Heifer Ranch

On July 22, 2007, 11 youth and 5 adults departed from church to begin the long journey to Heifer Ranch, part of the Heifer Project International. We drove to St. Louis, our first stopover on the way, to assist Pilgrim Congregational Church with their summer urban outreach program. We set up the service in Visitors Park and listened to some wonderful music at an ecumenical service with the UCC, the Church of Christ, and the Presbyterian Church. We then spent the night at Pilgrim Congregational Church before we began the rest of our journey to Heifer.

Shortly before arriving at Heifer, we were delayed by some serious car accidents on I-40, which delayed traffic. Late Monday evening, we arrived at what is affectionately known as the Heifer Hilton, where we spent the night before heading to customs. Well-rested, we loaded up into our hayride to customs to begin our journey. When we arrived, we faced harsh airport officials, stolen luggage, and long delays. Our youth were sent to different regions; some of us arrived in the Mississippi Delta region of the United States, some landed in Tibet, and the rest of our youth were sent to Mozambique.

One of the difficulties we faced was the segregation of our group. Would we still have a good mission trip if we were all in different villages? What about this other church that was also split up with us? Yes, we shared our experience with Fieldon United Church of Christ, in Fieldon, Illinois (outside of East St. Louis). When we arrived at our villages, the St. Matthew Tibetans were assigned to the upper class (living in a well-constructed, albeit warm, yurt), as were the St. Matthew Mozambiqans (living in a multi-room brick home). The remaining St. Matthew Mississippi Deltans and I were assigned to the lower class (living in an abandoned school bus with a tin covered kitchen attachment).

On the first day, we worked our fields or tended to our animals or simply learned about our own family and our neighboring family. We were allotted a certain amount of supplies, given recipes, and we made dinner from the region. The second day was more intense. We work up early and completed our chores. Then it was time to work, since we would need food for lunch, which had to be purchased at the market. Unfortunately, every family faced some disease or affliction which severely cut into that income. Lunch was sparse and people began to realize what having no food may feel like. The Mozambiqans faced a different challenge. Not ordinarily having meat in their diet, they were blessed by finding a lost rabbit and capturing it. The decision had to be made – save the rabbit or save the family by eating the rabbit. After a long, long debate, the family, by consensus, decided to take the rabbit to the market to be butchered. We learned about power and control after lunch, but during our lesson, the unthinkable happened. A flood ripped through Mozambique, destroying possessions and bringing disease to the lower class Mozambiqans. We returned to our villages to come up with ideas to help them. Many of us wanted to take in refugees, but resources were scarce and money was short. So we began relief fundraising – by making jewelry, by giving tours of our regions, by working in the fields for extra pay. Slowly, the Mozambiqans were saved.

On the third, and final full day, we began the day much like the second day – chores and work and lunch. Before lunch, we were taught how to make cheese, which provided a very nice mid-day snack until lunch. Lunch was a tad different because all villages came to the market and we could trade with them. The Mississippi Deltans, who appeared to have more, traded well for sugar (a huge luxury) and as a result, had a decent sweet cake dessert with their lunch. After lunch, we learned about development projects and began to work on them: the Tibetans learned about building a solar powered electric fence to pen their animals to prevent overgrazing; the Mozambiqans worked with another village to pass on their knowledge of rabbit-raising and passed on one of their rabbits; and the Deltans developed a program to supply their own meat and produce to the local school system, thus improving the health of local children and keeping money invested in the community. The entire Ranch ate a meal prepared by the Deltans and all were treated to a special helping of goat-milk ice cream.

The fourth day was our departure day. We were all tired and hungry (and dirty from the lack of showers). But we captured what we learned and planned ways to spread the word about Heifer Ranch. We said prayers for the actual suffering in Zimbabwe. We prayed for the bond that had developed between St. Matthew and Fieldon UCC churches. And we packed up for the Heifer Hilton and the first shower we would have in days. Our youth had a joyous time and learned an incredible amount about combating hunger and poverty. As we journeyed home, we made a stop in St. Louis and took in the Arch. No one stopped talking about their experience the whole ride home.

Hiya

Hey all . . .
I know it has been about forever since I last dropped you a line. I have been a tad busy. A trial or two here and there at work eats into free time because it requires longer hours, which cuts into chores/required stuff outside of work, which reduces free time. I also just got back from my first mission trip as a leader. St. Matthew took 11 youth (2 of whom from another church) and 5 leaders to Heifer Ranch in Perryville, Arkansas. Talk about an adventure (we will in another blog soon). Then there is youth group (we are doing monthly movies on Sundays - today, the youth group saw the Simpsons Movie [yes, the parents knew about it].) I am a tad overwhelmed with all I have taken in over the last month. Youth Sunday is two weeks away so that is a busy planning time period. And next Sunday, I am preaching about clay vessels. I have lots to say, but until then . . . may God shine his face upon you always.