Liberty Reflections - Summer 2009

Jill Vonderhaar (2011)

When signing up for the summer Liberty trip, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I was nervous in the beginning but now I am glad I signed up. This experience was very exciting and hard at the same time. I tried new things like pulling onions, digging for potatoes, cutting basil, pulling tons of weeds, and much more work.              

This trip has taught me many things. I learned to try new things and to appreciate everything I have in my life. I have a better understanding now of living the life of simplicity as well as the Mennonite religion. I learned that you can live without the luxurious items. Liberty was a place where we could get away from the distractions and burdens of our daily life.  It was inspiring to see how many times Jerome attempted to grow a new crop and even though it was his third or fourth time doing it he never gave up and would just try again. Another inspiring part of their lives was when they would go out of their ways to help other farms or families who needed it.              

During the trip I made so many new friends that made the trip so memorable. Both the MND students and chaperones, and the citizens of Liberty were so nice and taught me so many new things. I went in this trip to help people but gained so much more.  Living the life of simplicity for a week was so much fun and relaxing. I now don’t take anything for granted and can’t wait to go on the next Liberty trip. This trip helped make my summer unforgettable!