I'm gonna steal Anam's quote I read in her blog because I really liked it and I am just going to go with it. To quote Anam, "Wherever you go from here, take pride in what we accomplished, and remain humble by what we saw. ." I couldn't agree more with that and I'd like to share an experience I recently had that reminded me to stay humble, in light of my experiences in New Orleans and Nashville. Last Sunday, I took an hour long train ride into Madison Square Garden in New York city to see a WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment)event. (Some of you may know I'm a huge pro wrestling fanatic) The snow was piling up, the roads were terrible, and the blizzard was fierce. The trains were still operating to the city from Long Island. Coming back from the city was a different story. Following the 3 hour event (which did not live up to my expectations), Penn station which is the train station that is pretty much the center of Manhattan, where many commuters arrive and depart from, had cancelled its trains with no timetable for when they would resume. There was too much snow on the tracks. So here was me, my brother, and our friend, and we spent 18 hours in penn station. We slept on the dirty station ground next to the homeless at one point. I think the homeless were upset we were invading their territory. My attitude at first when finding out that the trains were cancelled was that I was kind of pissed off that we were stuck underground at a smelly rotten train station and missing out on a full day. But in the back of my head, I thought of the people in New Orleans and Nashville who had it way worse, and even the homeless I was sleeping next to. Those thoughts moved from the back of my head, to the front and then I wasn't so upset anymore. I was grateful for the aunte annes pretzels in penn station that I had a few bucks to spare to buy. I was grateful for the shelter of the station and that I wasn't outside in the blizzard. I was grateful to be around my brother and my friend. Here I was stuck for 18 hours in a train station..but able to come home to a house and a family. People in Nashville effected by the flooding may have lost their house..or even worse a family member or friend. My point of this blog is to remind myself and everyone else on the trip that when you think times are bad, think again. If you think are frustrated think of people that have it worse...Some of us may be struggling to figure out where we go as a member of the greater community after Nashville. Well, even if one doesn't embark on some sort of community service in the near future, you could still do the community some good. Spread your positive attitudes and energy along with a good vibe. Look at things in the best possible way. Help others in need if you can...Start a chain reaction. If someone sees you have that sort of spirit, maybe it can pass on..slowly, but surely. The spirit of Nashville will not fade...Lets keep it alive and flowing. Happy and healthy new year to everyone.
Cole Schlesinger
Friday, December 31, 2010
Monday, December 27, 2010
no title
Im not even really sure what to name this one, because mostly because I cant say exactly how I feel. I miss the intense feelings that came from everything on that trip. I went from a feeling roller coaster with every second bringing something new and amazing, to sitting at home missing the people I love. As I facebook stalk my life away, my parents see a friend from high school who went on a trip over seas, and they proceed to say, "I bet they made a connection on their trip, like you did on yours."
I KNOWWW no one will make connections with the people who are not of blood relation or lovers like we all did on these trips. I can honestly say that everyone who attended the Nashville trip has such a kind soul, and even the people who didn't exactly "open up" as much as I did (meaning cry like a baby ;) I feel like I could see their beautiful soul even from the surface.
I couldnt have said it any better than, I left a part of my heart in Nashville. (KUDOS) Not all of it, of course, I feel like every encounter I have with someone who hears my story or sees me explode with happiness when I tell our stories earns yet another piece.
I also want to thank all the people who have heard any one of rant and rant about these trips, because as much as we say, nothing will ever be like the experience we all had together. I dont think words can exactly bring the feelings to life completely. This, along with the other trips, are like nothing else I will ever experience, and I DO NOT regret to tell you all that I am pretty steadily becoming addicted to you all <3
Power To The Peaceful
Coral Claire Dowsland
I KNOWWW no one will make connections with the people who are not of blood relation or lovers like we all did on these trips. I can honestly say that everyone who attended the Nashville trip has such a kind soul, and even the people who didn't exactly "open up" as much as I did (meaning cry like a baby ;) I feel like I could see their beautiful soul even from the surface.
I couldnt have said it any better than, I left a part of my heart in Nashville. (KUDOS) Not all of it, of course, I feel like every encounter I have with someone who hears my story or sees me explode with happiness when I tell our stories earns yet another piece.
