DEDICATING THIS YEAR TO THE MEMORY OF MY GRANDFATHER STANLEY H. CROW &
THE ENDURING SPIRIT OF MY GRANDFATHER
FREDERICK O. LANPHEAR

To Be of Use

The people I love the best
jump into work head first
without dallying in the shallows
and swim off with sure strokes almost out of sight.
They seem to become natives of that element,
the black sleek heads of seals
bouncing like half submerged balls.
I love people who harness themselves, an ox to a heavy cart,
who pull like water buffalo, with massive patience,
who strain in the mud and the muck to move things forward,
who do what has to be done, again and again.
I want to be with people who submerge
in the task, who go into the fields to harvest
and work in a row and pass the bags along,
who stand in the line and haul in their places,
who are not parlor generals and field deserters
but move in a common rhythm
when the food must come in or the fire be put out.
The work of the world is common as mud.
Botched, it smears the hands, crumbles to dust.
But the thing worth doing well done
has a shape that satisfies, clean and evident.
Greek amphoras for wine or oil,
Hopi vases that held corn, are put in museums
but you know they were made to be used.
The pitcher cries for water to carry
and a person for work that is real.
~ Marge Piercy ~


Sunday, July 4, 2010

7 Weeks Until Departure!


So, I'm 7 weeks out before departing on this extraordinary adventure that I have been so blessed to be able to embark on. I woke up this morning with a rush, or an excitement for what I am going to encounter along my journey in Norway. This is the time when I must pack away the things I'm going to leave behind, and gather the belongings I will be taking with me. There is so much to do in such a short amount of time, but I will do anything and everything that needs to be done.

Though I have not received my departure date, the butterflies in my stomach are apparent. I am excited, scared, nervous and most of all just curious about the things I am going to encounter.

I have been working at my grandparents house for the last couple of weeks earning money for my trip, and also I am so glad I'm getting the chance to spend as much time possible with my Grandpa Fred before I leave. I love him so much and I'm going to miss him more than anything I can describe. My farewells to all my friends and family will be hard, and I know I will miss them all so much, but I know this trip will open up so many doors and broaden my perspective not only of the U.S. but how I look at the world. I know this is the first of many countries that I will immerse myself in. I’m looking forward to exploring a new culture and gaining a greater appreciation for my own.

Takk!
Noah
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