The Sisters of Mt. Tabor

I'm not Catholic, and I'd never been to a convent or monastery, so I had few expectations for my upcoming experience with the sisters of Mt. Tabor. We have a copy of St. Benedict's Rule at home, which admonishes adherents to refrain from excess food, drink, and even conversation. I imagined that the sisters would be strict adherents to these rules, so I expected to meet women who were kind, but restrained, introspect women who walked at a slow contemplative pace, women whose focus would be inward and upward. Well, in large part, I was wrong. These women are contemplative, they are a contemplative community, but they are also active. Very active. A slow, measured pace would be impractical. These gals, when not praying, go at full speed. Be sure to read the bios of each to discover the passions for the poor, the young, the elderly, those seeking justice, those seeking beauty. The sisters are seekers, and they draw seekers, seekers of place, of discernment, of connection. However, the sisters are a lot more fun than the women I'd pictured. Laughter, the many sounds of laughter, giggles, chortles, snickers, and snorts sound out "whenever two or more are gathered." That's the gift they give. Whatever one seeks, one comes away with a sense of joy. Hospitality is hard. Work is hard. Discipline is hard. So, joy is necessary. Joy is what God intends, in Christ. Here, demonstrating this sense of fun and joy, the sisters pose for what I call, "3 cheers for Christ!" Pictured front: Postulant Mary; left to right: Sr. Carolyn, Sr. Eileen, Sr. Jan, Prioress Sr. Judy, and Sr. Kathleen.

Adult Education, Big Sandy Community and Technical College

Some of the Adult Ed divas. Pictured left to right: Lynn, Kay, Stephanie, Cindy, and Lisa


Autumn in KY will always be the mountains, the sisters, and the teachers and students of the Adult Ed department. Kay Ross the director, has organized a terrific programs to help adults in the area fulfill their education goals, whether strengthening math and reading skills, completing their GED preparation, or preparing to enter college. The teachers, Ron, Stephanie, Nancy, Lynn, Cindy, and Wayne, as well as Lisa, who keeps all running smoothly, are intelligent, compassionate people who make everyone feel that "they can do it," including one NY visitor. Thanks, everyone, for the warm welcome, helpful advice and instruction, many great lunches, and the perfect gift of What's Cooking in Kentucky. I miss you already!

The Breaks

Driving home from the West Virginia Book Fair and the Mountain Stage concert in W.V., we "swung by" The Breaks, the Grand Canyon of the south, on the KY, VA border. A must-see. Here are a few pics.




Sr. Jan is a wonderful traveling companion, and I was so grateful for her companionship. Sister Jan is hard to fluster, however. The following story is rated PG-13, so young ones should not read this! I'll space down now.



So, Sr. Jan & I were heading south toward the Breaks, and I stopped to refuel and use restroom. In the bathroom, I did a double-take b/c they had a vending machine that sold scented condoms. Thinking I could shock Sr. Jan, and knowing she has a good sense of humor (and was married), I said to her, "Sr. Jan, you're not going to believe this. They actually sell scented condoms. They have chocolate, strawberry, mint, and banana." Well, without missing a beat, she asked, "And which one did you choose?" Ha! Whose face was red then?! No, I didn't buy a condom, so don't even ask.

Dressed for a party

Between work, hospitality, community and individual prayers, and service to the larger community, the sisters have full schedules. But, there's always time for a party. Here, they're off to celebrate friends' 50th anniversary. Pictured left to right, Sr. Eileen, Postulant Mary, Sr. Judy, and Sr. Jan.

I love a parade

The Jenny Wiley Festival is a big event in Prestonsburg. There was food--St. Martha's sold egg rolls (a Filipino recipe!), games, music, beauty contests, and a great parade. Here are just some of the many photos.

Waiting for the parade

Color guards


A phalanx of firetrucks

Floyd County Emergency & Rescue Squad -- Sr. Judy in front passenger seat. You go, girl!

