What the Day of Hope Means to Me

What the Day of Hope Means to Me

What the Day of Hope Means to Me

by Jacqueline Blue Browning

blue and sharonThe love and compassion that Moody and Sharon share always struck me at my core. Here were two individuals who had discovered some of the secrets of life. Simple secrets, that get lost in the hustle and bustle of life as we know it to be on this planet today. Some of the most important secrets ; to stop and take the time to breath in nature, to be grateful for and appreciate the beauty of our Earth and to share with one another. These simple truths are often forgotten by many, yet when these secrets are put into practice the results are amazing.

I remember much laughter and wonderful conversations with the children and parents at Day Of Hope. This event is so important to the community. Providing children and families with not only hope but relaxation, a moment to pause and reflect and appreciate the beauty in the world. The atmosphere is always harmonious and everyone shares with one another and smiles.

6-15DayHopeCreek(3)I met Sharon Cecil when I was on my first clinical rotation for the LPN Program at Galen College. She was my first ever clinical instructor. She was so knowledgeable and compassionate. As I continued with my studies I moved on to the RN program. Upon graduation I began working with Sharon on the Day of Hope event. I partnered up with Whole Foods as they donate fruit, snacks and drinks for everyone. I enjoyed being the nurse educator and would provide health and nutrition information. My favorite part was always hiking with the kids. We would also go down to the creek and explore, face paint and paint rocks. We would have a fire pit and make smores. It was always a great time for everyone involved.

Hearing the laughter of the children, seeing the smiles on the faces of the adults, listening to the trees sway in the wind, smelling the fire pit’s smoke float and dance with the wind all while feeling the sun on our skin was one of my favorite memories. I have attended the day of hope for the last 5 years and will continue to for as long as I am able. I plan on continuing my commitment to Sharon and Moody and their vision. I will be graduating in 2019 as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and will continue to participate, create and be a part of Day of Hope.blue

 

Jacqueline Blue Browning, PMHNP- student

Eastern Kentucky University, Class of 2019

Haven of Hope offers Hopeful Future

Haven of Hope offers Hopeful Future

Written by Sharon Cecil

Haven of Hope offers Hopeful Future

Born and raised in Bloomfield, KY, Moody’s relatives (on both sides of the family) owned farms throughout Nelson County.  Although he knew that farming was not his passion, he realized at a very young age that nature was.

As a child, one of his favorite aunts would take him hiking and one of his uncles took him fishing on a regular basis.  He spent a lot of time on his grandparents’ farm.

As an adult, Moody took any opportunity that he had to spend time at his grandparents’ farm—the same one that eventually became his parents and then his.  Once Moody retired he shared his feelings during presentations that “communing with nature is nurturing.”  He coined the phrase Nurturance in Nature.

We Survive, located at the farm, has worked with youth since its beginning.  The first program was Children and Nature—I CAN.  Positive attitudes and healthy lifestyles has been the common thread in all of our programs.

In October 1996, Moody presented a program at Lebanon Junction Elementary School.  “Healthy Outlook shows at Lebanon Junction”—Courier Journal Neighborhoods October 30, 1996.  The children made music, had a relay with hula-hoops and did an activity that provided and understanding about balancing their lives with the use of a peacock feather.

Like the tail feathers of a peacock, our lives are like a beautiful quilt that has been delicately woven by ornate patterns and magnificent thread.

In 2007, almost 10 years later, teens began visiting children at Wayside Christian Mission weekly.  Working with the youth, we had a contest to name the program in order to get the word out and recruit more volunteers.

A young man from Newburg Middle School won. The winner explained that “these teens give hopes and dreams to children that may not have one.  Scraps of cloth can become a beautiful quilt.”

The winning nameDream Weavers

“We cannot live for ourselves alone. Our lives are connected by a thousand invisible threads, and along these sympathetic fibers, our actions run as causes and return to us as results.”  –Herman Melville

rsz_20140912_195121When families face difficult times, they are not sure where to turn. During these adverse time, there is a Beacon of HOPE at We Survive’s Haven of Hope. A Lighthouse created by Lauren (a high school student) , was inaugurated on June 6, 2015. This Beacon of Hope provides a Light of HOPE to those who cross the ridge to We Survive’s Haven of Hope. It offers guidance and inspiration during Day of Hope activities at a safe haven.  That day a new sign (created by youth volunteers) was also erected.

 

During devastating times, when we are watching the news, we have seen examples of courage and hear stories of people committing themselves to help others in times. There are numerous Hidden Heroes that step forward and share their time with others.  Volunteers are the ones who help to make things a bit more bearable for others and are the lifeblood of non-profit organizations.

Whether you have a few minutes or a block of time, I am a believer that the most precious gift we can give is time and it doesn’t cost a dime.

Thank you to everyone who enriched our lives, lent a hand and given so generously.

Please check out our website for volunteer opportunities on the home page.