Harvest Hands Gets Their New Digs

Harvest Hands, a nonprofit Christian Community Development organization in South Nashville, is moving into their new digs. The new location happens to be one of the oldest churches in Nashville, the former Humphreys Street United Methodist Church. Many friends of the program will gather to help the move take place this Saturday, May 2. The new facility will continue to serve the community in much the same way including an after school program, a housing program, Monday neighborhood social lunches, emPOWER sports, celebrate recovery, and creative mentoring businesses. The neighborhood where Harvest Hands is residing is near the Tennessee State Fairgrounds and is known as the Wedgewood Houston area, names for the two streets that make the North and South boundaries. Harvest Hands is just a quick ten-minute drive from our Brentwood Bubble Old Hickory exit.

Currently the after school program serves approximately 20 area children at a small house on Wingrove Street. However, with the new location, Harvest Hands will be expanding those numbers with the upcoming summer program. Each week, the summer program will be open 1-5 pm on Monday through Friday. Groups have been gathering on weekends to turn this old church into a kid-friendly space. The program is looking for volunteers for the summer, everyone from teenagers to the perky senior types are welcome. Contact Randy, the after school program director, if you would like to discuss helping on summer afternoons. You can email him at randy@harvesthandscdc.com and he can provide more information.

The Harvest Hands website states, "We are here to provide opportunities of growth and empowerment to our neighbors in the community. Each of our opportunities are Christ-centered and encourage spiritual growth through relationship with God." And you can see the neighborhood pulling together when you attend one of their Monday lunches. Four groups of people from all over the area have committed to cook once a week for these gatherings. The food is always good and the company is always better. At any given time, you may see four or five different age groups, ethnic and racial backgrounds breaking bread at the table together. People are reaching out to each other and forming bonds that will make this community stronger.

Harvest Hands has made a commitment to go on a journey with all of their neighbors. Their website states, "We are also committed to the empowerment of children, youth and families so that they might become all that God has created them to be." I volunteer with this organization in both of the programs outlined above because I believe we can make a difference. These children and these families could use a helping hand and you have to walk side by side with them and hold their hands. One truly has to invest themselves in a program like Harvest Hands for the organization to make a difference.

Check out their website and see if you might join us on this journey. http://www.harvesthandscdc.com/

Just in message from Courtney Hicks at HH:

We need help packing and moving this Friday and Saturday! We will be packing Friday from 10 am - 12 noon and 1 pm - 3 pm at 432 Wingrove. We will officially move on Saturday beginning at 9 am from 432 Wingrove Ave. to 424 Humphreys St.. If you can help, please let me know! Also, please forward this to anyone you may know who would like to help. Thanks for your commitment to Harvest Hands!!Thanks!!Courtney HicksDirector of Communications & DevelopmentHarvest Hands CDC615.770.2944courtney@harvesthandscdc.com

The 50,000 Pairs in 50 Days Challenge

The 50,000 Pairs in 50 Days Challenge

Soles4Souls • A shoe charity giving shoes to those in need

Soles4Souls • A shoe charity giving shoes to those in need

National Barefoot Week - Just in Time for Summer

Soles4Souls, an international footwear charity based right here in Nashville, is on a mission to impact as many lives as possible with the gift of shoes. Their slogan in fact is "Changing the World One Pair at a Time." Soles4Souls facilitates the donations of shoes, which are used to aid the hurting worldwide. It's a grassroots organization with collections sites in churches, schools, doctor's offices, and retail shoe stores. Just last week, Timberland and Soles4Souls announced a campaign to have collection sites in their stores with customers receiving a 10% discount with a donation.

To facilitate this mission further, Soles4Souls is promoting a National Barefoot Week, June 1-7, 2009. The kickoff for this nationwide event is June 1, which will National Barefoot Day. Actress Scarlett Johanssen, who recently donated 2000 pairs of shoes from her Reebok running line, will be serving as a spokesperson for this event. During this year's Barefoot Week, the charity will also donate more than 325,000 pairs of new sandals to needy people in five cities: New Orleans, Atlanta, Miami, Detroit, and Taylor, Arizona (Indian Reservation). The hope is that through this event, people will become engaged and invested in this charity.

Soles4Souls is taking an environmental approach to the subject also. A quote from their website stated, "A sad fact is that there are 300 million children in the world who have never owned a pair of shoes, while the same number of shoes were tossed into American landfills last year," he said. "We want to give people a reason to clean out their closets and help needy people while reducing the strain on our landfills at the same time," Elsey said.

Soles4Souls website is http://www.giveshoes.org/ and I recommend you check the site before you finish your spring cleaning or next time your clean out your closet.

Not Your Average Garage Sale - But a Fundraiser!

