For the ice breaker yesterday, we were all asked to think of a song that defined our lives. It dawned on me the perfect song that completely encompassed my life experience; I've had the time of my life. Honestly, I have been a part of an enlightening and fresh experience. As a proud member of Team Alpha, today we all went to Keith, our homeowners, house and his daughter came to see the progress and she was in complete shock and awe. Today it was Lenee's birthday and the members of the team all sang Happy Birthday to her as we were covered in primer and cafe latte paint. This trip has shown me a life and a spirit present in this city of Nashville through people like Dennis, our overseer and helper, who continually shows us around the city and makes us feel right at home. The hospitality here is surreal and what I love is that we all turned a massive space into a warm and welcoming home in a matter of days. Keith is so grateful for our hard work, our determination, and our compassion because helping others is a passion that never goes away and he knows it because it shows in our actions and in our smile. Keith's story is a depressing one; during the May floods his entire home, which lies at the bottom of a hill, was filled with four feet of sewage water, but I know that in those walls he sees the wonderful spirit present in both NSU and CAUSE. Whenever he looks back, he will remember those kids that sang happy birthday and karaoke while covered in paint and primer. I can sincerely say that here, in Nashville, approximately three hours away by plane from my home town, I have had the time of my life. =]
~Lauren Llorente
