[Note: If you are reading this in your classroom, you may decide to vote as a class and have your catechist or teacher submit your vote each week. If you read the story at home, you can submit your own vote from a home computer. You can only vote once from the same computer.]
Chapter 20: Creating the Garden
“Wow, seems like it was just yesterday we were planning this garden. Now we are here digging in the dirt!” Ellie said with excitement. “I would never have thought I’d give up a Saturday morning to do this,” Marissa said in response, “but I think we have all changed in the last few months.” Off in the distance Mr. Sato directed people to mark out the various sections of the garden with stakes and rope. Each plot was assigned to a different family group to establish. It was their job to prepare the soil and place the plants in the ground. The volunteer group comprised of police officers, firefighters, and other first responders were responsible for laying timber down to help created raised beds. Other volunteers created walking paths between each section of the wheel-shaped garden. The paths were made of flagstones. Then at the center of the newly formed St. Francis Peace Garden there were a few large boxes and crates that had not been opened. Page 2 of 7 © RCL Benziger
Marissa and Ellie started to laugh. “What’s so funny?” said Benjie. “Look at us! We are a mess,” laughed Ellie. “Someone might mistake us for a few farmers,” Marissa giggled. Benjie rolled his eyes as he walked up to Tobi. “What are they laughing about?” asked Tobi. “They’re just being weird girls. Let’s see what the guys are up to,” responded Benjie. “I don’t think I’ve worked this hard in months,” said Jake. “We have worked so hard, yet, I am actually having a lot of fun,” said Rodrigo, “I think that I am just so happy to be out of that ugly red cast.” Manuel chimed in, “Yeah, this is really nice how we are all working together to help the community. This is exactly why we are the Highland Ridge Explorers.”
Father Timothy overheard their conversation. “Boys, I am so proud of all of you. You are really living the call of discipleship. We would not have our amazing peace garden if it wasn’t for you all.” Just then Marissa, Ellie, and Keiko joined them. Father Timothy continued, “Each one of you truly has a servant’s heart. God has blessed us with your hard work and love. Thank you!” Page 3 of 7 © RCL Benziger
“You are very welcome, Father. But discipleship is exhausting!” exclaimed Benjie. Everyone laughed as Sister Camille approached with bottles of water for everyone. Tobi shouted out, “Break time!”
As the sun was setting, the Explorers turned toward the center of the garden and noticed how everything was taking shape. Then a group of guys started to open the large boxes and crates that had been at the center all day. “Look! They are opening them up. I wonder what’s inside them,” Benjie shouted. Keiko smiled and said, “Those are the special gifts for the center of our garden.” As the boxes and crates were removed, everyone saw the special gifts. First was the calming water feature that Mr. Sato had promised. And then everyone paused silently as the large crate was removed. “Oh wow! That is amazing!” shouted Ellie. Marissa stared for a moment and said, “That’s Jesus holding a lamb, isn’t it?” Sister Camille said, “Yes, that is our statue of the Good Shepherd.” Page 4 of 7 © RCL Benziger
The Explorers walked up to the center of the garden as some volunteers put everything in place. “This is so beautiful,” said Keiko. Tobi added, “Seems so…so peaceful.” Rodrigo responded, “That was the idea. We all did pretty good, I think.” Then the seminarians approached. Michael asked, “So what do you all think?” Manuel responded, “This is just amazing. I cannot believe we all did this.” Marissa continued to stare at the Good Shepherd statue. “Look Jesus is holding a lamb. That lamb looks so comfortable in Jesus’ arms.” “Look, Jake!” shouted Benjie. Jake turned around and saw three large bamboo trees being placed. Jake started to tear up a bit. Benjie noticed his big brother and whispered, “It’s okay, big brother. I am right here with you.” Jake quietly said, “Thanks little brother. I’m good. I am just so happy and sad at the same time. This is all so wonderful. I am going to miss all of this when we move.” Benjie then said, “We are strong, Jake.” And Jake replied, “Yep, we are bamboo.” And with that Jake held his little brother’s hand tightly, and Benjie tightly held his brother’s hand. Page 5 of 7 © RCL Benziger
The silence was broken when Sister Camille said, “I found something when I was digging in the soil.” She showed the Explorers an old tin box with a lock on it. “Wow! What is it?” said Keiko. “It looks like an old time capsule. This lot was the site of the first church built here in 1937,” responded Sister Camille.
“What do you mean a time capsule?” asked Tobi. “A time capsule is a box that is filled with objects that tell a story of the people who came before us,” Sister answered. Everyone became more excited. “Let’s open it!” shouted Manuel.
“I’ve got an idea,” said Father Timothy. He then whispered something to Ellie and Marissa. And then Ellie said, “May I have your attention please.” Everyone stopped and looked at Ellie and Marissa. Ellie continued, “Father Timothy has agreed that we can have a send-off picnic for Jake, Benjie and their family.” Then Marissa added, “Yes, and we would like to have the picnic here in our new peace garden next Saturday.” Page 6 of 7 © RCL Benziger
“And at this picnic we will open up this tin time capsule that Sister Camille found,” said Ellie. “And then,” said Marissa, “we will make a time capsule of our own!” The Explorers raised their arms and shouted, “hurray!”
Father Timothy then said addressing Jake and Benjie, “We know that you are moving in just a week, but before you go, we want you to leave a little something behind. Jake and Benjie, we want you both to be the first to offer something for the time capsule.”
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TIME TO DISCUSS Exit out of this page-turner. Then scroll to the bottom of the web page to discuss questions with your classmates.
Page 7 of 7 © RCL Benziger