We have found that one of the most enjoyable—for our guests and also for us—and successful uses of Casa Cares is a reunion of family or friends. Often our location in Tuscany makes Casa Cares a convenient meeting point. An example is the coming together of the German or Swiss part of the family with the Italian contingent. At other times a family comes complete, perhaps even from the States. Casa Cares becomes a home-away-from-home for a weekend, a week, or ten days of renewing ties, of enjoying each others company, and of experiencing the riches of Tuscany.
Recent weeks have been very busy for us with a variety of visitors: Italian music groups and a child care center; a Dutch group with special needs; a German university seminar on ethical commitment to care of the environment; a Swiss class trip; a USA family reunion; and, interspersed, several single guests. It all began grandly at the start of September thanks to a piano jazz concert offered by a Florentine friend to raise money for our chapel renovation project.
Of course all this movement is necessary for us to meet the bills, or at least those of the operating costs. For major work on the buildings we are dependent on gifts of friends and investment of our national church. We often note that we understand why at first the Waldensians hesitated to accept the donation of the property in 1983. Because it was developed in another era what we have is like having a Ferrari without the funds for fuel! It is a microcosm of the reality of Italy itself. So much to care for, so little with which to do it.
The farm is just another facet of this reality. What a joy to have 500 olive trees, five hectares (12 acres) of woods, and a veggie garden! But what a labor-demanding responsibility! Fortunately we can sell well our prestige olive oil and the veggie garden is a gift to the health and palates of our guests and staff. At this time of year the garden is at its fullest and it would be unfortunate not to have the guests to appreciate its bounty.
We are getting ready for the olive harvest and repeat our invitation for able-bodied, lots-of-stretching volunteers for the work scheduled to begin 15 November and lasting 3-4 weeks.
Recent weeks have been very busy for us with a variety of visitors: Italian music groups and a child care center; a Dutch group with special needs; a German university seminar on ethical commitment to care of the environment; a Swiss class trip; a USA family reunion; and, interspersed, several single guests. It all began grandly at the start of September thanks to a piano jazz concert offered by a Florentine friend to raise money for our chapel renovation project.
Of course all this movement is necessary for us to meet the bills, or at least those of the operating costs. For major work on the buildings we are dependent on gifts of friends and investment of our national church. We often note that we understand why at first the Waldensians hesitated to accept the donation of the property in 1983. Because it was developed in another era what we have is like having a Ferrari without the funds for fuel! It is a microcosm of the reality of Italy itself. So much to care for, so little with which to do it.
The farm is just another facet of this reality. What a joy to have 500 olive trees, five hectares (12 acres) of woods, and a veggie garden! But what a labor-demanding responsibility! Fortunately we can sell well our prestige olive oil and the veggie garden is a gift to the health and palates of our guests and staff. At this time of year the garden is at its fullest and it would be unfortunate not to have the guests to appreciate its bounty.
We are getting ready for the olive harvest and repeat our invitation for able-bodied, lots-of-stretching volunteers for the work scheduled to begin 15 November and lasting 3-4 weeks.
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