunch and dinner for our friends who went to work that day. We served about 60 people dinner that night. We also cleaned the living space and did chores around the farm. Prayer: Each day started with prayer and ended with prayer. I had a lot of time to reflect about life while I was on the farm and really think about my life choices. Simplicity: No clocks, watches, cell phones, or make-up. If it’s yellow let it mellow if it’s brown flush it down. TURN OFF THE LIGHTS. Two showers/week. Time doesn’t exist. Being simple is FUN and a true gift. Community: Words can’t describe the community at the Farm. Americans take so much for granted when many live with little to nothing. I was able to appreciate what I had and learn how to relax and embrace my life.