Church Float

Yes, and a monster truck

Festival -- Bull ride in foreground, musicians in back

Somebody needs an ice cream

Festivals are exhausting. On a side note, red hair is common in eastern KY.

Sr. Kathleen

St. Vincent Mission & David Crafts



Sr. Kathleen takes client Charles out for a birthday breakfast.

As a tough-talking young woman from Pittsburgh, Kathleen had no trouble fitting in with the mechanics in the service department of a Chrysler dealership where she worked. She was happy with her life, new car, apartment, secure job. Then a friend mentioned Kentucky and the Christian Appalachian Project. Would she want to volunteer? Heck, no, said Kathleen. Actually, her language was more colorful. Still, the ideas sparked her imagination. A sermon fanned the spark into a flame. In what do you find security, God or material possessions? asked the priest. The admonition of Ps. 95—If today you hear God’s voice, harden not your heart—fanned the flame into fire. Kathleen was going to Kentucky.

For two years, beginning in 1979, she worked as a volunteer preschool teacher and then director. After being hired as an employee, she also became volunteer coordinator. CAP workers live in dorm-like housing, and after three years, she’d had enough of community living. She moved into a two-bedroom apartment in a converted barn. She took on a roommate who, she found out, was considering a vocation as a nun. She urged Kathleen to meet these sisters. You go ahead, Kathleen told her. Yet, before long, Kathleen did meet them and found herself spending most weekends with them. She even found herself considering a vocation. No way, she’d tell herself. Yet, she continued to feel the call. Hearing the scripture, Fear is useless; what is needed is trust, convinced her. The next weekend, she told the sister she’d decided to join their monastery.

Then, her longtime friend, Jack, proposed. That very weekend. Well, we could explore that, Kathleen told him. After all, she’d have her noviate year to consider. So, she considered, and Jack came to visit. He observed her with the sisters and said, I think this is what God wants you to do. Sr. Kathleen joined the order in 1985.

After teaching kindergarten at Mountain Christian Academy for six years, Sr. Kathleen became the Executive Director of St. Vincent Mission in David Kentucky. Can I do this? she wondered. Recalling her favorite scriptures, she knew that God was present. St. Vincent Mission requires that Sr. Kathleen juggle many balls:

• Running the David Appalachian craft center with its numerous crafters and volunteers and logging in thousands of road miles taking these crafts to shows around the country. Last year, the mission earned over $30k, most if it going back to the artists and crafters.
• The mission also assists in building and repairing homes for the needy and distributes food and emergency funds.
• In addition, they run a secondhand store, which today offered coats, used and new, for $1.00 and $2.00.
• Education programs
  

If this weren’t enough to fill her time, Sr. Kathleen is a member of the Kentuckians for the Commonwealth—the local chapter is working to see that coal companies abide by regulations and serves as board member for both Our Lady of the Way Hospital and the Low Income Housing Coalition.

In her off time, you’ll find this type-A personality watching a Steelers game, relaxing in the hot tub, or humiliating her opponents in cards.

Sr. Carolyn

Sister Carolyn prepares for evening training.



Sr. Carolyn and guest Sr. Judy teach the daycare providers the dulcimer.

Although she attended mass each Sunday, Carolyn wasn’t a particularly religion child. She didn’t even attend CCD because she was offended by being stuck with first graders when she was in second grade. In seventh grade, she and about twenty others were called out from their classes (in the public middle school) to be met by two Franciscan Friars, who told the kids that it was time to prepare for confirmation. Fortunately, these were “nice guys,” so Carolyn and the others sat through the instruction and were confirmed. In high school, Carolyn began to attend an Episcopal Church that was transitioning to a Chaldean Syrian denomination. The faith of the parishioners, as well as the music program, drew Carolyn in. It was in this church that she felt her faith come alive.