I also want to thank all the people who have heard any one of rant and rant about these trips, because as much as we say, nothing will ever be like the experience we all had together. I dont think words can exactly bring the feelings to life completely. This, along with the other trips, are like nothing else I will ever experience, and I DO NOT regret to tell you all that I am pretty steadily becoming addicted to you all <3
Power To The Peaceful
Coral Claire Dowsland
Sunday, December 26, 2010
It's time for a change
It's been over a week since we returned from Nashville, and I still think about it everyday. I can honestly say that this trip has changed me. I returned feeling accomplished because I knew that I made a difference in the lives of others-I helped rebuild a home for people who lost everything. However, my perspective is different since I've returned; I feel like I've lost everything. I surround myself with the same people day by day, yet they don't know me at all. The forty strangers I worked with for a week know me better than people I've been friends with for months. I've grown more in a week than I have in the last year, and I thank the people I had the opportunity to meet for that. I've reflected on myself and my life more during the week of December 13 than I have for months, and I've learned so much more. It's time for a change in my life-a drastic one. I'm yearning for growth in myself everyday rather than one week a year, and that means surrounding myself with people who will contribute something useful in my life. I do not feel the need for social stimulation; alone time is exactly what I need for a while. The forty strangers I bonded with are the people I need, and I hope they remain in my life even though Nashville is over.
-Brynne Hunt <3
-Brynne Hunt <3
Friday, December 24, 2010
Make it Count
I’m sure I’m one of the last ones to blog, but I’m not surprised. It always takes me some time to process things and reflect on how an event has shaped me. I still don’t think I can really appreciate it; none of us can. It’ll take weeks, months, and years from now, looking back; we may still be surprised at how these days have made us who we are. As a group, we talked a lot about not making this trip about us, but that’s incredibly difficult, if not impossible. We are by nature very self-focused. For me, Nashville flew by. Looking back, it feels like a snapshot in a very evolving phase of my life. Graduating in May, grad school in August. With things about to change so drastically, it’s really hitting me how important it is to seize every opportunity and live in the moment. This service trip really did that for me. None of us had to give up a week of our vacation and spend the money. But we did, and that is something to be proud of.
I said in the de-brief I realize how much complain, and it’s true. The weather, my lack of sleep, you name it and I had something negative to say. It is mind boggling how I could spend 8 hours working on devastated homes and lives, and in the evening, go back to thinking of myself first. True testament to the easy, pampered life I have become way too used to. But taking this step, and coming on this trip is also a testament to wanting to change that. It’s too easy to get wrapped up in our problems. I have always been so focused on getting the good grades, the LSAT score, and the acceptance letter. But that is not what life is about. That is not what I’m going to look back on in five years and miss. I can attach as much self-worth onto external things as I’d like, but they will never be enough. They can be taken away in an instant, as the people of Nashville know only too well. This trip really brought that into perspective. The town was so appreciative, so in awe of our willingness to help. They shouldn’t be. Kind, giving behavior, especially on the part of college students, should not be so shocking. And if we could change their outlook, remind them that there are people, better yet, complete strangers, thinking about them, I feel like it is one small, but big step to becoming a better person. Getting into a good law school would be great, but THAT is what life is really about.
By nature I am a reserved person and meeting new people intimidates me, but this group was phenomenal. It was really strange to realize that some of the people I met had not been in my life earlier. I guess there extra space in our hearts that we don’t know about, just waiting to be filled in by the right people.
Wherever you go from here, take pride in what we accomplished, and remain humble by what we saw.
<3 always, Anam
I said in the de-brief I realize how much complain, and it’s true. The weather, my lack of sleep, you name it and I had something negative to say. It is mind boggling how I could spend 8 hours working on devastated homes and lives, and in the evening, go back to thinking of myself first. True testament to the easy, pampered life I have become way too used to. But taking this step, and coming on this trip is also a testament to wanting to change that. It’s too easy to get wrapped up in our problems. I have always been so focused on getting the good grades, the LSAT score, and the acceptance letter. But that is not what life is about. That is not what I’m going to look back on in five years and miss. I can attach as much self-worth onto external things as I’d like, but they will never be enough. They can be taken away in an instant, as the people of Nashville know only too well. This trip really brought that into perspective. The town was so appreciative, so in awe of our willingness to help. They shouldn’t be. Kind, giving behavior, especially on the part of college students, should not be so shocking. And if we could change their outlook, remind them that there are people, better yet, complete strangers, thinking about them, I feel like it is one small, but big step to becoming a better person. Getting into a good law school would be great, but THAT is what life is really about.
By nature I am a reserved person and meeting new people intimidates me, but this group was phenomenal. It was really strange to realize that some of the people I met had not been in my life earlier. I guess there extra space in our hearts that we don’t know about, just waiting to be filled in by the right people.
Wherever you go from here, take pride in what we accomplished, and remain humble by what we saw.
<3 always, Anam
Thursday, December 23, 2010
I left part of my heart in Nashville...
