Peace Hostel Amelia
Sacred Site Tour
Tyler Vega, 01/07/2004
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Peacemakers On The Scene |
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Peace Hostel Amelia |
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When Peacemakers visit Peace Hostel Amelia and time permits they are taken on a tour of what we call "Sacred Sites" that are in and around our location. These are days of prayer and reflection. As we visit each site we each in our own way direct our thoughts and prayers to those we hold dear. Since what I call "Tour A" takes place at indiginous sites a traditional "Tobacco Ceremony" is performed at each of these locations in honor and respect for those who were here before us.
As Peace Hostel tours go this one had some problems. When we arrived at Serpent Mound it was closed. It's never been closed before either! We waited for a while but no one showed up so Tyler, feeling the need to at least have a prayer ceremony, climbed the gate and walked back toward the Mound. He disappeared in the valley so I couldn't see his ceremony. Upon his return he told me that he had played the flute and had his prayers so it wasn't like we wasted our time but I was still somewhat disappointed. We then took off for Tecumseh's Rock. Located in Hocking Hills State Park it is known as Ash's Cave but we call it Tecumseh's Rock because as legend would have it Tecumseh held a huge council of 1,000 Chief's of the Indian tribes, who lived in and around the Miami Valley area, at this location. This hugh rock had broken off from the roof of the cave a million or so years ago and landed in the stream facing the very center of the amphitheater like cavern giving Tecumseh a perfect stage for his speach of unity to the Chiefs who gathered there. I always describe this place as a "natural cathedral" since I always feel a closeness to God when I visit here. Tyler agreed with this feeling. It is truly a sacred site. The surrounding pictures may give you some idea of the emotions you feel when you are in the cavern area. We stayed longer than planned because we were magnetized by the beauty and spirituality of this place and since Tyler's visit occurred in January when the days are short we didn't have time enough to do the last leg of "Tour A" which is Fort Ancient. 
However, as we were driving back to the Peace Hostel Tyler excitedly said "there's my KFC". We stopped there and he told me this great story about his journey to the Run For Freedom 2002. We had a pleasent meal there and talked about the events of the day and old times.
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