Finding Respite in Houghton
Posted in 2010 Equality Ride by Kimmy Devries on March 13th, 2010
Today we spent time in the Houghton Area. In the morning we spent time at the Subway and the Chinese restaurant to hang out with students who wanted to talk with us. In the afternoon we were blessed by spending time in the beautiful Letchworth State Park. This was a much needed trip. The work that we have been doing is hard and exhausting so being in nature was a refreshing time.
The main attraction of the park is a beautiful and massive waterfall. I spent time journaling while sitting at the edge of a waterfall. As I reflected I thought about the work that we are doing and how it was a lot like this waterfall. Let me explain. This waterfall has tons of water falling down a huge cliff. It is always changing. After the water falls it swirls and churns at the bottom of the fall for a little bit before it moves on down the river. This change is quick and noticeable. Underneath the surface, the water is carving out the river bed. In the cannon surrounding the river you can see lots of layers wore away over time.
The students are like the water that flow over the falls. There is rapid and noticeable change. While we spent time in Houghton several students came out to us as LGBTQ while many others came out as allies. This is a massive and almost instant change. I remember after the Equality Ride came to my school in 2007 feeling like I was churning and swirling in my thoughts of what to do with all of the new thoughts and ideas planted by the Ride. Finally students will continue down the river and keep making changes along the way. I believe many of the students at Houghton will experience similar feelings. The school’s faculty and staff are more like the river bed because this will be a slower more gradual change. They heard from us and will continue hearing from the students long after we have left the school.
Our day ended with some time enjoying a wonderful potluck at the Open Arms MCC church in Rochester. It was a sweet time of fellowship. I feel refreshed and ready for the next stop in Knoxville, TN.
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