In a regular school system, some of the children would be mainstreamed and fall behind, or singled out for special education. Here they are in a safe place where they are nurtured. John Kurtz, who grew up on a farm, chose Bolivar as a way station to the quiet rural community where he eventually hopes to raise his family. The couple is trying to make things easier for the children and is looking for a farm as a setting for St. Joseph's House. We tend to draw stares everywhere we go.
Some people are curious.
The church congregation welcomed them warmly, Mr. Kurtz recalls, but neighbors in this town of 700 were initially wary of the brood as they settled in. A group of neighbors came over as I was moving in. Now that they've gotten to know the children, and what kind of family we are, I think they've accepted us with genuine support. For a typical lunch, six cans of tuna fish go into the meal, along with two large bags of chips, fruit, vegetables and day-old cakes donated to the family from a supermarket. But first the family files upstairs to the simple chapel, filled with early afternoon light.