This Saturday, as is the case with many spring Saturdays, is a neighborhood garage sale weekend for River Oaks Subdivision in Brentwood. Yes, this is in our bubble and not my jurisdiction, except that one garage sale of the many is going to donate its proceeds to a fantastic cause - in Africa. I hope you too are inspired by this garage sale and the heart behind the scenes.

A member of Brentwood United Methodist Church adopted a young Zulu boy at the Brentwood Society Worship and Community Center in Tumbleweed, Africa that BUMC partnered to build not long ago. Instead of exchanging gifts with each other, she and her husband decided to send this young boy Christmas presents and he was the happiest boy in town. Then, my BUMC friend heard that none of the other children at this school had received presents. The amazing thing she tells me is that these children were not jealous or spiteful. They patiently watched the boy open each little gift and celebrated with him and for him. The director of the school shared this with my friend and that friend found herself on a new mission.

For the past few weeks, she and her friends have been collecting pencils, hot chocolate packets, marshmallows, and cutting out scarves. In June, winter begins in Africa and she wants them to be ready. This lovely group of ladies has pulled together 50 packets of these items to send to the community center.

Where does the garage sale come in? The proceeds for the sale will cover the cost of shipping these items to Africa. It is indecently expensive to send a package across the oceans. But this will not stop her, as her heart is already there. If you'd like to support this garage sale, look for them on Appamattox Drive in River Oaks. Here is the link to the BUMC website for more info on the Brentwood Society Worship and Community Center. http://www.bumc.net/templates/System/details.asp?id=37358&PID=470537

Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt - Not too far out of the bubble

Today I spent the day at the Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt Outpatient Unit. Thank goodness this place is not too far outside of our bubble. I know going to a hospital is never fun, but today was definitely the best experience I have had in an acute care hospital. The nurses, physicians, admission team, anesthesiologists/nurse anesthesists, and recovery room team are just great at what they do. They take care of kids and their worried parents.

Here is my experience in a nutshell. A parking lot attendant offered us a ride from our car and then we were greeted by volunteers at the door who were eager to help. We dropped by the physician's office and were swiftly handled and off to outpatient surgery we went. We waited no more than ten minutes before admissions checked in my child. Before I could finish filling out a questionnaire, we were called back to the room. There was never a lull in service or a delay. One nurse or doctor after another moved us through the red tape and into the surgery unit.

After the procedure, I met with the physician who had pictures in hand (and good news). He thoroughly explained that all of our concerns had been answered and he'd have biopsy results in a few days. Again within minutes I was with my child in recovery. Did you know they have an ICEE machine in recovery for the kids? Cool!

Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt is a model to how a hospital should function. This would be a great place to volunteer and get outside the bubble. What a beautifully run organization from its decor to its decorum. Several of my friends within the bubble have worked hard to help raise funds for this hospital and now I see their passion has been well placed.

Consider the difference you might make in a child or parent's life. Here is the volunteer link to the Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt: http://www.vanderbiltchildrens.com/interior.php?mid=109

Eugene Howard Wade Roast - Do you have a favorite teacher?