How was your trip? That’s the question I’m faced with every time I’m with someone that knows I was gone. Before this trip I would have thought that a question like this would be fairly simple to answer but now, even after five days of being back, I can’t quite find a simple answer to this question. My mind just floods back with bittersweet memories from Nashville, everything from country line dancing to driving away from that house on Neil Street that seemed like home for just four days. And that last one is the one that brings back a knot to my stomach because although the homeowner was happy with the work we had done, we somehow left wanting to do more. Tears welled up in my eyes from pure happiness knowing that we left hope in this man’s home for a better future and a brighter tomorrow. As ironic as it sounds, all overcastting clouds that had been around since Wednesday disappeared by late Saturday morning as we spent our last few minutes jumping up and down in downtown Nashville. But even now as I laugh at the sound of “Once A Dream” on the radio, how could it be that I still feel these bittersweet feelings? Well I guess I do have one simple answer for that: I left part of my heart in Nashville, Tennessee. I know as much as I try to explain my experience to others, nothing will beat the real thing. I know I can now say from the bottom of heart that making a difference is the best feeling in the world and I’m so grateful for being able to meet the people from Tennessee that welcomed us with open arms and for having so many great people along for the ride.
Natalie Cespedes
P.S. Shout out to Team ALPHA that welcomed me like I had been part of the family all along.
Natalie Cespedes
P.S. Shout out to Team ALPHA that welcomed me like I had been part of the family all along.
Changed
Its funny how times fly. It has only been five days since I left Nashville yet it feels like months. I remember being part of Team Bravo, painting besides Rosie, Kayla, and Nasya, and meeting the home owners Dixie and Jim. I remember feeling so accomplished knowing that I helped make a house a home for two deserving individuals who have suffered far too much in their lives. I remember making new friends like Alexis S. and actually getting to know Nakita on a whole new level.
In a matter of five days I’ve made memories and friendships that I will always keep dear to my heart.
Now that I am back in familiar surroundings I feel kind of lost and sad. Then I think "Wait, isn’t this the season to be jolly?" Yet somehow this happiness eludes me. I feel as if five days isn’t enough. I wish I could have stayed in Nashville till Dixie and Jim’s home was complete. But I wouldn’t be satisfied with that because I would be ready for the next house, then the next.
I’m saddened because the people who I have known the longest barely know me at all compared to the people who have known me for a few months or even a few days. I’m sad because some people will not be able to experience the joy I felt giving someone new hope, letting them know this too shall pass.
One thing I never take for granted are the friendships I’ve made and new insights theses services trips have given me. If it weren’t for these trips I wouldn’t be the person I am today. If it weren’t for Heidi I wouldn’t be who I am today.
Mark Twain once said "To get the full value of joy you must have someone to divide it with." I’m blessed to say I’ve found this joy with myCAUSE family family.
-Vanissa Benjamin
In a matter of five days I’ve made memories and friendships that I will always keep dear to my heart.
Now that I am back in familiar surroundings I feel kind of lost and sad. Then I think "Wait, isn’t this the season to be jolly?" Yet somehow this happiness eludes me. I feel as if five days isn’t enough. I wish I could have stayed in Nashville till Dixie and Jim’s home was complete. But I wouldn’t be satisfied with that because I would be ready for the next house, then the next.
I’m saddened because the people who I have known the longest barely know me at all compared to the people who have known me for a few months or even a few days. I’m sad because some people will not be able to experience the joy I felt giving someone new hope, letting them know this too shall pass.
One thing I never take for granted are the friendships I’ve made and new insights theses services trips have given me. If it weren’t for these trips I wouldn’t be the person I am today. If it weren’t for Heidi I wouldn’t be who I am today.
Mark Twain once said "To get the full value of joy you must have someone to divide it with." I’m blessed to say I’ve found this joy with my
-Vanissa Benjamin
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
tis the season
As Christmas quickly approaches, I'm reminded of Dixie opening her presents from the church and remarking how well her new towels will match the her newly painted walls.
I'm also reflecting on the fact that team Bravo did a lot of work in Dixie's home, yet there was still so much to do; she needs floors, bathrooms, a kitchen, not to mention furniture. And yet, all Dixie wanted was her bedroom and a bathroom, complete in time for Christmas. She's been without her home for over 7 months and she only wanted two rooms to be complete.
This time of year, there is always a list of things I want. I couldn't imagine having my home taken away from me and only asking for a portion of it back.
I'm keeping Nashville in my heart and my prayers; some families won't get all that they deserve this Christmas.