After various paid and volunteer experiences, in 1979 Carolyn came to Kentucky with a group of nuns who were volunteering for the Christian Appalachian Project. She decided to stay, working in early childhood education. Although she felt an inner pull toward a vocation, she told God, Talk to me in three years. During this time she worked in central KY, south of Lexington. She met Sr. Kathleen in CAP (who was not yet Sr.), and the two were even roommates. Toward the end of the three years, Carolyn responded to the nudge and sent out 35 applications to religious communities near her family in New Hampshire.

Carolyn moved back to the northeast to earn her degree in early childhood education, living first with her folks and then in a lay community that was part of a French Catholic Order. Once she earned her degree, she entered the religious community. Within two weeks, she realized she had made a mistake, although she stayed for eleven months. Carolyn explained that the community wasn’t right for her because it was very strict and straight-laced. The novices had to wear stockings and skirts whenever they left their bedroom, even on the community property. Articles not on the “to bring” list were taken from their rooms and stored. Food gifts from families were confiscated to be saved “for guests,” although sometimes food would spoil before anyone could eat it. The novices were not allowed to go into town, although that rule was broken as frequently as possible. One afternoon, meandering through town on a forbidden outing, Carolyn and the two others with her spotted a group of older nuns coming toward them. The younger three thought their ship was sunk because they stood out in their matching skirts, white blouses, and vests. They ducked into the nearest store, which they realized was a liquor store. We’re safe here, they said in relief. The sisters wouldn’t come there. And the senior sisters didn’t. Whew.

Carolyn and Kathleen kept in touch, but because the novices were not allowed to receive personal phone calls, their contact was limited. One day, Carolyn was summoned to the phone for a call from the Prioress of the Martin, KY monastery. It was Kathleen—not even yet part of the KY community, who said she figured that they’d put the call through if she said she was a prioress.

After Carolyn left the N.H. community, she returned to work for CAP. By this time Kathleen was part of the Mt. Tabor community. Carolyn again responded to the inner nudge and herself joined the Benedictine community in 1986.

She has continued her work in early childhood education, working at the Mountain Christian Academy, for Mountain Comprehensive Care, and for Eastern Kentucky Childcare Coalition, where she serves as a Resource and Referral Specialist, training childcare providers. In addition, she serves at Liturgist and Sub-prioress at Mt. Tabor, plays guitar for mass at St. Martha’s, and ministers at the women’s prison.

Postulant Mary

Postulant Mary lived and worked in many places – MA, AL, MT, NY, OH—before settling in eastern Kentucky. After attending nursing school, she worked for thirty years in nursing, first in labor and delivery. Moving to NYC, she worked one year at the Catholic Worker and then worked in detox and psychiatric programs. Although she particularly misses the northeast, Mary finds sufficient challenge in eastern Kentucky and feels glad to be rooted in this mountain community.

Mary certainly welcomes challenge. In her late 40’s, she entered law school. She currently works as a Staff Attorney for Appalachian Research and Defense Fund, with a particular focus in family law. She hasn’t cut all ties to health care, however. Saturdays find Mary (metaphorically) wearing her nursing cap. As a nurse consultant for Supports for Community Living at Mountain Comprehensive Care, she reviews medical records to ensure compliance with physicians’ orders and Medicare regulations in assisted living homes for mentally challenged individuals. She is an active member of Kentuckians for the Commonwealth. She also sings in the women’s choir, In Harmony.

A whiz with knitting needles, she is currently working on two projects, fingerless mittens and a beautiful cardigan. These pieces are knitted from wool Mary can trace back to a friend’s flock of sheep, wool that she dyed in a tea of pokeweed berries, wool that she spun into yarn on a hand spindle. She enjoys these pastimes in particular because she can work while riding in a car, sitting in a meeting, or indulging her strange obsession with all things Law and Order.

Mary participates fully in monastic life at Mt. Tabor, although she has yet to take her vows. Her noviate year, an intense period of integrating into community, studying vows, and developing prayer life, a time when the novice stops all outside work other than eight hours of volunteer work, will begin when her law school debts are sufficiently reduced. In the meantime, this tiny woman with a big heart for justice will continue her work in textile arts and in assisting the most vulnerable members in this area of eastern KY.

