How My Eyes Were Opened
By
Cassie Brakers,
University of Dayton ‘15
My week at Nazareth Farm challenged and engaged my head, hands, and heart and was one of the most memorable experiences of my life. Nazareth Farm proved to me how we should never settle in complacency; everything about this service breakout was out of my comfort zone. I was scared and spent way too much time worrying about what was to come on the trip, and even asked myself, “Why did I sign up for this?” Well, now I can say I am so glad I did because it turned out to be a truly rewarding experience. Going into the breakout, I didn’t know anyone on the trip, I barely knew the eight other volunteers from UD. I ended up leaving the Farm with meaningful friendships with the other volunteers and staff. I wish I could be back on the Farm sharing meals and prayer together.
Before the trip, I typically avoided any outdoor work, especially anything involving power tools. However, I successfully learned how to use different sorts of saws and drills that I was able to use at the work sites to better the living conditions of others. I discovered I really enjoy hammering! Who would have thought? I also found great satisfaction in working on chores in the morning before breakfast, because it made me feel like I actually deserved the breakfast I was about to eat. Before the trip I would wear makeup every day, spend way too many hours on Facebook, and not enough time with the people right in front of me. I wondered how I would survive without social media at my fingertips and how comfortable I would be in showing my natural self to everyone at the Farm. However, I discovered how much better off I was without both of these things! The time spent with the amazing people at Nazareth Farm was so real and genuine. Praying, eating, holding hands, and giving innumerable hugs were constant reminders to me of God’s presence on the Farm.
And so when reflecting on my experience of Nazareth Farm, I knew I was changed for the better, but I could not pinpoint how I was changed. This Thursday morning though, I woke up realizing what exactly was different. As the sun rays woke me, causing me to open my eyes to the new morning, I realized that was how I was changed; Nazareth Farm had opened my eyes. I did not realize how closed my eyes were before, but my eyes and my heart have now been opened to everything joyous and beautiful about this life. More specifically, I realized that I was opened to the beauty of myself, others, service, and nature. A surreal moment for me occurred on Wednesday during my week at the Farm when I looked at myself in the bathroom mirror; staring back at me was a girl who felt pretty for the first time in her life without makeup on her face. I believe it was the inner happiness experienced at Naz Farm that extended from my interior to exterior that made me see this change. I have never felt more confident in myself as a human being made in God’s image. My eyes were also opened to the beauty of the other volunteers that shared this experience with me. It was incredible after the first day of awkward introductions and small talk how quickly friendships formed and laughter was shared between the three college groups and staff. I credit the welcoming and loving community lifestyle void of distractions such as technology and the incessant worries brought on by daily life outside the Farm. The intrinsic human dignity and value of each person I encountered shined brightly through their smiles and their stories. I didn’t mind getting fewer hours of sleep if it meant staying up late playing ninja, dragon slayer, or just talking with each other. I was also opened to the beauty of service and using my hands to extend God’s love by repairing the houses. Being physically present with the homeowners and seeing their living conditions reinforced the realization of how thankful I should be for the life I have. There are many problems I do not have to deal with that some families in Appalachia have to deal with daily and so it only makes sense that I use the skills God has given me to help. I invested myself in the work I completed at the housing sites and understood that I was not doing this service to “feel good” or to put on a resume, but because this is what God calls us all to do, to help and love our neighbors. My eyes were also opened to the beauty of nature that was prevalent everywhere I looked. I have never more clearly experienced God in the presence of nature. When we hiked to the tallest point of the property on Monday and sat on the giant rock, I was amazed by the view. The sound of rain hitting the endless number of trees, the sun peering through the clouds, all while listening to the story of Elijah. Matt’s voice rang through the silent woods when shouting “LORD ARE YOU THERE?” I could feel God with us as we sat in contemplation on the rock.
My time at Nazareth Farm was filled with incredible life lessons and memories that I will never forget. I feel that my soul is on fire with the love I received on the Farm, and I want to give it all back. I am determined to continue this life of simplicity, community, service, and prayer. I had always heard the saying, “Strangers are just friends you haven’t met,” but it wasn’t until after the Farm that I truly believed it. I am thankful for the experience and the great friends of faith that I made, and I hope to one day be back at Nazareth Farm, where I experienced a miracle every day in such a loving and faith-filled community. 