Written by Kelly Wilson // Splat. Thump, thump, thump… Splat. Thump, thump, thump. Today is Saturday, and these are the sounds of tamal assembly. Doña Estela fills the leaves with atole and recado, then plops a pork chunk and red pepper sliver on top, wraps them securely, and hands them to me to tie. And … Continue reading Tamales and Friendship: Food as a Gift
The Power of Relationships: Mentoring Youth in Appalachia
Written by Angela McMann // Mentoring is justice. It’s doing justice to youth who have been lacking positive adult role models for a variety of reasons. There is a lot of research right now about brain chemistry after experiencing trauma in childhood. Much of that research has shown that youth who experienced trauma will experience other … Continue reading The Power of Relationships: Mentoring Youth in Appalachia
Working with Others Towards a Just World
Written by Austin Farrow // Embracing diversity is perhaps the most important quality in a person who hopes to change the world. Without embracing and working with all members of your community, injustice is unavoidable. This is a bold statement, but it is true. Working toward a more just and equitable world necessitates that we … Continue reading Working with Others Towards a Just World
Sacred Connections: How Familial Relationships Teach Us to Encounter Others
Written by Tracy Kristoff // There is a painting in our daughters’ room that reads: “A family is a circle of people who love each other. –Anonymous.” I imagine this statement reflects many families who have made a conscious choice to expand their lives through adoption. Adoption is a difficult choice for many people. It is … Continue reading Sacred Connections: How Familial Relationships Teach Us to Encounter Others
Walking Humbly
Written by Gillian Henry // Buses, trams, the metro screeching underground, pedestrian crosswalks streaming people. Snow boots, leather boots, Converse, sandals. Squeaking snow, slushing muck, puffing cottonwood, blowing dust. To school, to church, to friends', to the market. This was my every day. College freshmen. Classes rushing, cafeteria clanging, armchair studying, passing the weight room … Continue reading Walking Humbly