As we prepare for the impending cold and delve into the 2nd marking period, the call of the holiday season can be heard right around the corner. Beginning with Thanksgiving in just a couple of weeks, it is a time to reflect on the luxuries we’ve had access to in our lives and express gratitude for them. It’s a time to be satisfied with what you have, and look to improve the lives of the less fortunate. With the news of several service opportunities around OP arising, I’ve begun to reminisce about my time in rural Kentucky on a service mission trip with my church. 

Current OP Junior Sam Demarinis went on the same trip the previous year and told me about his great experience, which sparked my interest. On July 7th, with 9 other teenagers, a priest, and the Director of Youth Ministries, we embarked on a 10-hour van ride to Emmaus Farms, a Catholic service farm, in Vanceburg, Kentucky for a week. Something that struck me right away on our 10-hour van ride was the purity of our surroundings as we drove by the Appalachian Mountains, through West Virginia, and into Kentucky. These views emphasized the sacredness of creation and the people of Vanceburg seemed to hold them in the same regard.

The Farm runs on its four cornerstones of simplicity, prayer, community, and service. All actions from the Farm are revolved around at least one of these cornerstones. To live with simplicity, we cut ourselves off from all technology, air conditioning, and set a shower quota of 3 for the week. We didn’t use a dishwasher and washed everything by hand. We did this to remove the distractions that prevented us from connecting with each other in our faith. We also didn’t use any clocks to help us live in the moment; we lived on “God’s time”. We started each morning bright and early in the chapel, with a group prayer, praying for things to focus on during the day to help us grow.

We then met for breakfast and discussed the plans for the day, and who would be doing what tasks. We remained mindful of food portioning, making sure we only took what we needed as to conserve resources, and respect our possessions. We were split into 2 groups of 5 to work on sites and serve the community throughout the week. While one group was responsible for preparing and cleaning up breakfast, the other prepared homemade lunches to bring on the worksite. Some service activities each group did were singing songs and visiting senior centers and nursing homes, organizing food drives, painting houses, landscaping, and various other activities.

It was eye-opening to interact with the different citizens of Lewis County, because of their foreign outlook on life. The county is in a difficult position, as much of the industry that used to exist has been moved internationally, leaving many without jobs, trapped in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Yet, these people remained so joyous and content with what little they had. I saw this most clearly at a Pentecostal service that we attended; a service with no real formal structure, just a preacher to lead the worship, then anyone can step up and preach what they’d like. The passion and gratuity the Pentecostals worshipped with revealed their true satisfaction with life and love for Jesus. Being alive and in community with each other was the most important facet of life to the people of Vanceburg, and this was the biggest takeaway for me from the trip. 

My time on the farm has permanently changed me for the greater, and I’m so thankful for the opportunity to see a different kind of life that people, unfortunately, have to live in. It was an inspirational week, and reset my way of thinking. I have become more aware and mindful of my actions. I’ve learned to appreciate the value of genuine social connection more and to use the gifts that I have to their maximum potential. This was truly a life-changing experience and I’d recommend this trip for anyone looking to serve others, explore a new culture, travel somewhere exotic, or find inspiration.