What is your greatest memory from Above Rubies, to date?
Macey: “I don't know...every day has something new and exciting in it...not always good...sometimes we make a big mistake in the office!! that's exciting...but in a bad way. Every day is my greatest memory."
Meriah: “Going to church for the first time and watching the grandchildren pray. How involved everyone was in the service...it was cool. Discovering that the people here are real people; (I had them figured to be idealic and flawless...not really 3 dimensional.) They have a really wide and delightful taste in music. Yeah. Everyone has a really amazing sense of humor...I've loved every part of it.”
Mary: “Mr. Campbell telling us every morning, “Girls, may you be blessed today, may you have a fantastic day, may it be the best day of your life!”
What is the craziest thing that has happened to you (or in general) since you've been at Above Rubies?
Macey: “Driving Serene to her dentist appointment with her sweet baby and 3 year old in tow. The van was “possessed.” First it was making funny noises, second, the back windshield wiper starting going off without reason. The wiper had no rubber on it so it was making a loud noise. Then we had to stop at a gas station because one of the plugs on the battery were becoming loose. Everytime we went up a hill the vihicle would “kick.” Scary but overall a good, fun trip... I can look back at it and laugh now.
Meriah: I got my first tick ever! It Would not come out. Macey saved me, by performing minor surgery to get it out. It was dead.
Mary: Waking up from a deep sleep because I thought I heard a mouse on my bed. Another time the same mouse (we think) woke me up by the sound of his loud feasting on some jelly beans that previous Rubies girls left on the floor behind the dresser.
What has been the most interesting food that you have eaten since you've been at Above Rubies?
Macey: “Oh, boy! All the food is interesting. Eating the worm that the grandkids force-fed me. It tasted like dirt.”
Meriah: Sweet potato leaves. “It looked really bad, but it was extremely delicious.”
Mary: Vegemite. Its this yeast-based spread that New Zealanders eat on their buttered toast. A little goes a LONG way. It tastes great on Mrs. Campbell's toasted Sour Dough bred with lots of butter. One day I over-did it and got indigestion. Since then I've steared clear of it. Its dark brown, and looks like chocolate icing.
What's the dish/meal that you have most enjoyed since you've been at AR?
Macey: The worm! j/k I like the okra that she [Mrs. Campbell] makes. Its been kind of spicey lately, though..
Meriah: Plantains. Mercy's fried plantains (so delicious!). Mercy's recipe: slice plantains in rounds, fry in coconut oil until cripsy brown, and then salt and eat. Yum!
Mary: Everything! Mrs. Campbell is a GREAT cook. I really enjoy her potatoes. She splits them in halves (or 4ths) and spices them up with curry powder, and bakes them in oil. They come out so cripsy and flavorful.
What is your favorite part of Shabbat?
Macey: When Mr. & Mrs. Campbell give each other lovey-dovey complements that makes everyone's face turn red. But really, I LIKE it when they complement each other...its really sweet.
Meriah: How they it fit together with the New and Old Testament.
Mary: The affirmations that the Campbells give to each one around the table...and especially me! One of my love languages is Words of Affirmation, so it means the world to me. Also, the bread is amazing at Shabbat, as is the conversation.
Who are you?
Macey: I'm Macey. I'm a generally quite person, but once you get to know me I can talk more. I mostly like to listen to people....and I like office work until 3 o'clock in the afternoon.
Meriah: I'm from Kansas City. I love to write & draw, I love horses, I like spending time with my horse Cheyenne, I enjoy Spanish, Anthropology, all languages in general, and reading whenever I have the chance.
Mary: I'm a 22 year old Cajun by birth, who recently finished 3 years of Bible College in KY by graduating with an Associates Degree in Biblical Studies. My Sister Hannah was also a Rubies Girl (for 8 months) and is actually the one who began the RUBIES GIRLS blog. I love to ride down the road in the Rubies Girl van, with my feet on the dash, the windows rolled down (there is no AC), and music blasting from the radio.
What achievement has given you the greatest sense of accomplishment, at AR?
Macey: Getting the downstairs area painted & cleaned up just in time for Mr. Campbell's 70th Birthday Bash. A lot of work.
Meriah: The first time I got to help send out the new magazine. Particularly the 100's because as another girl said, “You are helping other people minister to others.”