-Andrea <3
I'm also reflecting on the fact that team Bravo did a lot of work in Dixie's home, yet there was still so much to do; she needs floors, bathrooms, a kitchen, not to mention furniture. And yet, all Dixie wanted was her bedroom and a bathroom, complete in time for Christmas. She's been without her home for over 7 months and she only wanted two rooms to be complete.
This time of year, there is always a list of things I want. I couldn't imagine having my home taken away from me and only asking for a portion of it back.
I'm keeping Nashville in my heart and my prayers; some families won't get all that they deserve this Christmas.
-Andrea <3
Monday, December 20, 2010
scary things, beautiful times
I am sitting in my bed in Sarasota sick to my stomach trying not to think about the life that lies ahead of me. Ever since NOLA less than a year ago, my life has taken a sudden turn, for the better. Although, right now it's hard to see that. I thought I knew what I wanted in life, but apparently not. I am lost in the midst of finding.. ME. How does this work? Before these trips began I thought I knew the people who surrounded my life. The friends I thought knew me, and the acquaintances who I took for granted. Looking back I see so much more. These friends couldn't even say they have seen me for my worst, not once have they picked me up from rock bottom. I can also say they have not taken me to such a high that I never want to come down from. While all this is happening, I simultaneously realize the people who I have not known for what people consider a long time, are the ones that know me better than any other single person in this entire world. How can these "strangers" seem to pick me up from the most vulnerable state and take me to a level I have never seen before. I suppose it's the work we do together. When you attempt to change someone's life for the better it is like something like nothing else. There is so much happening, when in reality, all you're doing is swinging a hammer.
These people are my family. I see them and all I want to do is send my love. Never have I experienced something so deep in my entire life. The prejudice is vacant and all misrepresentations they have had before are dismissed. These are the people I see for who they truly are. There is this power and energy we share together. I can see exactly who they are without any candy coating they put forward for the world to slowly lick away at. And along with this, they see the same in me. I've never found even one person who can make me feel the way they do, and with these trips I have found four; Danny, Amir, Murph, and Heidi.
I still do not know what I want to do for a job, or where I am going to live, or who I am going to marry.. but what I do know is how to love unconditionally with no boundaries. I owe this completely to these people and these trips. I also know who I am honestly. I know who I am now, who I want to become one day, and where I am going personally. Life is short, crazy, and SO beautiful. I now cherish every second, and every single person my life takes me across.
Power to the peaceful.
Coral Claire Dowsland :)
These people are my family. I see them and all I want to do is send my love. Never have I experienced something so deep in my entire life. The prejudice is vacant and all misrepresentations they have had before are dismissed. These are the people I see for who they truly are. There is this power and energy we share together. I can see exactly who they are without any candy coating they put forward for the world to slowly lick away at. And along with this, they see the same in me. I've never found even one person who can make me feel the way they do, and with these trips I have found four; Danny, Amir, Murph, and Heidi.
I still do not know what I want to do for a job, or where I am going to live, or who I am going to marry.. but what I do know is how to love unconditionally with no boundaries. I owe this completely to these people and these trips. I also know who I am honestly. I know who I am now, who I want to become one day, and where I am going personally. Life is short, crazy, and SO beautiful. I now cherish every second, and every single person my life takes me across.
Power to the peaceful.
Coral Claire Dowsland :)
SMALL IMPACTS MATTER
“And you asked me what I want this year, and I’ll try to make this kind and clear; just a chance that maybe we'll find better days. Cause I don't need boxes wrapped in strings and designer love and empty things; just a chance that maybe we'll find better days….”- The Goo Goo Dolls
For me, this trip was split into two parts: the actual service work and then anything that was outside of that. From a service standpoint, this trip was EXACTLY what I expected, and I LOVED it. I consider it an HONOR to have worked on Kappa Keith’s house with the Alpha’s and our site coordinators from the church, D-Rod and B-Dizzle. Our team was awesome! We were extremely focused and hard working and got everything accomplished that we wanted to, while dancing and singing at the tops of our lungs! Honestly, I feel like I should have paid to experience that kind of entertainment!
The stories about the flood were absolutely devastating. Personally, I am thanking God that I was able to help in some small capacity, because normally I watch the news and feel helpless, and I hate that feeling. This trip taught me that even though I am a 21 year old girl, I can make a difference. It brings me back to the story of David and Goliath in the Bible. It always seems like God uses the weakest vessels to do His will. I hope that this feeling of WANTING to make a difference never leaves any of us. I hope that each person reading this will continue to make an impact on the world.