Sr. Eileen

Sr. Eileen at Auxier Greenhouse

In the late '70s, Sr. Eileen and Sr. Judy came from Indiana to KY to answer the Bishop's letter of appeal for prayer centers. Each has since been on the forefront, from beginning a small retreat center in a rented house to the planning and construction of the beautiful Mt. Tabor property. When they lived in an area called Muddy Creek, predictably, when the crick rose in the spring, the route became nearly impassible. After one neighbor towed Sr. Eileen's car out of the mire, he told her, If "you ladies" are going to live back there, you need to learn to drive through mud. He told her to report at 7 a.m. She showed up at the muddy crossing in her Toyota Tercel, and there he was, in his huge coal truck. He would cross first, he said, and he instructed her to follow him--just "floor it and don't let up, and stay in the ruts," the ruts made by his large truck wheels. Nerves on end, Sr. Eileen followed his directions, managing to avoid the bank on one side and the drop off on the other.
Her education and passion are working with the developmentally disabled. Sr. Eileen serves as the Site Supervisor of the adult training program of Mountain Comprehensive Care, which is based at Auxier Green House. Through the tasks of running the nursery, the individuals learn basic life skills.
Though Sr. Eileen states that she is not a morning person, she still wakes up early--earlier than the 6:30 communal prayer service, for personal prayer and reflection time. She appreciates and thrives on the contemplative aspect of the monastic life. She currently reads the devotional text, A Cherokee Feast of Days, by Joyce Sequichie Hifler. She provides a quiet inspiration for other seekers.
Sr. Eileen is also a wicked card player. Well, wicked in skill, kind in practice. She helped me out considerably in a recent game of Shanghai.
Though originally a dependent monastery of Immaculate Conception, Ferdinand, IN, the KY monastery is now independent and itself founded a dependent ecumenical monastery in 2004. Sr. Eileen has served in many roles, including prioress. She currently serves in postulate formation, in addition to serving the greater community on the Finance Council of St. Martha's church and on the board of the St. Vincent Mission of David. One wonders if she could have even dreamed of this special calling in the mountains of eastern KY when she began her vocation at age nineteen.

On of the many greenhouses managed by the developmentally challenged individuals.

Mountain Stage, Charleston, WV

I made it! Sr. Jan and I and a packed house enjoyed a great concert featuring Loudin Wainwright III, who sang songs from Strange Weirdos, songs from and inspired by movie Knocked Up (in which he appeared as gyn/ob), Josh Ritter, who was on fire --"What a cutie!" (Sr. Jan), and others, including an Irish singer who will be on Conan O'Brien tonight. Concert was highlight of my trip. Sorry for all misspellings -- Thanks for visiting my blog.

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.

Dave and Shirley embrace Dave's Jewish roots

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))

Photos in region

Mountain Mist

Back to the Land
Back to the Land 2

3/4 Monastery Cats

Annie

Benny (Benedict)

Merlin

Worship setting

The worship bell that rings for prayer at 6:20 a.m. and 5:20 p.m.


Mt. Tabor Monastery

Chapel adjacent to monastery
Chapel interior
The chapel cross

Praying the Psalms

The singing and chanting of Psalms is the major component of each prayer service. Henry Morris, author of Treasures in the Psalms, writes that, although praise is a frequent theme in the psalms, spiritual warfare is even more frequent, and "the first Psalm contains the definitive statement on this conflict." Morris: "It is singularly appropriate that a book of praise is also a book of warfare and struggle and suffering. . . . it is trust in God that enables the believer to be joyful in spite of trouble. . . . The world is in darkness, but the light of God's promise continually illumines the way."

Psalm 1, the foundation for all other psalms.

Blessed are those
who do not walk in the
counsel of the wicked
or stand in the way of sinners
or sit in the seat of mockers.
But their delight is in the law
of the Lord,
and on God's law they meditate
day and night.
They are like trees planted by
streams of water,
which yield fruit in season
and whose leaves do not wither.
Whatever they do prospers.

