they may make a tree hugger out of me yet.
One of the things that the Cuyahoga Valley National Park is famous for is the “tow path.” That is the path that the donkeys used to walk on along the Ohio and Erie Canal to pull canal boats. The canal, of course, is no longer in use, and doesn’t even have water in it anymore. Most of it (that I’ve seen) has been allowed to fill up with vegetation and begin to return to what it originally was (although it definitely still resembles a ditch and there are still several locks). In fact, on Friday when I was walking along the tow path, I found a little turtle trying to cross the road :) About a mile from my house, though, is one of the most remarkable parts of the tow path. This is the story as it was told to me. When the national government acquired the land and determined to make it into a national park there was a car junkyard in one area of the former canal. So, they moved out the junk and just let the area sit there while they tried to determine what to do with the space. And while they were deciding, some beavers moved in and damned up a large section of the former canal and allowed it to fill up with rain water. Today there are frogs, turtles, all kinds of fish, muskrats, water snakes, waterlillies, cat tails, and all kinds of other plants and animals that live in the beaver marsh. And the beavers diligently watch over their construction, making sure the banks are well kept and the damn holds. So, basically, the beavers are the care takers of the habitat. They are essentially ensuring that all of the other creatures have a place to live. Which I find incredibly beautiful. I know that there are a lot of people that look at nature and it’s order and how everything seems to have a place and everything is intricately designed and interwoven, and they see that as a reason why there is no god. But, I look at it, especially stories like the beavers, and see it as a reason why there must be a God because everything fits together so perfectly. It’s cliché for sure (but that doesn’t make it any more or less true), but I can see God’s handprint everywhere out here. So far, that is the biggest thing that I have taken away from my time in the woods. And I hope and believe that it will be the thing that will continue to amaze and inspire me.
Three weeks ago I knew almost anything about the environment and the whole “green movement.” Specifically why it was so important. And I don’t mean just finding alternative fuels. Mostly I am referring to why places like national parks and preservation areas are so important. The whole idea is still rather abstract to me - I definitely still don’t have much practical knowledge in the environmental sciences - I probably never will. But I am beginning to see the consequences of some of my, and our (as in society) actions. And I am gaining respect for different plants, animals and waterways and beginning to understand why these things are important to me…even as a city dweller. I don’t even know if it’s something I can really share with other people yet either. I think the key is education. Educating people about their choices. And allowing people to explore nature and truly enjoy it. I hope that I can begin to convey what I am learning and understanding to the students that I am going to work with in the coming months. Especially the ones from the inner cities that may have never had an opportunity to explore and enjoy nature otherwise.
I really like my co-workers here. I am beginning to make new friends. It’s the first time in my memory that I have more non-Christians than Christians around me. It’s an adjustment, but I think it’s a good thing. And there are still a few Christians around, which is a good thing. It has been a long time since I have had to make a completely new set of friends. And I feel like this is a little bit different than college. When I started college I was still trying to figure out who I was, and I think I allowed the friends I made in college to help shape the person I am now. But now, I know who I am and I am happy with that person. So, I have found that when I am misinterpreted I want to correct my new friends, instead of just allowing them to fully understand me in time. Like, I am expecting them (or wanting them) to instantly understand all of my nuances and the oddities of my specific personality the way that my friends from home do. I don’t know how to approach it. And every time it comes up in my mind, it makes me miss my friends from home even more. I guess I should just be thankful that I am making friends and allow them to get to know me in time and try my best to show the real me (which is a whole lot easier than it used to be) and not expect too much.
Three weeks ago I knew almost anything about the environment and the whole “green movement.” Specifically why it was so important. And I don’t mean just finding alternative fuels. Mostly I am referring to why places like national parks and preservation areas are so important. The whole idea is still rather abstract to me - I definitely still don’t have much practical knowledge in the environmental sciences - I probably never will. But I am beginning to see the consequences of some of my, and our (as in society) actions. And I am gaining respect for different plants, animals and waterways and beginning to understand why these things are important to me…even as a city dweller. I don’t even know if it’s something I can really share with other people yet either. I think the key is education. Educating people about their choices. And allowing people to explore nature and truly enjoy it. I hope that I can begin to convey what I am learning and understanding to the students that I am going to work with in the coming months. Especially the ones from the inner cities that may have never had an opportunity to explore and enjoy nature otherwise.
I really like my co-workers here. I am beginning to make new friends. It’s the first time in my memory that I have more non-Christians than Christians around me. It’s an adjustment, but I think it’s a good thing. And there are still a few Christians around, which is a good thing. It has been a long time since I have had to make a completely new set of friends. And I feel like this is a little bit different than college. When I started college I was still trying to figure out who I was, and I think I allowed the friends I made in college to help shape the person I am now. But now, I know who I am and I am happy with that person. So, I have found that when I am misinterpreted I want to correct my new friends, instead of just allowing them to fully understand me in time. Like, I am expecting them (or wanting them) to instantly understand all of my nuances and the oddities of my specific personality the way that my friends from home do. I don’t know how to approach it. And every time it comes up in my mind, it makes me miss my friends from home even more. I guess I should just be thankful that I am making friends and allow them to get to know me in time and try my best to show the real me (which is a whole lot easier than it used to be) and not expect too much.