We just returned to “civilization” (i.e. a cell and internet connection) from a 3 hour tour of “Earth Haven,” one of the most established and successful eco-villages apparently in the whole nation. Hard to believe that there were over 20 people from many different states to tour this community, and this happens about every weekend. It was educational to say the least, and I took a lot of pictures. What do I think of it all? I don’t know. It was fascinating to think that on this 329 acre property that there are about 70 people living almost 100% “off the grid” in several close-knit neighborhoods of various types of creative, earth-friendly homes. They produce their own hyro-electric (water from the stream) power, along with solar power, and do a lot of community projects communally, including a potluck every week, classes, etc. Currently they are in the process of changing their legal structure from an “intentional community” to a real, legal “village.” Tomorrow we are invited to sit in on their weekly council meeting, which is the center of decision making and community life.
The community was started around 22 years ago from the dream of a dozen urban refugees who wanted to live a more conscientious life that more closely cares for the earth and each other. Some buildings are new, but many are getting run-down and are in need of repairs. Some projects seemed half-started or abandoned. What we gathered from our visit is that each person has enough autonomy with their life and individual home on this land that they don’t have to work or contribute to community life if they don’t want to. They can just pay their dues and sit back. Others feel more invested in the health and survival of the community, however, that they put time and effort into it. The disparity between these two attitudes, however, makes for a place of beauty and tremendous potential, but falls short of any “garden of Eden,” if that makes sense.
The Disillusionment of Life
Mercy triumphs over judgment – James 2:13
Our tour guide made it quite clear that Earth Haven has had plenty of conflict. I could hear the pain in her voice, as it is never an enjoyable experience to have people depart from you who you loved. Or it it “still love?” Which reminds me of a billboard we saw on our way here that says “Jesus still loves you.” Ughh. I hate religious things like that. It is petty. God has never had any illusions about us. In fact, our tour guide said something that struck me as very wise. She observed that relationships (including community life) start off with honeymoon-like feelings of being in love with each other, and then go through a stage of failing one another’s illusions and expectations. This leads to a stage of mourning and despair, and sometimes (unfortunately), relational loss. But after we go through this stage, we find ourselves entering into a new stage of appreciation. We might miss the person (or community) and their gifts. We wish we didn’t focus so much on their weaknesses. We lose the anger and the judgement. This leads us full circle back into love again. This doesn’t mean we are to be back in close life with that person or group, but we can at least appreciate our time with them, and the lessons we learned through them. Ultimately there is reconciliation and restoration we experience.
So what prevails? Love. It always prevails.
I hope this encourages your heart as it did mine! :-)
Until tomorrow…
Pamela
