Sr. Simone Campbell is hitting the road, visiting bookstores to listen to people’s stories and discover where they are finding hope in these challenging times. Each day, she shares a heartfelt "postcard" capturing the voices, struggles, and aspirations of those she meets, offering a glimpse into the power of connection and community.
When Ben and I were planning our trip, we had set aside Sunday for a long-ish drive from Erie up into Michigan, ending in the beautiful town of Ann Arbor, home of the University of Michigan. We had an appointment that fell through, but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Ben, my assistant, had never been here before, and he was in awe of the sprawling campus, lush green grass, and stunning architecture. Quite a contrast to the urban setting of the University of Chicago where he is about to be a Junior.
As we drove, we reflected on our experiences in Pennsylvania, particularly in Harrisburg, Williamsport, and Erie. Williamsport stood out with its small-town charm and vibrant community spirit. One of the staff at Otto’s Book Store in Williamsport said that Williamsport reminded her of Bend, Oregon—a small, idyllic town with a vibrant downtown and youthful energy, despite a significant population decline from 80,000 to 30,000 over the decades. The positive community vibe in Williamsport was a refreshing sign of hope. But it appeared that people in Williamsport were puzzled by the theme of our trip “Hunger for Hope!” Hope seemed to spring up on the downtown streets as they had the statues of Little League Baseball on the 4 corners of a downtown intersection.
In contrast, Harrisburg and Erie presented a different vibe. Both cities have struggled with population loss, making it harder to foster a sense of community and impact change. Yet, in Erie, we noticed a strong web of religious connections, particularly through the Catholic sisters, which brought people together for our workshop. It was a powerful testament to the enduring role of faith communities in fostering connections. We were grateful to the Benedictines, Sisters of St. Joseph and the Mercy Sisters for all that they have done to nourish community!
To break up our drive, we stopped at the Toledo Art Museum for a delightful Sunday brunch and a stroll through its impressive collection. The museum is a hidden gem, showcasing a wide range of art from early Egyptian and Assyrian pieces to contemporary works. The museum's design, featuring an Egyptian temple courtyard and a cloister walk for medieval art, added to its charm.
I was particularly struck by the significant representation of women artists in the modern era—something you don't often see in art museums. When I commented on this to a staff person, she said that it was a conscious choice of “making art new” in their effort to reach out to new audiences.
Now, we're in Ann Arbor, ready to meet a friend this morning before heading to Flint, Michigan. We're looking forward to our evening gathering at Comma Books. Stay tuned for more updates!
(I just realized that I might not have introduced Ben in this series of Postcards. Ben is my assistant from the University of Chicago who has been helping to stage this tour! It would not have happened without him! He is going to be a third year undergraduate. It is a treat to travel with someone this year and not just be on the road alone.