My favorite teacher, Eugene Wade, was roasted last night as a fundraiser for a scholarship program, the United Community Resource Fund. Mr. Wade taught at three high schools, Natchez, Franklin, and Brentwood and each had a chance to roast Mr. Wade. He was very young when he started teaching, only twenty, very close to the ages of his students. Many of his students still live in this area and some were there last night. It was an eclectic group of people who gathered to honor him.
Mr. Wade deeply affected students and is well remembered by them because of his charisma and personal touch in the classroom. He sincerely cared for those in his classrooms and we all knew that we could count on him. We looked forward to his classes, which were attended by all types of kids. There was no division in his classroom due to sex, race or clique. We all loved him. We loved him for his three piece suits, his guffawing laugh, and his ability to love all of us spoiled Brentwood white kids. Mr. Wade was one of only two black teachers at Brentwood High and he definitely stood out. But he didn't stand out due to race, it was his teaching style and respect for all those around him. Former students may remember his cheerleading jumps when they would get the answer right or his "Burn, Baby, Burn" game that gave students the chance for extra points. Of course, if you missed the question for extra credit, you got the "Burn" part of the game. Mr. Wade always pulled for us in that game, but he had a devilish smile when you had to go to the "Burn Can."
If I had been able to speak last night about Mr. Wade, I would have told two stories. My Junior year, Mr. Wades' mother died. He took three days off when she died and I believe they are the only three days he ever took leave. I was so struck by his loss, his demeanor, the obvious pain he was feeling. I asked my parents if we could invite him to Thanksgiving dinner and although they thought I was a little weird, they agreed. Asking my family what they remembered about that day, my mom said she remembered how well dressed compared to our family. Typical of Mr. Wade, the gentleman, to come dressed in a three piece suit to honor the occasion. My brother remembers him watching football with our dad cracking jokes. I have often wondered if that was the only football he ever watched. I know he was at all the BHS games, but didn't seem like the type to take time to watch college football. That day was lovely and I will always remember the honor of having him in our home. My younger brother and sister had him a few years later and were grateful to have that bond with him already.
My two high school best friends, Chris and Dean, were also very fond of Mr. Wade. He often referred to us as the three musketeers. They were the two class clowns and Mr. Wade tolerated their craziness and begrudgingly laughed at their antics. You could always see him trying not to laugh which made us laugh that much harder. Of course, this just endeared him to us more and probably encouraged more antics out of Dean and Chris.
My second story involves Chris and Dean. We three sent Mr. Wade an invitation to our graduation. Independently, we had decided that he needed to know that we would want him there even if he wasn't required as a teacher to attend. He gave me a gift at graduation rehearsal and I was dumbfounded. He said very few of his students had ever sent him an invitation and he was touched. I still remember what he gave me, a bottle of White Shoulders perfume. I loved that bottle, and he'd probably laugh to know the perfume made me sneeze. I never could wear the perfume but I think I kept that bottle for fifteen years.
Had I been a teacher or if my children became teachers, Mr. Wade would be the role model to follow. He has been recruiting teachers for eleven years now and I know he makes a big difference there. If he is looking for qualities in future teachers that he possessed in his classroom, then Williamson truly must be the best academic county in Tennessee. I'm not sure any of those teachers will ever equal the transcendent quality that held the students rapt with attention, but we can hope. Do you have a favorite teacher or a story to tell? Use the comment bar to let me know! Also, if you'd like to follow on Twitter or facebook, you can click on those links to the right. Thanks for reading!
More on Mr. Wade in the Williamson Herald at http://www.williamsonherald.com/home?id=63603

Heard about Fair Trade Coffee?

I hadn't heard of fair trade coffee until about three weeks ago. I had heard about modern day slavery related to cocoa beans and chocolate manufacturing. But this was new. My friend, in a personal search to make a step toward social justice discovered a mission of the Methodist church that inspired her.

The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) has developed a partnership between small scale farmers all over the world who grow coffee, tea, cocoa, nuts and fruit. Equal Exchange is a fair trade organization which provides a trading system for these independent farmers and co-operatives that guarantee them a minimum sale price, affordable credit and support for their farming. Simply put, these farmers would not get a fair price without these relief efforts. We would paying the same price here in America but they would be living in poverty, unable to support their families and possibly lose their land. Does that hit home with Americans these days...to lose your home?

I wonder if citizens within our Brentwood bubble are as unaware of this effort. My friend decided to take the next step with her local grocery and ask them to carry free trade coffee. Of course, the manager, who did seem to want to help, had to send her up the corporate ladder. I think it would be an easy and important step if Brentwood residents decided to follow her up that ladder. Where do you buy coffee? Harris Teeter? Kroger? Starbucks? The new place in town, The Perch? Ask what they serve and if they are aware of the program. Look for the label shown above in your local grocers. It's a great way, a simple way to make a difference. Just ask for coffee that has been traded fairly and see what happens. You just might find yourself taking a step toward social justice just by having a latte' or espresso!

Want to know more? Check out http://www.equalexchange.com/ or check them out on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Equal-Exchange-Fairly-Traded-Coffee-Tea-Chocolate/7432188085?ref=ts

Destin - Is it our bubble relocated?

My family made the journey to Destin for Williamson County spring break this year for the first time. We have never been to a panhandle beach for spring break. Our senior claimed it as her last high school request, so away we went. I have to admit I was more than a little nervous about what we would find when we arrived, especially since the forecast was cold and cloudy. The weatherman were right for once and we were glad we brought our sweats that first morning.

In the past, our family beach trips have been in the summer to secluded Fort Morgan, Alabama where you rented a house and the beach in front of said house was all yours. We could go all week without seeing anyone even remotely familiar. I was expecting Destin to be the opposite of that experience. But the ritual of hitting the panhandle in the cool spring must be tried, so away we went proudly wearing our chosen college tshirts and toting our beach chairs.

We stayed at the Embassy Suites, Miramar Beach, which was a little off the beaten path from the true "action" on the beach. Three other families from Brentwood High School stayed in our hotel and maybe others from surrounding schools. We saw them at the complimentary breakfast every morning, we hung out at the beach, and reassembled again for dinner two nights. But when we hit the beach, where we braved the cold and tried to stay low and out of the wind, we saw many more familiar faces. We saw the Smiths, whose dad was doing sand art on the beach. Mark crafted a huge hammerhead shark (see photo) and the next day a race car. It was unexpected fun to invite our friends, the Moores, to join us on the beach each day. Their residence was down by the "action" and they enjoyed a little more of a family atmosphere with us. A little further down the beach were big groups of chaperoned BHS seniors which our seniors visited for a day. With so many friends and acquaintances around, we found ourselves entertained and still relaxed.

