Day 36

“The sun shined bright on my Old Kentucky Home…”

Reporting from Harlan, KY where Dr. and Mrs. Greg and Carla Dye (both 1994 graduates) and their son Edmund along with Berea friends Dr. Laila Guindi and Mr. Sherif Guindi (mother and son) came to participate in the relay. Edmund carried the Great Commitments to the Harlan County Library where we presented Berea’s new history book (by Shannon Wilson) to Ms. Thelma Creech (her son, Ben Creech attended Berea). Afterwards, the Guindi family bravely ran five miles towards Whitesburg up a VERY steep incline.

From Harlan we went to visit a true Appalachian treasure – Appalshop. While there we met with Board Member and staff person for over 20 years Valeria Ison. We were surrounded by sounds of a fiddle workshop in progress and even saw some familiar Berea friends there.

On the route between Whitesburg and Harlan we were surprised by a couple of roaming bulls RIGHT ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD!

Since the three us are Derby enthusiasts, we were really thrilled to be invited to the famous Brock Derby Party in its 30th year in Harlan. Once we got the van up the mile long gravel climb we were elated to be greeted by Harlan’s finest, many of whom had a Berea connection. I also had the good fortune of choosing Barbaro as my pick even though I was unfortunate in that I hadn’t put any money down!

Following the Derby party we were pleased to spend a little more time with the Guindi family in their beautiful Harlan home. Following a delicious tea with milk and sugar, we even went to the Dollar Theatre with Sherif to see Mission Impossible. As far as movie reviews go, I’d give this one well…..I’ll let you be the judge.

Sleepy and happy in Harlan,

Amy Harmon, ‘99