Last night I had planned to read, but we watched "Lilies of the Field" (1963), for which Sydney Poitier won an Oscar. In the story, Homer Smith, the character played by Poitier, stumbles upon Austrian- Hungarian nuns, who believe God has sent him to build a chapel.

I realized when I was falling asleep that the nuns subtly and ironically represented people with racial prejudice. The nuns thanked God for bringing them someone to build a chapel. But they treated their handyman like a tool, like a type who "couldn't help himself" to work hard. All Homer Smith (an everyman) asked was to be treated as an individual, hardworking man. He just wanted to be thanked, to be blessed with dignity.

"Lilies of the Field" seemed like a good film for the hab; it takes place in desolate Arizona, and has an old-West feel. But the main story fits MDRS and the Mars Society's mission even better: Building a chapel in the desert.

Homer Smith eventually learned that a complex project can't be done by one man alone, though it needs a strong leader. And although the rich construction company owner was finally shamed into making a donation, he brought expensive bricks rather than the simpler adobe required. The nuns had written to wealthy east-coast foundations, but the responses were empty. The local people, those whose families would benefit from the chapel, individually brought everything and did most of the work.

It is a good reminder for the Mars Society and all who care about space exploration: Each of us can make a difference, everyone's help is required, and we must work together. And those pitching in, doing all the work (not necessarily expert or wealthy), ask only for your respect and appreciation--which a simple "thank you" will bestow.

Bill Clancey
Commander, MDRS Crew 49