Friday, October 12, 2007
Auxier Learning Center
Hi -- Thanks for visiting my blog. One place that offers GED classes through the college program is Auxier (pron. Ox-yer) Learning Center. Founded by Charlie and Sue a few years back, it also offers sewing classes, computer classes, a food pantry, and housing for volunteers who come to help repair houses. When people complete the computer class (with perfect attendance), they each receive a free refurbished computer. To date, they've given away more than 7000 computers. Here's a picture of founder Charlie, secretary Gail, and volunteer Dave. The site is now affiliated with Helping Hands ministries.
Dave and Shirley
Hi -- Thanks for visiting my blog. I've met an interesting couple, Dave and Shirley. Dave volunteers his time repairing homes in the area. When I met Shirley, she told me that Dave was adopted, and when he looked into his birth parents background, he found that his mother was Jewish. Following is what I remember of a conversation with Shirley:
S: When Dave found out he was Jewish, we became Jewish.
Me: Does he still believe in Jesus?
S: Yes, he believes in Christ. We're messianic Jews.
Me: You mean like Jews for Jesus.
S: No. Dave looked into them, and he didn't like what he found out about their background.
Me: So, you still celebrate Christmas?
S: No. Dave doesn't believe in celebrating Christmas because Christ wasn't born in December. He was born in the fall, during Succoth. Scriptures say that the shepherds were watching their flocks by night. That was in the fall.
Me: So, you just celebrated Christmas?
S: Yes.
Me: And you exchanged your Christmas gifts?
S: No. We exchange gifts during Hanukkah. That's the festival of lights, and Christ came as the light of the world.
When Shirley and Dave told me that they had built the Succoth structure, I believe he said it was a sikka, I asked if I could see it because I hadn't seen one since I'd visited the Hebrew temple in Greenburgh. They said yes and promptly invited me over to "supper" the next night. At dinner, Dave gave a Hebrew blessing, which he translated into English. I only remember the line, the Lord is one. It seemed quite natural to hear this bearded mountain man offering his praise in Hebrew. Shirley prepared a lovely chicken, onion, and potato dish she took from a Jewish cookbook. She also served sweet tea, healthy because she sweetened it with Stevia. They told me they attend a messianic temple in Lexington. Dave said the service is like a Jewish service, but they read from the New Testament and say add'l prayers. The rabbi has helped him with his Hebrew, plus they have language tapes. After dinner, Dave showed me their Torah scroll, displayed in a case along with several Menorah. Shirley showed me her beautifully bound prayer book for women. Though in English, the pages run right to left, with the cover at what we'd consider the back. Dave then played a song from the Lion King soundtrack, of course, in Hebrew. I told them about the women T used to share an office with who played Hebrew versions of Beatles songs. Shirley laughed and said that that must have sounded strange. They were both gracious hosts, and I'm grateful for them for opening their home to me. A seeker of wisdom and truth is Dave of Middle Creek.
Dave is also a bit of a science experimenter, claiming that last week he applied a stun gun to a copperhead snakebite on his foot and neutralized the venom. His current project is creating lightening. He predicts the bolt will be 12'. Rock on, Dave.
S: When Dave found out he was Jewish, we became Jewish.
Me: Does he still believe in Jesus?
S: Yes, he believes in Christ. We're messianic Jews.
Me: You mean like Jews for Jesus.
S: No. Dave looked into them, and he didn't like what he found out about their background.
Me: So, you still celebrate Christmas?
S: No. Dave doesn't believe in celebrating Christmas because Christ wasn't born in December. He was born in the fall, during Succoth. Scriptures say that the shepherds were watching their flocks by night. That was in the fall.
Me: So, you just celebrated Christmas?
S: Yes.
Me: And you exchanged your Christmas gifts?
S: No. We exchange gifts during Hanukkah. That's the festival of lights, and Christ came as the light of the world.
When Shirley and Dave told me that they had built the Succoth structure, I believe he said it was a sikka, I asked if I could see it because I hadn't seen one since I'd visited the Hebrew temple in Greenburgh. They said yes and promptly invited me over to "supper" the next night. At dinner, Dave gave a Hebrew blessing, which he translated into English. I only remember the line, the Lord is one. It seemed quite natural to hear this bearded mountain man offering his praise in Hebrew. Shirley prepared a lovely chicken, onion, and potato dish she took from a Jewish cookbook. She also served sweet tea, healthy because she sweetened it with Stevia. They told me they attend a messianic temple in Lexington. Dave said the service is like a Jewish service, but they read from the New Testament and say add'l prayers. The rabbi has helped him with his Hebrew, plus they have language tapes. After dinner, Dave showed me their Torah scroll, displayed in a case along with several Menorah. Shirley showed me her beautifully bound prayer book for women. Though in English, the pages run right to left, with the cover at what we'd consider the back. Dave then played a song from the Lion King soundtrack, of course, in Hebrew. I told them about the women T used to share an office with who played Hebrew versions of Beatles songs. Shirley laughed and said that that must have sounded strange. They were both gracious hosts, and I'm grateful for them for opening their home to me. A seeker of wisdom and truth is Dave of Middle Creek.
Dave is also a bit of a science experimenter, claiming that last week he applied a stun gun to a copperhead snakebite on his foot and neutralized the venom. His current project is creating lightening. He predicts the bolt will be 12'. Rock on, Dave.
Monday, October 8, 2007
Some KY sayings
Hi -- When T and I were leaving a grocery store during his first visit three weeks ago, the guy bagging the groceries leaned in close to me and said in somber tones, "You all be careful now, you hear?" Alarmed, I agreed that we would, but then hashed and rehashed what on earth he might have meant. Was there some particular danger looming over the valley? Was it open season on tourists? Well, nothing happened, and I put my worries aside. Then, a few days later, I heard an adult ed staff member say the same thing to a coworker. "You be careful." Turns out it's just something one says when saying goodbye, like "Drive safely." // If you asked someone to help you out and the person responded, "I don't care to," what would be your interpretation? I haven't heard this expression myself, but the sisters informed me that it doesn't mean, "I don't want to," but rather, "I don't mind." The first time Sr. Kathleen heard the expression, she was taken aback because the mountain folk are generally very courteous! //Finally, although pronouncing Appalachia with a long a after the l is correct, generally most people say Appalachia with a short a sound. To remember Sr. Jan suggests "Throw an 'apple atcha'". Interestingly, the people in the region rarely use the term to describe themselves. Rather, they identify themselves via county of residence. Counties are a big deal around here. Every KY license plate lists the driver's county, but, oddly, counties are loathe to cooperate one with another, even for mutual benefit. Well, a student is coming in for GED instruction, so I'll sign off. Be care now, if you don't care to, and try to cooperate, at least a little. ;o))
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