Harper's Ferry

I decided to go on a solo camping trip for Easter Break. At college, we get Holy Thursday -- Easter Monday off. On Wednesday, my class got out at 10am so I decided to leave right after that. I didn't know where to go, but I have always looked outside my dorm room and seen the West Virginia bridge. I had always wanted to explore that state. So my handy friend, Google, told me that Harper's Ferry, WV was a great location to visit. This is a small, quaint, Civil War historical town located at the peak of the Potomac and Shenandoah River. There would be lots of hiking, waterfalls, thrift stores and cute boutiques to check out.

Day 1

I was on my way! I gathered enough food to-go to last the 5 days, some clothes, loaded my bike, and grabbed a half pack of cigarettes (no, I don't smoke cigarettes but someone gifted them to me). 5 hour car ride later, I arrived! I drove through the town and was greeted by lots of smiling faces. Aww. I called a campsite to park over night. "Hello, I will be car camping. I don't need any of your amenities, I just need a parking spot." "We charge $69 for weekdays and $79 for weekends." I argued and complained a little...we won't get into that.

Feeling stressed, I turned to Jesus and drove to St. James Parish to pray about it. The Church was stunning, located on a hill. Now it was 6:59PM on a Wednesday and the parking lot was crowded and everyone was walking in. What? What goes on on a Wednesday of Holy Week? Nothing I knew. I followed the crowd. Everyone looked so nice and I'm in sweatpants. Meh. Jesus knows my heart.

Turns out there was a 7PM service called Tenebrae. This is a service of darkness which involves extinguishing candles followed by a loud bang at the completion of the service in total darkness. It was beautiful and there was a choir of 15 singing in 5 part harmonies. I was moved to tears.

In my journal I wrote:

"I have the desire to be a saint. Do I need to leave school to mission? Maybe."

Foreshadowing? I think yes.

After the service, I met the Deacon Dave outside and introduced myself saying I am traveling and camping nearby, but don't have a location. He told me I could camp in the Church parking lot and offered me a shower and access to food if I need it. And the best part, they have Perpetual Adoration where I found myself in the wee hours.

Day 2

"The night was much colder than I expected." Yeah, MUCH colder. I definitely did not pack warm enough. I started day with Adoration and read my book Wild at Heart. Then I went to a coffee shop and hiked the Maryland Heights Trail to a beautiful overlook of the city. The wind was so powerful, I felt like a Goddess being blown in every direction, but holding solid ground, embracing the sun. On the way down, I met a mother and her son, Drew. Happy Birthday, Drew!! He turned 6 years old. I hiked a total of 7 miles.

Later I went back to St. James Parish, reading my book before Holy Thursday service. I am really getting into the book (which is all about men) and applying it to what I want in a man and then I hear, "Claire?" What. Someone knows my name? I look up and it's Ann and Bella from Franciscan. "Hey, What are you doing here?" "Claire, what are you doing here." Just then, the service started. I quickly gathered up my things to sit with them. After mass, I told the girls what I was doing and they welcomed me to their home parish. I met Ann's dad and Kevin the usher. They thought I was cRaZy to be solo car camping. "No. You are not sleeping here, in your car, alone. Stay at my home." "No, but thank you so much, Kevin." "If you want the rugged experience, you can even sleep on the dog bed?" "Haha, no thank you. I want to do this."

Day 3

I woke up early to get coffee and hike, and what do you know? Dead battery. Great. I hate asking for help. I went inside the church and saw a handsome man. I said "Hey there hunaayyyy! I am a beautiful woman looking for a fine, young man to be the hero in this story. Do you mind?" And so he swept me off my feet and dashed off with me into the sunset to start a new life.

Anyways...

John jumped my car and I was good to go. Thanks man! I got coffee, walked around town, and headed back to church for Stations of the Cross. After I went for a drive and jammed. Windows down, volume up, hair down kinda drive. I bummed around to a few stops then back to Church! I got to see my friends -- Ann, Bella, Ann's dad, Kevin, and John ;) I met the seminarian Ryan before the service, he was a kind man. After mass, Deacon Dave invited me to his house after the Easter Vigil! My heart was so touched. Then Ryan and some Mark guy helped me get to the showers. Yes, fresh and clean. I got back to my car to sleep and I see and napkin on my car. It read:

Couldn't Find Paper.

But we just wanted to tell you that we love you very much! We hope your spiritual journey

goes well! Such a great idea! Sleep tight, stay warm:)

Love, ya!

