Semester in Costa Rica - by DRR Member Britney Villhauer

Britney Villhauer is a charter member of the Dirty Roots Revolution. She is a Greenville College student, conducting an internship in Costa Rica and Nicaragua. We occasionally share updates she sends us, to highlight global issues and to share ways that DRR revolutionaries are letting their lights shine to make a difference all over the world.
-Ryan Mifflin

For the past two weeks I have been trying to settle all of the issues and resolve all of the problems that have contributed to the political divisions, violence, and extreme poverty that plague Nicaragua today. … I have not come up with an answer yet. It is very frustrating for me when I am trying to save the world but I can’t. My recent trip to Nicaragua was an amazing experience although (or maybe because) it has shaken up my world and turned things upside-down on me. Things are not so black and white anymore and I have to admit I am not entirely comfortable with this new spectrum – reality. I can confidently report a very insightful and eye-opening experience in Nicaragua though it may not have been conformational on what is “good” and “bad.”

Our group spent the first couple of days in Managua (the capital city) having discussions and presentations on history and current issues. We even had a guest speaker Antonio Lacayo, a previous minister of the presidency during Violeta Chamorro’s term directly following the Sananista revolution. It was so amazing to be able to discuss the political future of Nicaragua with such an influential figure and he was very informative. I am so excited that we had that opportunity!!

We also visited a church in Managua that is experiencing a lot of division due to political issues. The church is covered with murals that depict God’s participation in the world today that is being challenged by more conservative religious leaders. But I have to say, that was the most beautiful church I have ever seen in my life. The indigenous murals were so symbolic and moving.

We also visited a protest community of previous banana plantation workers. They are struggling to receive legal compensation for health concerns caused by a harmful chemical that the banana corporations knowingly used, Nemagon. Google it if you have time and are interested. This group suffers from cancer and sterility because the banana plantations wanted a cheaper product, even though this chemical was already banned in the US because of its known side effects.

After our chat with the leaders of the group, we were given some free time to walk around and tour the village of shacks. I had the opportunity to sit in a hut with some men while they were making beans and have a very powerful conversation with them. It was the most amazing experience of my whole trip to Nicaragua. I was able to connect with these men who were suffering under terrible conditions and we spent a good while joking around and getting to know each other. It was such a blessing to me that I can’t describe, but I will never forget it.

Then we were divided up in small groups to live in communities each with our own host families. I was in León , Nicaragua . It was fun to be able to spend time with families and see how they live their lives. They do a lot of sitting around! It was kind of difficult for me to be patient.

I was with a poor family; the pastor, actually, and I don’t have any idea how they are able to support themselves. They get outside help from sponsorships. But a lack of jobs is a problem that many people in Nicaragua are facing. They cannot support themselves because there are no job opportunities available. It’s not that they aren’t willing to work; they don’t have the opportunity to work.

After our home stays we got together again in Granada, which is a beautiful, touristy area of Nicaragua. My favorite part of our stay there was a boat tour that we took of the islands on Lake Nicaragua. We were visited by a wild spider monkey that boarded our boat, looking for food! It was pretty amazing!

Now that I am back in San Jose, I have a couple of days for spring break before our classes begin again. I am using this time to relax and rejuvenate for another hard two weeks of classes before I start my biology classes. Thanks again for your thoughts and prayers. I really miss everyone a lot and I am especially sad that I am missing my last semester at Greenville. But this is an amazing experience and I am so happy to be here.

MY NIGHT LIVING HOMELESS - by DRR Member Ethan Plumier

Ethan Plumier is a DRR member, a student at Lincoln Christian University in Lincoln, IL, and my cousin. Below is an excerpt from his journal, detailing a 24-hour period he spent living as a homeless person. NOTE: THE DECISION TO VOLUNTARILY LIVE HOMELESS WAS MADE BY ETHAN ALONE – WITH NO ENCOURAGEMENT OR INFLUENCE FROM THE DRR. WE BELIEVE THIS STORY IS WORTH SHARING, BUT AGAIN, THE DRR DOES NOT ENCOURAGE INVIDIAULS TO TAKE THIS ACTION. ANYONE TAKING SUCH ACTION IS DOING SO WITHOUT THE INVOLVEMENT OF THE DIRTY ROOTS REVOLUTION.
-Ryan Mifflin

Things are messed up. They have been, and unless we get up and do something, they will continue to be.

The sheer number that makes up the homeless nation of the U.S. and the treatment of said people makes me sick to my stomach.

I am a student at Lincoln Christian University and recently I heard a message given on teaching with authority and teaching by example. In this message the speaker was talking about his granddaughter and her knack for distributing her mother's authority and following her mother's example. She walked into the guest room one morning when someone was staying over and said in her toughest voice, "My momma says it's time for YOU to get up."

It's funny how we can give authoritative commands for the little things, but when it comes to the bigger things, we freeze up. It's funny how we can lead by example in the little things, but when it comes to the big things, we would prefer to follow rather than lead.

