A Mom's Experience
When someone asks me how my experience was at the Farm, the only word I
know to describe it is "awesome"! Living amongst the guys was a time of
"living in love" that can't be imitated anywhere else.
In that house I could hear love when I listened to the polite way the guys spoke to one another. I could hear it also when their voices rose in enthusiastic song praising God at 6:15 in the morning in the chapel. Later in the day, I heard it while listening to someone humming one of the Italian hymns while mopping the floor in the hallway. I could see love in the way that the guys helped each other in their daily work and when they listened to the suggestions offered when they humbly said," If anyone knows any way I can improve or what I need to work on, please let me know" during condivision. (It made me wonder how willing I would be to have someone point out my faults. How willing would I be to listen and to change?) I also saw their eyes light up with love, when Bishop Snyder or Fr. Cletus arrived on the farm to say Mass. I could feel love in in their kindness to me . No one complained when they slept on the floor of the dining room because I occupied one of the bedrooms. Sleeping in the same house in which the Blessed Sacrament resides was a blessing I probably will never have again. It can't get any better than this! Even though I was an outsider, the guys made me feel as though I was part of the group. I could feel the happiness in their hearts.
If you haven't had an experience with your son or daughter I urge you to do so. You won't be disappointed! Spending time with your son/daughter is a great gift. To live their life even for a short time will open your eyes to the true great love of Jesus they have in their hearts. It is so real. Their faith in prayer and trust in Jesus is so strong! I listened to their prayer intentions- so sincere and thankful for coming into Community.
These are a few of my fondest memories I'd like to share with you:
- rolling homemade egg rolls with my son while praying the rosary
- sharing conversation with Kieran all afternoon while cutting green peppers
- receiving a hug from Gilberto every day and hearing him say, "I want to see a smile"
- Watching Jay, Gino and Patrick sing for Jay's birthday
- Minh singing a song in Vietnamese in my honor
- Justin dressed up as "the host" for the Italian Restaurant Night
- Tim and Jason dressed as the restaurant owner and "bodyguard"
- all the guys praying over Danny in the chapel before his transfer to Medjugorje
- the room prepared for me with flowers, a gift basket arranged by Elaine and a statue of the Blessed Mother
- listening to Marty working on the bathroom after everyone else went to sleep
- cooking with Davide (copying his recipes)
- watching the guys play soccer and basketball
- listening to Mike and Dario talk about an experience they had while in community after dinner
- having private Adoration time in the chapel with my son
This list could go on and on. If I had more time I would relate something special about each guy. There is a place in my heart for each one.
I am so thankfull to have had two weeks on the Farm. I miss being there very much. As I told Albino: If someone offered me a paid trip to Paris or to the farm, I'd pick the farm -- for nothing of this world can compare to the love that Jesus offers in Community.