Date: 2019-06-04
From: Yellow Deli at Rutland, VT

To: Yellow Deli at Rutland, VT
Miles today: 0.0

Today went by too quickly. I went down to breakfast at 7:30 with Cam, Emma, John, and Devon. Eggs with onions and peppers, spiced rice, banana bread, really good toast, apple cider, and coffee bar with Mat©s. I talked with Jeramiah for awhile from the Twelve Tribes then said goodbye to the college group. They're off to finish the Long Trail then get into their summer jobs! I had another two (or three) mat©s sitting at the counter talking with Cephus (Kpha?). He was very interested in Roger Williams who founded Rhode Island and had a lot to do with early separation of church and state. His religious views are some of what the Twelve Tribes believe. So I've only had a two hour crash course in their beliefs but here goes...The Twelve Tribes take their name from the Twelve Tribes of Israel or the twelve sons of Jacob. They follow old and new testament holidays and use the Hebrew pronunciation of their names (which are also biblical). They believe Christ is the son of God and call themselves disciples of Christ but do not want to be called Christians. They have no possessions. All is given when they sign up and all is shared in the community. They have a block of housing with shared lawns. They have meals together and share the work of running the deli and hostel here along with around 30 locations worldwide (most in the US). They are very well read in the Bible. Very straightforward understanding and application of what I believe to be the message Christ taught. Giving up of possessions and/or sharing, working together, and loving without boundaries. They are a good community of people.  They homeschool to protect their children from becoming programmed by the government. The decisions are made by a council of elders (men) with female influence (their wives) outside of the meetings and decisions. They did mention their recruitment of women has been down the last few decades. I mentioned a bit of scientific study about how men and women rely on different parts of the brain and how this correlates to how the Bible tackles the subject. Not many people today want to enter into that marshy topic so it was refreshing to speak candidly. I do not believe women or men are greater, only that we are different and therefore possess abilities unique to our sex. They believe Christ will come again and Satan will be locked away for 1000 years (?) before Revelations happens and the apocalypse finally forms heaven on earth. I put the question mark because I really didn't get the scriptural background of this and don't remember it from my studies. They have a few different locations. Most are either deli/hostels or farming communities. They try to produce and consume their own products as much as possible. They have an Alaskan fishing location as well as a Sugar Bush in Vermont (maple syrup). They do a lot of Mat©s and eat healthy. The bread is made fresh (and tastes great).I helped peel a bunch off bananas for smoothies and cut a few lemons for the drinks. I helped make up the bunks and folded some laundry. It's a donation/work for stay hostel but it's all freely given. I spent the rest of the day planning out the next two weeks. I'll be heading into the Whites and wanted to get a good look at the guidebook to hike through with the least amount of stress possible. I think I have a moderate enough plan not exceeding 11 miles or carrying more than 3 days of food. I'll be joined a few days next week by my family so I'm lucky to get a good resupply on the first half of the area. It'll be a great way to ease into the Whites and also a great time to be hiking with my Dad.I spent some time with the other hikers and Reddy. Lots of ice cream. Also more fish chowder and toast (and chex mix).Late night again. I need to hike tomorrow. Levi