I am laughing just thinking about my feelings from the beginning to the end about the rest of the trip. I started the trip absolutely hating it (sorry, I’m a blunt person) and wishing I was home with my family in Chicago, but my attitude changed. Meeting and getting to know everyone was a lot of fun, and I am excited to see new friendships develop. As cliché and corny as it sounds, I feel like my heart was left in Nashville. I started the trip completely homesick, and now that I’m actually home, I feel homesick for Nashville! (I never learn… I always want what I can’t have)
Who would I take home? I chose two people: Amir and Natalie. I felt extremely comfortable around both of them, which was awesome, considering I hadn’t met either one prior to the trip. Both made me smile and laugh, which I appreciated greatly. However, I don’t have a single ill thing to say about anyone on the trip, each one is an amazing individual and they each bring something extraordinary to the group. I am so grateful to have met all of them.
PLAYLIST OF SONGS I HOPE TO NEVER HEAR AGAIN:
Whip My Hair- Willow
Just a Dream- Nelly
Firework- Katy Perry
No Hands- Waka Flaka Flame
What’s My Name- Rihanna
We R Who We R- Ke$ha
Grenade- Bruno Mars
Deuces- Chris Brown/Tyga
Bottoms Up- Trey Songz and Nicki Minaj
Miss Me- Drake and Lil Wayne
Like a G6- Far East Movement
Krista
Ephesians 1:16 +17
For me, this trip was split into two parts: the actual service work and then anything that was outside of that. From a service standpoint, this trip was EXACTLY what I expected, and I LOVED it. I consider it an HONOR to have worked on Kappa Keith’s house with the Alpha’s and our site coordinators from the church, D-Rod and B-Dizzle. Our team was awesome! We were extremely focused and hard working and got everything accomplished that we wanted to, while dancing and singing at the tops of our lungs! Honestly, I feel like I should have paid to experience that kind of entertainment!
The stories about the flood were absolutely devastating. Personally, I am thanking God that I was able to help in some small capacity, because normally I watch the news and feel helpless, and I hate that feeling. This trip taught me that even though I am a 21 year old girl, I can make a difference. It brings me back to the story of David and Goliath in the Bible. It always seems like God uses the weakest vessels to do His will. I hope that this feeling of WANTING to make a difference never leaves any of us. I hope that each person reading this will continue to make an impact on the world.
I am laughing just thinking about my feelings from the beginning to the end about the rest of the trip. I started the trip absolutely hating it (sorry, I’m a blunt person) and wishing I was home with my family in Chicago, but my attitude changed. Meeting and getting to know everyone was a lot of fun, and I am excited to see new friendships develop. As cliché and corny as it sounds, I feel like my heart was left in Nashville. I started the trip completely homesick, and now that I’m actually home, I feel homesick for Nashville! (I never learn… I always want what I can’t have)
Who would I take home? I chose two people: Amir and Natalie. I felt extremely comfortable around both of them, which was awesome, considering I hadn’t met either one prior to the trip. Both made me smile and laugh, which I appreciated greatly. However, I don’t have a single ill thing to say about anyone on the trip, each one is an amazing individual and they each bring something extraordinary to the group. I am so grateful to have met all of them.
PLAYLIST OF SONGS I HOPE TO NEVER HEAR AGAIN:
Whip My Hair- Willow
Just a Dream- Nelly
Firework- Katy Perry
No Hands- Waka Flaka Flame
What’s My Name- Rihanna
We R Who We R- Ke$ha
Grenade- Bruno Mars
Deuces- Chris Brown/Tyga
Bottoms Up- Trey Songz and Nicki Minaj
Miss Me- Drake and Lil Wayne
Like a G6- Far East Movement
Krista
Ephesians 1:16 +17
Homecoming...
The quiet that follows has become a welcome and expected friend. It's contemplative and far-reaching, as if I'm dreaming without actually experiencing a dream. Almost like a content numbness.
When this feeling fades, in roughly a week's time, I anticipate the moment of desperation that takes over when I realize that the life I've led until now will no longer be my own. I have forever been changed, and I can never go back, as if a tide has consumed me and left what I once was in ruin. This is when I come to realize my own bravery; and then, metamorphosis begins.
I have faced the capacity of my heart, the power of my fears, the strength of my shoulders, and my ability to affect the world around me. I have faced the nakedness of standing in a room with only my soul to represent me. I have faced the acceptance of others and I have loved without expecting love in return. I have come to know the beauty that comes from one human life touching another, and I have faced the reality that my bare hands have built something meaningful.
It's hard to express these feelings with words, like they refuse to string together into anything coherent, but I do know this:
The hardest part of the journey, every time, is coming home. Here, I have nothing left to face but myself.
