Dateline: Boone, NC November 3 & 4, 2007

There is definitely something “splendorous” about the mountains of North Carolina! During our annual Sweater Sale at St. Elizabeth of the Hill Country Church on Pilgrims Way, Steve (Ringrose), Yuri (Romero) and I were treated to the magnificent display of God’s handiwork in the colors of the leaves and trees painting the mountains surrounding the busy little town of Boone, North Carolina, while we sold the equally beautiful handiwork of the ladies of the Artesania Pachamama in Peru.

Breathtaking!
The View From Here
Although Saturday proved to be a little on the warm side, many people still sought us out after seeing the advertising in the Watauga Democrat, the Blowing Rock Rocket and the Mountain Times. Many of those customers commented that they were repeat buyers, and had been looking forward to our sale so that they could purchase Christmas presents in advance of the sure-to-come cold weather. We just felt we couldn’t dissuade them, so we caved in and let them purchase to their heart’s content!Steve(L) and Shoppers Choosing a New Scarf

When we closed the Church on Saturday, we retired to the mountain cabin owned by Frank and Peggy Daniello, one of our Board members. Frank greeted us at the front door, opening it wide allowing the wonderful smells of his kitchen to waft out. There was no denying that Frank, a terrific cook, had prepared a sumptuous meal for us, truly the best stew I have ever tasted! No one left the table hungry; we didn’t leave a single spoonful in the pot to put away!

We awoke early Sunday morning, drinking our coffee out on the deck in the chilly air, watching the rising sun slowly bathe the mountains in golden light, illuminating the colors of the changing leaves, starkly contrasting the receding darkness. Standing in the presence of God’s handiwork, I couldn’t help but feel relieved of the pressure and stress of daily life outside of this natural sanctuary; blessed peace.

Arriving shortly before the early Mass we prepared ourselves for whatever the day would bring. Soon people began to arrive and watching them, I found myself surprised at how many attending the 8:30am Mass took the time to stop, look, and often purchase a sweater or a craft. This set the tone for the rest of the morning and we found ourselves happily working well into the afternoon. The final tally for the weekend totaled in excess of $7,000.00. God bless all of you who helped us reach that figure!
Father Joe

It must be said that Father Joe was very gracious, allowing us to “clutter” his very beautiful vestibule with our tables of goods which literally grabbed the people as they came through the front entrance. He mingled among his parishioners and encouraged them to purchase an item. When Mass time approached, he announced that we would be there after each Mass and spoke to the congregation about our mission and purpose. I have no doubt that this year’s success in Boone has much to do with his support and we look eagerly forward to coming back next year. Thank you, Father Joe; we couldn’t have done it without you! Pam Rohlman The View From HereYuri, Con Cafe, At Frank's Cabin