Taking Me Back and Forward

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“We are not makers of history. We are made by history.” ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.

This week, I have the privilege of being a Mentor at the Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) Orientation and Training for New Executive Directors. These new executive directors are preparing to implement a CDF Freedom Schools Summer Camp within their organizations this summer. I’m considered a veteran having been an executive director of a Freedom School site for six years!

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The training takes place at the historic CDF Haley Farm in Clinton, Tennessee. Haley Farm was previously owned by Alex Haley, author of the book “Roots”. I cherish my times at Haley Farm. Every building on this 150 acre site has been carefully restored, renovated, and decorated to invoke the history of African-Americans and the Civil Rights Movement.

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I am reminded of my grandparents, aunts and uncles, and of my father. No matter how matter how many times I have visited, I am overwhelmed by emotion. In many ways, it is a pilgrimage for me, restoring me spiritually and emotionally.

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The many images, art, music, books, food, films, and stories take me back into my memory. My memories become fresh again. Some of these memories ask me questions: What have you done with your life? What will you do with your life?

I will be pondering these questions as I walk the pathways at the farm.

Do you have a place to go for spiritual and emotional renewal?

(photo credits:  Linda Freeman, CDF Haley Farm, February 2016.)

About Linda Freeman

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Linda Pulley Freeman combines her specialized training in environmental and chemical engineering with her deep ministerial commitment as she serves mission fields at home and abroad.

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What People Are Saying

  • Wow, great history and legacy. I could see how visiting would emotionally and spiritually charged. Ps Linda, so glad you have had the opportunity to witness how it has evolved.
    Blessings,

    • Anna: Me too!

  • What a gift to have such a place, Linda! I am not sure I do (which may answer the question!). Ironically — it’s one of the world’s busiest and some would argue, grittiest, places that I feel most connected – NYC. Explaining why would probably require more words than I could muster! 🙂

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