My first thoughts when I woke up this morning was: "Where am I?" As I looked around my room, a realization dawned on me: "I'm not in Tennessee anymore." For the past 5 days, Tennessee was all I knew. The 30 degree weather (more or less), the various service projects, the van rides, and the people. Words cannot fully describe the feelings that churned within me but I guess the best one I can muster right now is: BITTERSWEET. It was great to be home with my family but it was difficult not feel sad that Nashville, TN was once again miles away- in body. But Nashville will always hold a special place in my heart. So in spirit, we will always be connected. I will never forget the memories and the work that we accomplished in the few days we were there. Because of us, a few more families can look at their homes, like a phoenix from the ashes, and say: They're one step closer to going home.
To the men and women who took time out of their lives to help a few people in their struggle to regain some sort of normalcy- it was a pleasure meeting you and working with you. What we share is special and I hope we can keep this bond going.
<3 evie
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Words can barely describe....
Hey everyone,
Thought I’d give my last thoughts on this past week. I believe we got many of these families much closer to moving back into their homes but I think that we all left with a want to do more. The people we met have been so grateful for everything we’ve done yet they’re still so far from where they want to be. I just want to mention a couple people who really left a mark on this trip for me.
Leon: This man is a rock. US Army Vet, he showed very little emotion while Team Delta worked on ripping up the floor in his house so new floor can go in. He didn’t say much but you could tell that he wanted to be a “part” of our group. He showed us his property where pretty much his entire life was out there for all to see. All it took was four college guys (Bill, Stephen, Josh and myself) willing to get him one step closer to getting him back into that house that got him to start slowly opening up. KITTIES!!! hahaha
Nick and Payton: This duo was a trip for the day we were working with them. Nick gave us a lot of lessons he learned the hard way, He had been in trouble with drugs and had a criminal record but when his sons came he turned his life around and has been clean for 20 years. His son, Payton, supervised all of us and constantly reminded us that this was his house. All they wanted was that their walls be painted so they could get the floor started by Christmas and Team Charlie, Josh and I got them halfway there in one day.
Bill: This dude. I never would have stopped to talk to this guy before this trip. He’s a nerd and cracks bad jokes so I guess it’s because I see a bit of myself in him. I never seen a guy get pull out of his comfort zone so much and show such emotion. He worked his ass off with rest of the Smash Bros (Team Delta) and I now have a respect for his work ethic, his drive and I admire that he will constantly make himself the butt of the joke to relieve whatever tension there might be. Bro, I appreciate all you did and that you weren’t afraid to make us feel better at your own expense. Welcome to the family.
Stephany: I told you this before. We need more people like you on these trips. You engage people like no one else I’ve met before and you make everything you’re a part of that much more comfortable. You said that Nick and Payton made your day on Friday. I think I can speak for everyone in that house that you made OUR day. I hope you stick around for more trip so that others can see what it’s like to be with you and I hope that I get talk to you again before I leave for good.
Sara: I know that you and I came into this trip with similar motivations. We thought “Let’s forget ourselves and focus on who we’re helping.” It’s fair to say that while we stuck to our thought process this whole week, we both came away with as much as everyone that we had helped. We gained new people to call “family.” I will say this and I know I told you this already. Your religion is not what’s important. It’s what you do in the name of your religion that is most important. I can say that your intentions were good and that I’m proud that I got to work with you this week.
Ted: Dude, you were one of the people who I never thought I’d get to know while I was at Nova. I definitely didn’t expect to see the sides of you that I saw this week. We saw the cocky joker who’d strut around with no shirt talkin’ bout “Tha Hunt.” We also saw the part of you that refused to open up. I think I might understand your thoughts about that better than most people. You think that your emotions are something that you yourself should know and a VERY select few. I had a blast working with you this week bro. Hope to catch you around sometime.