-Danny
When this feeling fades, in roughly a week's time, I anticipate the moment of desperation that takes over when I realize that the life I've led until now will no longer be my own. I have forever been changed, and I can never go back, as if a tide has consumed me and left what I once was in ruin. This is when I come to realize my own bravery; and then, metamorphosis begins.
I have faced the capacity of my heart, the power of my fears, the strength of my shoulders, and my ability to affect the world around me. I have faced the nakedness of standing in a room with only my soul to represent me. I have faced the acceptance of others and I have loved without expecting love in return. I have come to know the beauty that comes from one human life touching another, and I have faced the reality that my bare hands have built something meaningful.
It's hard to express these feelings with words, like they refuse to string together into anything coherent, but I do know this:
The hardest part of the journey, every time, is coming home. Here, I have nothing left to face but myself.
-Danny
The Backwards Story By: Ted Delcima
December 18, 2010
We head to the Parthenon and get a very nice tour and information on Greek mythology. Pictures snapping, gifts being bought, we head to McDonalds for breakfast. After several pictures and conversations we head to the airport. We land from Atlanta to Florida at 10.40pm, we scramble off the plane to await our baggage from section 2. Everyone mixed and fluttered with different emotions of sadness and homesickness slowly trot across the luggage zone. As a ice breaker and my first timer status we began to play Ninja in the middle of the public airport, as we build the moral and spirit we lose both Anam and Kristie to rides from the airport. We load the Shark Shuttles and reach NSU everyone saying there goodbyes we depart.
December 17, 2010
We finally finish the Alpha Chapter of our sub-section Team "BLACKOPS" finishes on there house. Fresh paint of Cafe Latte on the entire house was completed with a double coat. With time to spare we say goodbyes to the owner for this is our last working day, he brings a dozen roses for all the workers on team Alpha which happens to be all women leaving me to be the only male. We exchange information and emotions run a little high as we say our final goodbyes. We later head to our first experience of Jack in the Box fast food and back to the hotel to await debriefing. Debriefing starts at 3pm and we go around sharing different experiences and completions and just personal stories that can relate. Me personally not being a big fan of debriefing felt a need to share accomplishments and thoughts on certain issues. After an immense amount of bounding, sharing, and emotions we break to clean up and meet up at 7pm and later bus at 8pm for Nashville's largest tourist attraction and hotel The Gaylord Opry Hotel" were we enjoyed dinner and scenery that range from lights, doors, cuisine, gondolas etc. Ana a resident of Nashville invites us to a bonfire at here house were we make smores, share stories, relax and close our night.
December 16, 2010
Finally we Start painting after priming the house and the color is amazing we get to work and the singing began from all sorts of directions from Lauren in the far left room to Norma and Nakita in the left lower room and the Anam, Caitlin and Jamie in the others. We work diligently with the goal of completion in mind. We enjoy lunch, work some more with only a couple of rooms left and head back for debrief[were I remain silent]. Our free night is tonight and we rush to shower and meet up and make plans. So it is decided downtown Nashville it is, we bundle into Cole's last ride van and head for a night in town. We reach and face yet another challenge "THE PARKING" a 12 seater van and a narrow spot is easier said then done after utilizing our own leadership styles and since of direction we give Cole best directions to park {best 15min ever} we head out to town were we meet the first half at the WildHorse Salon. We order food and my first fried pickle experience thanks to Bill is given and must say not bad. After demolishing Fernando's ribs{two thumbs and toes up} and my Angus burger we all go mingle and Bryne takes charge in teaching everyone how to dance since she has been doing it it for over 10 years now. After pictures, food, dances, conversation, and the occasional detour we close our night.
December 15, 2010
Lets do it Second and real day of working, I finally get to sleep from Stevens extremely passionate noise making when he snores[after discussion]. we wake up at 6.45am for breakfast, quick debrief and head out to the church to meet up with our site leaders. Ours being Dennis and Bill we reach the church were they provided all the necessities for lunch to be packed as we did for the first time. We head to our site and the priming continues on the entire house, joking around we named Dennis "D-rod" and Bill "B-dizzle" which they both would not acknowledge anyone else without them using that name. Upon meeting the home owner for a second time we come to realize that he is apart of the Greek world and that he is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi and we began to joke and tease each other. Were finish priming with only a few touch up needing to be done. we enjoy lunch, work some more and head back for another debrief session{I say nothing}. Later that night after diner, we hang out in the club/breakfast room of the hotel and conversations spark, games of spoon, spades and everyone's favorite mafia begins. We play late into the night, enjoying each others company and of course Danny, Amir, Bryne and others karaoke talents.
