ithaca to joseph jenkins' paradise

got a ride with twelve tribes folks going to erie, PA.
learned a song in the car:

there is something very wonderful
that happens on the narrow way
the changing of our hearts
into the image of *our king

when your heart and flesh are aching
don't forget the path you're taking
all the things you think are breaking
you are really making you

giving is pleasure
measure for measure
hearts overflowing
are those that are growing in *him

*i noticed that 'our king' could be changed to 'pure love' and 'him' could be changed to 'love' for those who feel more comfortable with that.

i circle with the twelve tribes communities i have stayed with i do my best to sing along with their songs, but i have never memorized any of them before this. when i requested they teach me a song they were happy to and i'm glad they chose this fun, meaningful, and simple one. now i'd like to learn more of them!
_____

1st ride:

went from asking if i had any weapons, and telling me he had one in the cab, to making a small donation for my trip when he dropped me off.

2nd ride: kristy

very nice woman driving her husband's pickup. i felt like we had been friends in the past... she later sent me this <

3rd ride: dan

just a short ride. he owns a water treatment plant that is not permitted, but he uses it sometimes... i didn't quite get it. but i encouraged him to check out humanure composting as an alternative that could yield a high quality compost!

4th ride: ray

born in west virginia to farming family. grandmother was the most amazing woman...

'i just want to live free or die trying.'
'we went to the store maybe once a year...'

he is working with friends to produce most of their fruit and vegetables. he eats a lot of wild game. interested in becoming independent of systems that oppress.

he drove me all the way to joseph jenkins' place, even though he was not driving that way at all. such a generous man. i was deeply grateful. we even had some difficulty finding the place, but he stuck with me.

joe was out swimming at the lake on his 134 acre property when i showed up. when i couldn't find the house or anyone to check in with i started to panic a little, but then joe's 'girl', rae, showed up with their daughter max and a friend from oregon. i was told that they generally swim nude and i could go ahead. alright! so i swam out to a floating dock, from which i noticed joe on his way back, heading in my direction. i could see what was coming. what a funny way to meet. we shook hands there on the dock. two men clothed only in the atmosphere.
we shared a wonderful meal and talked into the night there by the lake at the little lake house. i felt right at home with this family.