Not so the wicked!
They are like chaff
that the wind blows away.
Therefore the wicked will not
stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the assembly
of the righteous.

For the Lord watches over
the way of the
righteous,
but the way of the wicked
will perish.

Sr. Jan

Even though Sr. Jan did not learn to drive until she moved to KY in the mid-'90s, she's ready to jump in the car and go, pedal to metal, any time. She credits her driving style to growing up in the 50s, with kids challenging each other in drag races. Just as she learned to drive later in life, Sr. Jan also began her vocation later than most sisters here, ten years ago, following her husband's death. She has two grown sons and seven grandchildren. She is tickled to think her oldest granddaughter is now 16. She began her ministry as nanny to quadruplets and now serves Mt Tabor and the larger community in many ways. Here, she manages the finances, schedules and manages the many guests, and keeps the larder stocked. In the local community, she assists with pastoral care at Our Lady of the Way Hospital in Martin. On a broader geographic scale, she is President of the Catholic Committee of Appalachia as well as Communications Coordinator for the Catholic Committee of the South. She has a strong concern for peace and justice issues. Most recently, she helped organize a conference that focused on issues of nutrition in Appalachia. If you stop in to say hello, Sr. Jan will be the one holding the orange mug that reads: Chocolate, Coffee, Men -- Some things are just better when they're rich.

It's all in how you look at it

Hi all -- Thanks for checking my post. Today there are several. Here's the first:



You bet it can get congested.

Mission Fiesta

A couple of weeks ago, the sisters extended hospitality to the founders of Mission Fiesta, a group that makes annual trips to Guatemala to host fiestas for children in orphanages, teens in group homes, and seniors. They meet at Mt. Tabor each year to plan the next year's schedule. For more info, see their web @ www.mfiesta.org.

Floyd County Rescue Squad potluck

Sunday, 9/30, the Squad plus families gathered at Mt. Tabor for lunch. Sr. Judy (a member of the squad for three years, see 9/18 post) is center front. Bud just wouldn't put down his banana pudding. It was good.

Close encounters of the reptilian kind

One final bit -- Little dog Sophie (see pic, 9/24) may have saved my life. I was in the guest house doing my laundry when I heard Sophie barking like mad. I thought she was pestering the cats, so I went outside to stop her, and there she was in a fang to fang showdown with what was probably a copperhead. She was barking and lunging and the snake was making a show of striking her. I called her inside, no small task since she's a born fighter, plus the dogs aren't allowed in the houses. She finally did come to me, and I whisked her inside, out the other side of the house, into the Ford, and up the hill to the main house. I say she may have saved my life b/c where the snake was coiled was right where I'd set down the watering can less than an hour before, and I'd planned to keep watering after putting in wash! Sophie's a spoiled girl, but she's a very, very, good, brave, spoiled girl. Thank you, Jesus, for tough little dogs, in particular, one certain Jack Russell terrier.

Coal Mining

Enormous mine, maybe ten square miles, tucked back off the highway. Because people objected to strip mining and mountain top removal, now coal companies simply take down the whole mountain.




Bulldozers push the mountain down into the valley







Sr. Kathleen and others work to stop the destruction of the land

Another view of landfill

People live at the bottom of this. Flooding inevitable.

ATV riders enjoy site

Top of mountain preserved b/c owner's relatives buried there. Rest in peace.

Orange paint indicates blast location


The next ridges to go?


The face of the mountain.
Apparently, the coal companies declare bankruptcy to avoid paying damages. I have more pics if you'd like me to email them to you. In 1963, Harry Caudill wrote Night Comes to the Cumberlands: A Biography of a Depressed Area, which prompted national concern for the Appalachian region. Certainly circumstances improved in many ways in recent decades, but as these pictures show, cause for concern remains. Here's a link to a picture of a coal tipple. http://www.pbase.com/kstuebin/image/40350220