-Ann&Bella

Day 4

I biked to my coffee shop, made friends with the baristas, and read my book. When leaving, I talked with two nice gentlemen. They loved my bike and were prying to get the cost out of me. No sir. I went on a 30 mile bike ride and saw more beautiful sights. This place is full of God's love and beauty.

Upon arriving at my car, dead battery. Again!? That's not supposed to happen!? Dad said that my battery is dead dead. As in, I must get it replaced...sounds expensive. I drove to Auto Parts.

My new friend, Paul, told me they actually can't change the battery due to the location of my battery. "Ill tell you what. Buy the battery now and then wait here 30 minutes until I get off of my shift. I will change it off the clock." How kind :') I bought the battery and Paul gave me a family discount :')) Ma brotha.

The Easter Vigil was so beautiful. So much reverence in this Church. This was the last time being in this Church since I was going to head to Easter Mass at the Church in downtown Harper's Ferry. Also, Ann's family invited me to Easter brunch! People are so good. Mark reminded me of the party tonight at Deacon Dave's house. It sounded like a lot of my new friends would be there -- Ryan, Mark, and John;) Other people from the church approached me saying, "Are you the car camper?" and offered me places to stay. I headed out of Church. Aww I didn't even say goodbye to Kevin...

I headed to the grocery store, real quick to get carrots (classic). And guess who I saw? My boy, Kevin! We call those God Winks.

I headed over to Deacon Dave's Party. It was a small party. Only my three friends and Deacon Dave's family. And to think he invited me?

It was a beautiful night full of feasts, stories, and laughter. We celebrated, prayed and sang. What a joyful party for the Resurrection. I lasted the longest out of my friends and stayed talking with the wife, Nancy, and the kids, Claire and Peter. I got their address so I could write to them.

Day 5

Happy Easter!!! I got the best sleep last night.

*note to self: Sleep in a reclined position in the passenger seat*

I went to the Church in downtown Harper's Ferry. I got their early to read, but the Church wasn't open yet. I got to talking with a family outside the Church and told them my story and they told me about their lives. When the Church opened, we explored it together.

The mass was beautiful. Great music. Great homily. Praise God. He is Risen!

After mass, the family from before wished me luck on my adventure and gave me $20 for gas money. "You have a beautiful soul. We have loved getting to know you." How frickin thoughtful. I love people.

I left to go meet Ann's family for breakfast. Holy cow! I was looking all nice for Easter Sunday and I felt underdressed as I entered the restaurant. Am I at some fancy Country Club? I met up with the family and was so happy to see them. We sat at the table with three forks, two spoons, and menus that said: 'Easter Special -- All meals $65.' Are you kidding me? Gulp. Okay, for your celebration, Jesus! The food was phenomenal, though, and it was a full course meal. Then, Ann's dad took the check. "Aww, you don't have to!" Please insist. Please insist! "Yes, I insist!" "Well thank you so much!"

It was good to meet up with them for breakfast and I said my goodbyes to finish up my journey back to campus. The dad really expressed his gratitude in knowing me this short time, and I felt the same.

On my way, I passed an outdoor flea market. Darn it. I can never drive past. I stopped and looked around. I met a lovely lady, Hazel. She seemed like a person who just wanted to talk, but needed someone to listen. So I listened to her talk about hoped and dreams. She was a beautiful soul. I walked around and saw a pair of overalls. Now, I have been looking for overalls but they either never fit the bum or are too short on my torso. "Hmmm, I probably shouldn't. Or should I? How much are they? Where is the price tag? No price tag? Let me go ask. Okay, if they are less than a dollar, I'll get them." I go up to the vendor, "How much are these?" "For you, a dollar!" Wow. God Wink.

As I was leaving, Hazel yelled to me, "Claire it was so great to meet you! You have really inspired me, dear. God love you!"

And from there, I continued my way home, thanking God for my great memories and friends made.

Upon my arrival to campus I summed up my time in Harper's Ferry. Let me read from my journal:

"This trip has been such a blessing. I don't know what made me come here, but am glad that I did...I have met so many great people. I feel like I was meant to meet them so I can pray for them by name. I have loved experiencing the generosity of people. It makes me want to give of myself more and hear what people have to say. At college, I get a degree for myself, but I want to do things for others. It makes me want to take a year off of college and do NET Ireland. Why not? I want to hear people who just want to be heard -- to show them they matter."