My friend Tevis and I decided that we wanted to do something. We wanted to quit following and lead by example, but we needed perspective. We made plans to "visit" St. Louis over our fall break this past November. We hopped into the truck and took off with nothing but a blanket each and the scraggly clothes on our backs, apprehensive about what we were about to do. We arrived in St. Louis, MO, parked the truck, and set out toward the shelter we planned on staying in.

We attempted to get into the shelter in the time that they allowed people in and we were turned away. No real explanation, just couldn't go in. We began to roam the area looking for potential spots to sleep for the night while also taking in what it is like to have nowhere to go. It is a humbling experience.

As we walked in our ratty, uncomfortable shoes, we had to take breaks every now and then to pass the time and allow our feet to rest. While on one of these breaks, sitting outside of a restaurant (it was just a little after dark) we began to notice people’s eyes. They were either keeping a constant “inconspicuous” eye on us, or trying very hard to ignore us. We stood and looked into the restaurant. It was a pretty fancy place; looked expensive. The people in the dining room were flashing us glances every now and then. Some with pity, others with disgust. It was obvious by this point by looking at the neighborhood that they were not used to the homeless. It never feels good to be stared at and stereotyped...but then again...we weren't exactly there to be treated like kings.

As people began to filter out of restaurants and into hotels, vehicles, and bars we began to notice different dynamics. The most offensive of these was the family. Now let me explain... there were multiple times that a family would be walking toward us and as we passed each other the father would conspicuously keep himself between us and his loved ones. I understand his motives, but that is a horrid stereotype to just assume that we were dangerous to his family. The least offensive of the nightlife dynamic were the bar-goers. We were spoken to on a few occasions by men and women outside of bars...they had maybe had a few drinks, but they were friendly. Kind of a switch from the "norm" eh?

We eventually encountered another problem...nature. Nature was calling and we HAD to answer. So with some money we were given we bought 60 cent donuts at a grocery store so that we could use their restroom. After we spent that, we were out of money yet again. We walked...and walked...and walked some more. We ended up in a lit park, laid down to take a rest, and were shooed away by the police. Again, this is understandable, but the rudeness we were shown was about the way you would treat a rat in your pantry. Needless to say, we moved on.

We eventually decided it was time to turn in. We walked to a church and found that the area surrounding the church and the library was heavily (HEAVILY) inhabited by the homeless. I wanted to do something, anything...but at the moment I was in a similar boat. We found a prime spot that was uninhabited; a four foot gap in between the church and a wheelchair ramp. We were completely hidden from the street and from the view of passers-by. Tevis and I laid back to back under our inadequate blankets with our feet in an unknown liquid that we called water so that we wouldn't dwell on it...it certainly did not smell like water...

We slept off and on...unable to gain warmth or comfort. We awoke at some point to hear someone messing with a homeless man and his things. Wanting to help, but unable to move for fear we laid there...it was one of the worst decisions I have made to sit there and do nothing. If I had the chance to go back and redo, that man wouldn't have gotten away so easily.

I awoke with the sunlight, rigid from the cold and sore from the sidewalk. I left Tevis to sleep and walked to an open store to use the restroom and get a little warmth back into my body. While roaming the aisles however, I became aware that I was being followed/watched by an employee who asked if I planned on buying anything. I admitted that I had no money to buy anything with and he escorted me out of the store. Apparently people aren't allowed to look without buying. I went back to our spot and found Tevis, rather worried at my absence when he woke up. We walked around yet again and ended up in the park across from the library.

There we waited until Ryan and the DRR crew arrived. He was so surprised to see me that he didn’t even recognize his own cousin! It was good to smile at that. After talking with him for a short time we went on our way so as not to divide his attention from his mission. We ended up crossing a bridge that we could look down through the bare rebar to the street below, and went to a McDonald's for a cheap sandwich and a much-needed water.

From there we continued on our way. From there we decided that we had had just about enough. One night we stayed. Just one. Some have to stay. All the time. For the rest of their lives.

It disgusts me that we can allow this to happen. I am just as guilty as anyone else, but I am ready to make a difference.

At the beginning of this post I told a story about a little girl acting on her mother's authority and example. I think it's about time we act on someone's example. Now, I don’t know who will be reading this but bear with me and please listen to what I am about to say, even if my belief system is different from yours. Give me a chance. I am not here to shove my worldview in your face.

The example I am talking about is the example of Christ. You want to ignore the homeless, the broke, and the downtrodden? Jesus was homeless, Jesus was broke, Jesus would have been shunned in our society the same that every other dirty, down on their luck, homeless person in America and in the world is.

The little girl from the story not only followed an example, but acted on authority. We have authority that we can act with. God the Father’s. The little girl said, "My momma says it's time for YOU to get up." She made me think with that statement...because we can say almost the same thing. "My Daddy says it's time for YOU to get up." Change the world. Love people like they have never been loved before.

