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Mountaintops and Flatlands
Episcopal Appalachian Ministries
As a southern Delawarean, I live almost at sea level -- I live in the flatlands. Indeed, the highest elevation in my county is, sadly for several reasons, the county landfill.
The mountains that we visit each year in southwestern Virginia to work in Episcopal Appalachian Ministries’ work camp are not only astounding, they are a metaphor for the mountaintop experience which for me was this year’s EAM work camp. That week we worked with other likeminded Episcopalians from various parishes in various dioceses. We all respected each other and loved each other and even accepted each other’s foibles and quirks.
The homeowners to whom we were sent were also respectful of whatever cultural differences we might have displayed, and they could not do enough for us. They fed us, gave us drink, presented us with gifts, and told us about the life they lived. We in turn did our very best in repairing their homes and discovered the commonalities we shared with them in our life in Christ.
Too soon that week of mutual respect and love ended. Our work assignments were completed. We had deeply bonded with our host families and our fellow work campers as we lived out our understanding of the Gospel.
Our eight-hour drive home was lengthened by travel delays to ten hours, but we finally reached Georgetown and parted from our fellow St. Paul’s work campers.
We have left the mountaintop are back in the flatlands. There is work to do here, too.
Photo above right: William Whelen assists in deck construction.