One morning, we scooted down the road a few miles east to Seaside and Seagrove to look around. It was a slower pace and more upscale shopping, but the difference was the crowds and traffic. Most patrons in this area ride bikes or walk to the shops. This area is definitely of interest for future vacations.

All in all, I'd say Destin probably has something for everyone, but our family prefers more privacy, a little less traffic, and shorter lines at dinner. But we have now been there and done that with no harm, no foul! Is it Brentwood South? Yes, but we were pleasantly surprised by that being a positive experience. Just pick your hotel carefully!

Are you an abolitionist?

You should go!!!
A senior at Brentwood High School and friend of our family, Kelsie, has dedicated herself to educating the masses on modern day slavery. She casually heard from a friend about slavery occuring with the harvesting of cocoa beans for many American chocolate manufacturers. Then she started researching the subject and was determined "to do something about it."

Well, a lot of us talk about what we are going to do, and some us do it. Kelsie really opened up to her youth group at BUMC about the subject and found a lot of support. Last April, Kelsie with her youth group and supporters from most local high schools and youth groups, pulled together a battle of the bands concert. With just a few weeks to pull it together, it was an overwhelming success. The group raised $5000 through ticket sales, tshirt sales, donations, and food sales. The money was given to International Justice Mission, a group Kelsie believes is making a difference. But Kelsie will tell you it was not about the money.

The true purpose of Rock the Chains Benefit Concert was to raise awareness and raising the money was a side benefit. She wants people to know that slavery is not over. There are men, women and children being sold and used like a product. They have no control whatsoever in their own lives and suffer abuse that we cannot imagine. Remember, the term abolitionist? That was a civil war term right? Wrong.

Abolitionists exist today. International Justice Mission is a human rights agency that secures justice for victims of slavery, sexual exploitation and other forms of violent oppression. You should read more about them at http://www.ijm.org/ and maybe you will be inspired just like Kelsie. I am and I will be at the concert this year to support God's work that is being done through Kelsie.

Peace and Grace

Harvest Hands CDC

Today, I want to share with you one way I get outside the bubble. I like to get out for fun (live music), for adventure (hikes) but mostly in service to others. In South Nashville, near the State Fairgrounds and Wedgewood Houston community, there is a growing community development group called Harvest Hands. My daughter(13) and I volunteer there every Monday afternoon for an after school tutoring program. No two weeks are the same. The kids that attend are so beautiful and open. Devotion can sometimes be an adventure when some tricky questions get asked. Some of these kids come from broken homes, some deal with a home life that which we in Brentwood have never dreamed. Yet, there are families that are whole and happy but struggling financially in this new country of theirs. Either way, I learn something new every time I am there. Each face lights up when my daughter is chasing them on the playground. Each face lights up with pride when praised for homework well done. Being with them and being part of their lives has changed the way I see the world around me. My political views are affected and my awareness of racisim and bigotry has quadrupled. I desire to be a better person and I believe as I reach out to them that they can help me with that goal. Check out their website and see if this is a partnership you may be interested in investing. It's a partnership of love, acceptance, patience, and joy.
http://www.harvesthandscdc.com/

Why do I want to get out?

I love my home, my neighbors, my town, and my church. Why do I want to get out of here? I grew up in Brentwood, went to the local high school, and married a nice boy from right down the street. We moved away for eleven years and had a great adventure moving eight times. No matter where I was or how much I loved the area and friends, I always focused on moving home to my family and my hometown. It's a great place to raise three kids-safe, convenient, fantastic schools, and growing. We have all four grandparents right around the corner and aunts and uncles too! It's perfect! Right?

I discovered a different world when I went on a mission trip with our youth group from Brentwood United Methodist Church. Common story, I know. But it's what you do when you get home that changes your world. BUMC is a place where kids are privileged. Some of them know it and some of them don't - they feel entitlement. Both kinds of kids were on this mission trip and they all came home different, just like me. I told them I was jealous that they got to learn this lesson so early in life. I was almost forty years old and I just "got it." I just saw what Jesus Would Do as the bracelets and bumper stickers are always pointing out. I got to be Jesus and live for others. First, it was New Orleans disaster relief and then the real bomb, Juarez, Mexico. I will never be the same after serving and working alongside one Mexican family as we worked together to build them a home and change their lives. I want to be out there but now I want to do it in Nashville, 10 miles down the street, where a whole other world is living a very different life. I'll talk next time about what I'm doing out in the world and I hope you will tell me what gives you the goosebumps!