December 14, 2010
Do i really want to do this again, I get up meet back up to in front of the UC thanks to Bill again we eat donuts as we wait for the shuttle. We reach the airport and the check in process starts again. And again the same 3 people are in the no fly zone. After getting situated we boared the first plane to Atlanta and after landing our connect flight to Nashville has already started boarding and rush to the next terminal. Not being familiar with Atlanta airport we make it half way to the terminal and realize we the subway system was put in place for our terminal purposes, we reach load and off we go. Upon landing we get our vans and head to the church for greetings, introductions, and debriefing. Then we were off to our site which we meet the home owner for the first time and put in 4hours of priming in and bonding with our site coordinator and teammates. Then we enjoyed food at the hard rock hotel and finally SLEEP!
December 13, 2010
whoot whoot so excited for the trip stayed up all night playing call of duty. I get to the Shark fountain and everyone is excited, pumped up, mingling and eating donuts. We load the shuttles and head over the airport. Jokes craking, people meeting, and luggage carrying. As I make it pass TSA and into our terminal someone hells "Flights Cancel" and I pay them no attention, thought they were joking then we check with the airline and coordinators and due to heavy snow all flights were canceled. As people cheer from getting pass TSA there attitude drastically changes for the worse when we get debriefed on the cancellation situation. We all wait hours for our bags to unload to be later loaded back on the shuttle and back home.. MAN THIS SUCKS!
We head to the Parthenon and get a very nice tour and information on Greek mythology. Pictures snapping, gifts being bought, we head to McDonalds for breakfast. After several pictures and conversations we head to the airport. We land from Atlanta to Florida at 10.40pm, we scramble off the plane to await our baggage from section 2. Everyone mixed and fluttered with different emotions of sadness and homesickness slowly trot across the luggage zone. As a ice breaker and my first timer status we began to play Ninja in the middle of the public airport, as we build the moral and spirit we lose both Anam and Kristie to rides from the airport. We load the Shark Shuttles and reach NSU everyone saying there goodbyes we depart.
December 17, 2010
We finally finish the Alpha Chapter of our sub-section Team "BLACKOPS" finishes on there house. Fresh paint of Cafe Latte on the entire house was completed with a double coat. With time to spare we say goodbyes to the owner for this is our last working day, he brings a dozen roses for all the workers on team Alpha which happens to be all women leaving me to be the only male. We exchange information and emotions run a little high as we say our final goodbyes. We later head to our first experience of Jack in the Box fast food and back to the hotel to await debriefing. Debriefing starts at 3pm and we go around sharing different experiences and completions and just personal stories that can relate. Me personally not being a big fan of debriefing felt a need to share accomplishments and thoughts on certain issues. After an immense amount of bounding, sharing, and emotions we break to clean up and meet up at 7pm and later bus at 8pm for Nashville's largest tourist attraction and hotel The Gaylord Opry Hotel" were we enjoyed dinner and scenery that range from lights, doors, cuisine, gondolas etc. Ana a resident of Nashville invites us to a bonfire at here house were we make smores, share stories, relax and close our night.
December 16, 2010
Finally we Start painting after priming the house and the color is amazing we get to work and the singing began from all sorts of directions from Lauren in the far left room to Norma and Nakita in the left lower room and the Anam, Caitlin and Jamie in the others. We work diligently with the goal of completion in mind. We enjoy lunch, work some more with only a couple of rooms left and head back for debrief[were I remain silent]. Our free night is tonight and we rush to shower and meet up and make plans. So it is decided downtown Nashville it is, we bundle into Cole's last ride van and head for a night in town. We reach and face yet another challenge "THE PARKING" a 12 seater van and a narrow spot is easier said then done after utilizing our own leadership styles and since of direction we give Cole best directions to park {best 15min ever} we head out to town were we meet the first half at the WildHorse Salon. We order food and my first fried pickle experience thanks to Bill is given and must say not bad. After demolishing Fernando's ribs{two thumbs and toes up} and my Angus burger we all go mingle and Bryne takes charge in teaching everyone how to dance since she has been doing it it for over 10 years now. After pictures, food, dances, conversation, and the occasional detour we close our night.