Stephen: I don’t think I’ve ever met dude that is so willing to go all out to help someone else. You made everyone who worked with you step up so they keep up. I know this since I can be EXTREMELY competitive and I felt the need that I needed to keep pace with you otherwise we would have left in the dust. Thank you for being the heart of Team Delta aka Super Smash Bros.
Zach C.
Thought I’d give my last thoughts on this past week. I believe we got many of these families much closer to moving back into their homes but I think that we all left with a want to do more. The people we met have been so grateful for everything we’ve done yet they’re still so far from where they want to be. I just want to mention a couple people who really left a mark on this trip for me.
Leon: This man is a rock. US Army Vet, he showed very little emotion while Team Delta worked on ripping up the floor in his house so new floor can go in. He didn’t say much but you could tell that he wanted to be a “part” of our group. He showed us his property where pretty much his entire life was out there for all to see. All it took was four college guys (Bill, Stephen, Josh and myself) willing to get him one step closer to getting him back into that house that got him to start slowly opening up. KITTIES!!! hahaha
Nick and Payton: This duo was a trip for the day we were working with them. Nick gave us a lot of lessons he learned the hard way, He had been in trouble with drugs and had a criminal record but when his sons came he turned his life around and has been clean for 20 years. His son, Payton, supervised all of us and constantly reminded us that this was his house. All they wanted was that their walls be painted so they could get the floor started by Christmas and Team Charlie, Josh and I got them halfway there in one day.
Bill: This dude. I never would have stopped to talk to this guy before this trip. He’s a nerd and cracks bad jokes so I guess it’s because I see a bit of myself in him. I never seen a guy get pull out of his comfort zone so much and show such emotion. He worked his ass off with rest of the Smash Bros (Team Delta) and I now have a respect for his work ethic, his drive and I admire that he will constantly make himself the butt of the joke to relieve whatever tension there might be. Bro, I appreciate all you did and that you weren’t afraid to make us feel better at your own expense. Welcome to the family.
Stephany: I told you this before. We need more people like you on these trips. You engage people like no one else I’ve met before and you make everything you’re a part of that much more comfortable. You said that Nick and Payton made your day on Friday. I think I can speak for everyone in that house that you made OUR day. I hope you stick around for more trip so that others can see what it’s like to be with you and I hope that I get talk to you again before I leave for good.
Sara: I know that you and I came into this trip with similar motivations. We thought “Let’s forget ourselves and focus on who we’re helping.” It’s fair to say that while we stuck to our thought process this whole week, we both came away with as much as everyone that we had helped. We gained new people to call “family.” I will say this and I know I told you this already. Your religion is not what’s important. It’s what you do in the name of your religion that is most important. I can say that your intentions were good and that I’m proud that I got to work with you this week.
Ted: Dude, you were one of the people who I never thought I’d get to know while I was at Nova. I definitely didn’t expect to see the sides of you that I saw this week. We saw the cocky joker who’d strut around with no shirt talkin’ bout “Tha Hunt.” We also saw the part of you that refused to open up. I think I might understand your thoughts about that better than most people. You think that your emotions are something that you yourself should know and a VERY select few. I had a blast working with you this week bro. Hope to catch you around sometime.
Stephen: I don’t think I’ve ever met dude that is so willing to go all out to help someone else. You made everyone who worked with you step up so they keep up. I know this since I can be EXTREMELY competitive and I felt the need that I needed to keep pace with you otherwise we would have left in the dust. Thank you for being the heart of Team Delta aka Super Smash Bros.
Zach C.
We only wished for a smile.. ;-D
Yesterday, saturday, Dec.18th, 2010, Marked the the end of our winter service trip to Nashville Tennessee, and the start of my lifelong commitment to service. I attended this trip not knowing what to expect. All I knew was that I was putting my life on hold to be with 40 different individuals, for one common goal - to make an impact and bring hope to the people of Nashville.
However, after my arrival, I realized that the people of Nashville were not in need of hope, because it was already there, they were not in need of Love, it was broadly distributed through their community, and they already had each other. All they needed was their homes back. A roof under which they can feel safe and build new memories, and each and every one of us worked hard to make it happen.
