Education is a big part

An incredible offer

Early in the week before I headed to TN, I received a text from Teresa of the Fentress County Chapter. The teacher for the rabbit processing class wouldn’t be able to make it. Teresa asked me if I knew how to process a rabbit.

“Well, I took a class on Saturday, so I feel confident about the killing part, but I hadn’t eviscerated the rabbit. However, it looked a lot like the same technique you do with a chicken. I’ve done hundreds of chickens, so I’m sure we can figure this out!”

We agreed to attend the YouTube school that week to see what else we could learn. Using the resources I had, I also texted Debbie Cameron,

“Anything I should be reading or watching to help me out?” 

Debbie texted back immediately, “Why don’t I just drive up there. It’s easier to show than to explain over a text.”

I told her it was a five-hour drive from Madison County, GA, to Fentress County, TN. I suggested Facetiming as a possible way of “being there” with us. She chuckled (love emojis!) and said it would be easier if she could come to the class and teach in person.

Wow!! What an incredible offer for the Fentress Chapter! I chatted with Teresa. She definitely has the gift of hospitality and the mindset of “the more the merrier!” I passed the info on to Debbie…and she checked with her traveling buddy to see if she could make the last-minute travel to TN.

Final details, they (Debbie Cameron and Debi Chandler) would both drive up in time to make the Fentress County Gathering at noon on Saturday, stay the night, teach the class on Sunday and then head back to GA.

My heart was so full, so grateful for these two women and the generous kindness of their hearts. They embodied the beautiful picture of Community. The giving of oneself to help another in need within the larger Community of the National Ladies Homestead Gathering.

Debbie and Debi are both in leadership in the Madison County Chapter. Their example to the Fentress Chapter of what it means to “give back” was priceless. Debbie Cameron not only helped teach the rabbit processing workshop but she and Debi also spent time with the Fentress Board, answering questions and giving suggestions for building a stronger Chapter. The bond that was forming between the women in attendance was exactly what we strive for in all we do within the National Ladies Homestead Gathering.

I loved watching Debbie and Debi, both from a larger Chapter, take the ladies of the newer Fentress Chapter under their wing. The laughter, the connection, the honest interest in them as fellow homesteaders and Chapter Leaders … this is Community even if it is 5 hours away. 

Saturday night, after the busy day was over and the 10 rescue dogs in Teresa’s home were settling down for the evening, the 5 of us quietly sneaked back to Teresa’s bedroom. Lori, one of the Fentress Chapter Board members, joined us for the overnight slumber party. Sitting around chatting was reminiscent of my college days. The “this is me” stories filled the hours. I stood quietly by the bathroom door and listened. This is true Community. Laundry on the bed, shoved aside for cross-legged sitting. Debi cuddled up next to a dresser on the floor with the clicking of her crochet needles interjecting conversations. Four women who, just a few short hours ago, knew only names. The courage to be vulnerable, the sacrifice of time to give of themselves in conversation and knowledge. …what a gift Community is to those who participate.

Huge thank you to Debbie Cameron and Debi Chandler for showing us how to make a big national Community feel more intimate.