On her way there, Betsy's friend Mary took her to visit the Grounds For Sculpture in Hamilton, New Jersey. This a world-class collection of outdoor artwork and a beautifully designed 35-acre arboretum. But it also proved to be a great symbol for the beginning of this fall hunger trip. As we rounded a corner, we were confronted with this very famous sculpture. It's called Depression Bread Line, by George Segal, 1999. The life-sized men stand in line patiently and invite you to stand behind them, bringing an overwhelming sense of humanity and history to the problem of hunger in America.
Now Betsy and Carolyn have arrived in Washington DC, settled in to our campground, explored the Metro, attended inspiring services at Foundry United Methodist Church, and found our way to some of the offices we'll be visiting here starting tomorrow.
I remember reading (in "The World Without Us" - an endlessly fascinating book) that bronze sculptures like this are likely to be among the longest lasting objects created by humanity. Far longer than concrete and steel, longer than stone (too brittle) and even gold (too soft). But with enough effort and the right tools the bronze can be broken down, reworked, and transformed into nearly anything. The same must be true of hunger - but what are the right tools?
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