We started the day like all days: oatmeal and instant coffee! Little did we know what the day would have in store for us. We rolled out of camp and drove a short distance to Rosspoint Elementary School. Some of us went inside of the school to clean the giant trophy cases. While doing that, we noticed how much the school values their academic and athletic achievements. The other group went to organize the school's food pantry, which serves about 40 of the students. They are able to go to to the pantry every Friday to take home some food if their families are struggling to provide for them. After we were done, it was time for a bit of fun. We were given the opportunity to read to the students and interact with them. We saw a new face of Harlan in the energy and excitement of the children, who were quick to welcome us into their classroom. After spending time in the classrooms, some of us were able to talk with the school resources coordinator, Patty. She told us about how some of the students come from very difficult family lives...some live in foster homes, sme come from families who can't always afford food or school supplies. Many children come from homes where substance and alcohol abuse is a problem. She explained that it was obvious that some kids had not showered for days from their smell and appearance, but the most she could do for them is provide a change of clothes.
After another short drive, we arrived at our next destination: a center for women recovering from drug addiction and alcoholism. We were welcomed by a peer mentor and former participant in the program. She gave us a tour of the facility and helped us understand the steps, stages, and individual stories of the recovery process. Many of us felt uneasy as observers, but the women were honest and welcoming to us, and made us feel that we were witnesses to their success. We had a special connection with one of the women, who shared her journey of addiction, loss, pain, and reinvention. Her vulnerability made a lasting impact on us.
We were feeling pretty somber when we got back to camp, still processing our experience at the center. We decided to go on an impromptu hike through Blanton Forest up to Knobby Rock. The hike was surprisingly challenging, a 2.2 mile trek up steep hills, through rough, muddy terrain, and across rivers. Arriving at the top made it all incredibly worth it. The view was breathtaking, and we were proud of ourselves for reaching the top. We were surrounded by a panorama of mountains, which seemed to stretch out across the horizon for eternity. To quote the great modern philosopher Miley Cyrus, "It ain't about how fast I get there...it's the climb." We knew that the difficulty of the climb paled in comparison to the beauty of the view, just as the struggles of the Harlan community never deter the passion and kindness of the Harlan people.
When we returned to camp, sore and sweaty, we were surprised with a buffet of homemade Southern cooking laid out on the table in our cabin. Some of the community partners we had in town made the fantastic meal for us out of their gratitude for our service. The hospitality of the Harlan people confirmed to us that we were here for the right reasons, and reminded us what we love so much about building connections through service. We will never forget their generosity and their stories.
-Meg and Janna
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