Amazing Young People Represent the DRR

Revolutionaries:

It has been a blessed week at the Dirty Roots Revolution! In one week we’ve had several college and high school students come to us with a variety of original ideas for new ways the DRR can impact the world around us!

You’ll be hearing about some of these ideas in the coming weeks, but one is on the fast-track and we’d like to ask for your help.

An ambitious group of Greenville College students who will be either in Greenville or in the general around over their Spring Break have asked if they can conduct Homeless Outreach trips EVERY DAY over their spring break.

This could be time they use to take away from the business of school and get away from the hustle and bustle. But these young people, all regular volunteers on our weekly Homeless Outreach trips, want to give up every morning, March 15th through the 19th and use that time to bless, visit with, and love on their homeless brothers and sisters they’ve gotten to know in St. Louis.

We are thrilled at their dedication, compassion, and ambition! However, as we’re set up on a weekly distribution schedule, we don’t have the supplies to provide them with for a whole week.

First off, please note, these trips will NOT be standard Dirty Roots Revolution Homeless Outreach activities. The students will not be handing out full care packs or even individual items at the quantity we do on Saturday. They will be taking very basic supplies with them daily. For instance, we thought one day we could supply Pop Tarts and hot chocolate. One day could be donuts and coffee. One day could be soap and razors. Etc. We haven’t set anything in stone yet because that decision will have to be made immediately before the trips begin, based on the supplies and funds received.

This is difficult for me to say, but it is a factor: While donations of items (non perishable food snacks and toiletries) are certainly welcome and appreciated, if you would like to contribute to this specific project, cash donations might be the best fit for this project, as they will allow us the flexibility to meet the daily needs for the students as they represent the Dirty Roots Revolution for a full week of our Homeless Outreach.

Imagine the message these young people will be sending to our homeless friends. Our brothers and sisters on the street are ALWAYS amazed that our volunteers willingly give several hours each Saturday to drive an hour away to be there for them. And now, when they could be on “break”, these students choose to continue that work through a full week. Hearts will be touched. Lives will be impacted.

Please consider supporting these students in their efforts.

If you would like to give, contributions can be sent to the Dirty Roots Revolution, C/O Ryan Mifflin, 615 East Oak St., Greenville, IL 62246.

YOU CAN ALSO MAKE CONTRIBUTIONS ON OUR WEBSITE NOW! LOG ON TO WWW.DIRTYROOTSREVOLUTION.COM AND ENTER YOUR DONATION IN THE SPACE PROVIDED AT THE LEFT. YOU CAN USE YOUR CREDIT OR DEBIT CARD OR A PAYPAL ACCOUNT.

As always, thank you so very kindly for your generosity to the Dirty Roots Revolution. No matter how you are involved, YOU are changing our world for the better!!! YOU are making a difference!!!

JOIN THE GENERATIONS PROJECT & MAKE A DIFFERENCE!!!

The Dirty Roots Revolution is founded on the idea that one person can make a positive difference in our world – and that they can make that difference through small, easily-achieved efforts.

Our Homeless Outreach has proven that a quick trip to St. Louis, a few hours on a Saturday morning, and a small bag of snacks and toiletries can truly change the world for one person, on that one day.
With our next major initiative, we’re seeking to prove that you don’t have to leave your own hometown to make a major difference for someone.

The Dirty Roots Revolution Generations Project will partner interested revolutionaries with interested residents of one of the two long-term nursing facilities in Greenville (Helia Healthcare and Fair Oaks) or one of the two local retirement communities (Emerald Pointe and The Glenwood).

Once we have our list of interested volunteers and residents, we will partner them up, based on their answers to several questions. A “kick-off party” will be held at each of these four facilities, to introduce these new friends in a group setting. From that point, the sky is the limit!

DRR volunteers will be provided with the resident’s address, birthday, and personal information, such as their favorite flower, the favorite candy, etc. Volunteers will then be asked to visit their new friend periodically, write them occasional letters, send them holiday greetings, etc. It is our hope that as these folks get to know each other, a beautiful relationship will take place and they’ll be able to continue without the guidance of the DRR.

The name “Generations Project” implies that this is a cross-generational effort. It is true we perceive that the great majority of DRR volunteers will be from younger generations. However, ANYONE is welcome to participate in this program.

If you’re hesitant to participate on your own, ask a friend to do it with you as a pair!

This is open to families, sports teams, youth groups, Sunday School classes, and any other group you may be a part of.

To sign up, please contact us at info@dirtyrootsrevolution.com or 618.267.5436. We’ll have a few questions for you to answer that will help us match you up with your new friend.

Interested individuals need to be signed up by Wednesday, March 17th. Once all entries are in, we’ll make partnerships and set dates for each of the four parties. We’ll contact you with more specific information at that time.