December 15, 2010
Lets do it Second and real day of working, I finally get to sleep from Stevens extremely passionate noise making when he snores[after discussion]. we wake up at 6.45am for breakfast, quick debrief and head out to the church to meet up with our site leaders. Ours being Dennis and Bill we reach the church were they provided all the necessities for lunch to be packed as we did for the first time. We head to our site and the priming continues on the entire house, joking around we named Dennis "D-rod" and Bill "B-dizzle" which they both would not acknowledge anyone else without them using that name. Upon meeting the home owner for a second time we come to realize that he is apart of the Greek world and that he is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi and we began to joke and tease each other. Were finish priming with only a few touch up needing to be done. we enjoy lunch, work some more and head back for another debrief session{I say nothing}. Later that night after diner, we hang out in the club/breakfast room of the hotel and conversations spark, games of spoon, spades and everyone's favorite mafia begins. We play late into the night, enjoying each others company and of course Danny, Amir, Bryne and others karaoke talents.
December 14, 2010
Do i really want to do this again, I get up meet back up to in front of the UC thanks to Bill again we eat donuts as we wait for the shuttle. We reach the airport and the check in process starts again. And again the same 3 people are in the no fly zone. After getting situated we boared the first plane to Atlanta and after landing our connect flight to Nashville has already started boarding and rush to the next terminal. Not being familiar with Atlanta airport we make it half way to the terminal and realize we the subway system was put in place for our terminal purposes, we reach load and off we go. Upon landing we get our vans and head to the church for greetings, introductions, and debriefing. Then we were off to our site which we meet the home owner for the first time and put in 4hours of priming in and bonding with our site coordinator and teammates. Then we enjoyed food at the hard rock hotel and finally SLEEP!
December 13, 2010
whoot whoot so excited for the trip stayed up all night playing call of duty. I get to the Shark fountain and everyone is excited, pumped up, mingling and eating donuts. We load the shuttles and head over the airport. Jokes craking, people meeting, and luggage carrying. As I make it pass TSA and into our terminal someone hells "Flights Cancel" and I pay them no attention, thought they were joking then we check with the airline and coordinators and due to heavy snow all flights were canceled. As people cheer from getting pass TSA there attitude drastically changes for the worse when we get debriefed on the cancellation situation. We all wait hours for our bags to unload to be later loaded back on the shuttle and back home.. MAN THIS SUCKS!
Mission Accomplished
As a Student Site Coordinator, my mission was to be the "oz" of the trip, making sure that students were taken care of and were enjoying the service trip experience. I learned quickly, however, that you can't force students to do anything. You can set everything up for them, but the final decision is theirs to make.
I walked away from Nashville with a sense of respect for having been blessed to go on the last three service trips [to New Orleans, LA and Orlando, FL), because the work that the chaperones and SSCs put in was intense. Knowing that Heidi used to do it all by herself left me amazed. Not once did we ever hear her complain about being tired or bored or anything else. She was constantly smiling, and keeping us motivated when we were getting cranky. Even in Nashville, when I needed some motivation, I went to her. I love you so much, Heidi. Thank you for going above and beyond your job description to help me [and many others], feel part of NSU.
The A Team! =) Caitlin, Anam, Saky, Jamie, Nakita, Krista, Lauren, Ted, Nathalie, Alexis S., Kristina, and I put in a lot of work on Neill Street. I'm happy I got a chance to work with you all. I appreciate more the fact that we were all equally motivated to help out our homeowner, Keith. Our hard work did not go unnoticed.
Nashville, Tennessee in so many ways was a lot different from what I expected. And I'm glad. I learned so much about myself and the other people there. The life lessons I got could not happen at Nova. The friends I made would not have happened at Nova. The clash of personalities, beliefs, and cultures all made for a memorable service trip!
~Norma
I walked away from Nashville with a sense of respect for having been blessed to go on the last three service trips [to New Orleans, LA and Orlando, FL), because the work that the chaperones and SSCs put in was intense. Knowing that Heidi used to do it all by herself left me amazed. Not once did we ever hear her complain about being tired or bored or anything else. She was constantly smiling, and keeping us motivated when we were getting cranky. Even in Nashville, when I needed some motivation, I went to her. I love you so much, Heidi. Thank you for going above and beyond your job description to help me [and many others], feel part of NSU.
The A Team! =) Caitlin, Anam, Saky, Jamie, Nakita, Krista, Lauren, Ted, Nathalie, Alexis S., Kristina, and I put in a lot of work on Neill Street. I'm happy I got a chance to work with you all. I appreciate more the fact that we were all equally motivated to help out our homeowner, Keith. Our hard work did not go unnoticed.
Nashville, Tennessee in so many ways was a lot different from what I expected. And I'm glad. I learned so much about myself and the other people there. The life lessons I got could not happen at Nova. The friends I made would not have happened at Nova. The clash of personalities, beliefs, and cultures all made for a memorable service trip!
~Norma
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