Mary: Making the “official” discovery that Marmelade the cat is a BOY!
So, what do you do in your down time?
Macey: Emailing, calling family, things I can't do during work...scaring mary.. That's always a fun past time...You know, its been a while, Mary..
Meriah: Sleep! Just joking.. Writing in my journal whenever I can, emailing my family lengthy updates, spending time with the other Rubies' girls, reading Macey's stories, and pestering Mary.
Mary: Taking my daily 2 mi. walk, visiting Vange & giving her daughters piggy-back rides, spending time with my laptop, reading books, sleeping.
What are the top 3 lessons that you have learned since coming to AR?
Macey: Oh, boy.. you have to put everything in its file, or else you get in trouble, that you always need to ask before getting any food, and that the dishes should air-dry (vs. drying and putting away.)
Meriah: Be deep and fast, don't walk in the creek in flip-flops (they will float away)...you can't chase them...you aren't fast enough; that mary thinks that I would do well on a reality tv show (because she was showin' her city cide at the creek.) that even the little things matter and that they make a big difference.
What sort of fun things have you engaged in since being at the Campbells?
Macey: Going to Franklin, going to the creek, I like prayer-meeting...coming to the Gilmore's house..
Meriah: Swimming in the creek (first time...that was a blast!), attempting to BBQ, Watching Cranford, playing with the kids, and of course going to the Gilmore's and playing games.
Mary: I've hung out at the Allison's home (Serene's home), been on a hike in the woods with Bowen and Joshie, went fishing with Arden & Bowen at 6 a.m., been to Franklin and Starbucks!, Been to the creek, been on a ride around Mr. Jobes farm on his “mule”, been to a fish-fry, a horse show, ridden a horse, watched movies, yeah! I've had a good time. You have to sometimes look for the fun though, and initiate it.
Anything else you'd like to add?
Meriah: I've learned a lot and I've really enjoying getting to know a lot of people with such diverse backgrounds and interests. It has been delightful and eye opening.
Macey: No.
Mary: Mr. Campbell is great! When discussions get too heated, or misunderstandings happen, he is a great voice of calm and reason. He's also a great handy man, and takes many trips to town, whether to pick up mail, mail magazines, or pick up supplies. Mr. C is also known to take Rubies girls out to eat when Mrs. Campbell is away at retreats (As He puts it, “When the cat is away, the mice play!”)
Words of advice to future Rubies Helpers:
Macey: spread the dish towel to dry in front of the sink...that's all.
Meriah: Its okay to bring jeans. Go to bed on time. (Macey: if you can.) Meriah: Never chew gum (unless you are Mary and out on a walk), always line up your fork and knife on your plate after you are finished eating.. Be finished with your breakfast before morning devotions, be prepared to be open minded about music genres.
Mary: 1. When in doubt, ask! 2. Never write the person's name (instead of address) in the address 1 field when entering an address into the database 3. Don't be afraid to call the webmaster, Joe. He's very helpful. 4. Always help with cleanup after Sunday service. 5. The Rubies' girls are responsible for filling the water bowl (complete with mint& sliced oranges floating on top) for the Sunday fellowship meal. 6. When you don't know where to go (and want to go somewhere) go to Serene's house 7. Rubies girls are responsible for washing breakfast & supper dishes...take your turn. 8. You can stay up late. Do it! 9. The best times to approach Mrs. Campbell to talk or discuss something is when she is sitting down in her chair in the dining area...eating lunch, before breakfast, before bed, etc. If she's busy and in a hurry, its best to wait until later. 10. Its great to share laughs with Mrs. Campbell. Its priceless.
What do you think of Arden?
Macey: He's a good cowboy.
Meriah: I like that he doesn't believe in kidnapping Rubies' helpers.
Mary: I met him and Bowen the other day on my walk to Serene's home. I passed them and continued walking. Next thing I knew, someone yelled Boo! Behind me and I SCREAMED! It was Arden. He had creeped up behind me to scare me. And then, he had the nerve to ask me not to tell on him. And, because I'm his fan, I haven't. Until now.
What do you think of Bowen?
Meriah: He's rather into the dangerous things, but he is very informative as long as you don't disagree with him.
Macey: He made sure I ate worms.
Mary: He's great. He's a lot of fun and one of my favorite grandkids.
