Church starts around 10 am here and not being a morning person, that did not seem to be what I wanted to do, to get up and go out in the morning. I am best left to myself until noon.
Then an invitation came out of the blue to assist preparing produce for those who need a little boost in the community. I agreed with gusto, thinking the door had opened itself for me to move into the community and be of service. I think the program, that is, to acquire produce that is useable, but not marketable, and to process it , then freeze it for further use, is a great idea. It is what the program creator believes will happen next that I am dubious about and I said so. I did not try to be negative, but the comment was considered naysaying and angered the coordinator quite a bit, very noticably to the others whom I was working with in the kitchen. All grew quiet, but the man, whom is one of those marginal income beneficiaries of the produce, tried to help my hurt feelings out by saying some nice things. He was a most interesting man, at one time a culinary graduate who had an idea to have a food establishment, maybe even a bed and breakfast of his own. He had a heart attack though and is unable to work at present. I told him I believed that heart disease was curable to a great extent and preventable too.
Four factors need to be in place: diet, exercise, mind set and sleep. With these four aspects of one's life under control, disease releases to at ease and health returns. I told him I try to eat only organic foods and why. None of us is perfect, only striving, and he agreed that his first task was to change his mind set. The program coordinator was not receptive to this at all, said she could not afford to eat organic and did not believe it mattered so much anyhow.
I ended the afternoon speaking at length to the Father of the church in which we were working. He was interested in me and asked me many questions. I said I was detaining him and should not take his time and he continued his conversation with me, paying no heed. I liked him and I could tell, he was one who was not like most.
What it came down to, with my experience working in the group, is that I am not ready for them and they are not ready for me. I am best to stay home at this time, remain in my hermitage state seeing only those who choose to come to me and not venturing out, yet. This community is greatly resistant to change, not interested, nor wanting to believe that what they don't know won't make any difference, and I cannot sit by and be quiet, so it is best I am not there, out there, where I could cause a stir as I did today. The time is not yet right. It may never be here, in this area. I may have to go a university district, but gee, why effect change where change is already in effect? It is preaching to the converted then. The hardest part is trying to reach people in St. Paul, Alberta. More thought is required on this subject and the timing. In the meantime, my critters and I are happy communing with nature on the farm and the folks that come to the Inn are more than happy to share some good food and a fine accommodation for a night or two. All is good.