During my time in Nashville, I worked with team Charlie who teared down and put a roof back together in 2 days. I faced my fear of heights, and had the chance to see different sides of the CAUSE members. I have never met a group of such affectionate, loving, caring and selfless individuals until my week in Tennessee. It's amazing how many of us have learned so much from each other, and revealed so much of ourselves to one another within the course of 5 days.
We all went on this trip with a mission to give back, and gain a simple smile in return, but instead, these people gave us their hearts. In our first debriefing session, we were asked "what would make you feel like you have truly made an impact in Nashville.?" I aswered "a final, sincere smile from our home owner." but many of us received much more than that.
I went on this trip hoping to make an impact on someone else's life, but instead this entire experience has made an impact on MY life.. And for that, I am more than grateful! ;)
SHOUT OUT TO TEAM CHARLIE!!! (Coral,Danny,Dumpster Greg, Amir,Sarah,Stephy,Kerece, Cole,Fernando) <3
--Ludnie (LULU Dry wall) <3 ;-p
However, after my arrival, I realized that the people of Nashville were not in need of hope, because it was already there, they were not in need of Love, it was broadly distributed through their community, and they already had each other. All they needed was their homes back. A roof under which they can feel safe and build new memories, and each and every one of us worked hard to make it happen.
During my time in Nashville, I worked with team Charlie who teared down and put a roof back together in 2 days. I faced my fear of heights, and had the chance to see different sides of the CAUSE members. I have never met a group of such affectionate, loving, caring and selfless individuals until my week in Tennessee. It's amazing how many of us have learned so much from each other, and revealed so much of ourselves to one another within the course of 5 days.
We all went on this trip with a mission to give back, and gain a simple smile in return, but instead, these people gave us their hearts. In our first debriefing session, we were asked "what would make you feel like you have truly made an impact in Nashville.?" I aswered "a final, sincere smile from our home owner." but many of us received much more than that.
I went on this trip hoping to make an impact on someone else's life, but instead this entire experience has made an impact on MY life.. And for that, I am more than grateful! ;)
SHOUT OUT TO TEAM CHARLIE!!! (Coral,Danny,Dumpster Greg, Amir,Sarah,Stephy,Kerece, Cole,Fernando) <3
--Ludnie (LULU Dry wall) <3 ;-p
The Heart of Service
The last day of the trip summarized the Nashville experience as a whole for me personally…
Throughout the week my team had been working in various homes but had few interactions with the homeowners themselves. The last day we were assigned painting. My initial reaction to this was dissatisfaction because I would much rather destroy moldy roofing or tear out floorboards than paint. Although this house required the smallest amount of physical labor, the impact seemed so much more than all the others combined because of one young boy named Payton…
Payton was the seven-year-old son of Nick, the owner of a house that had suffered from severe flood damage. It was through this little boy that I felt like we finally got it.
I realized that it is not about what you do; it is about why you do it. Service comes down to the purity of your heart. Jesus says in Matthew 5:8, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” I may have had the sorest back ever after putting a crowbar to a roof for hours on end, or I may have endured extreme pain scrubbing out fiberglass from my face after rebuilding a floor, but if I am focused on how these sacrifices affect me who am I truly serving? When the focus is on how everything affects me, I am ultimately serving myself.
I can truly say that I believe my eyes were opened as I painted side by side that little blue-eyed boy. It humbles me to know that some of his very first memories in that house would be a group of crazy college students painting the walls. I smiled as I painted because I knew that these walls would witness the life of this child. He would grow up under the roof we primed and knowing his rambunctious personality he would most likely write all over the walls we painted.
Before we left, we asked Payton to personalize our shirts. Now each of the members of my team has a small handprint on their clothing. With that final act, it seemed as if everything came full circle. We left our mark on the surfaces of that small house in Tennessee, but Payton has forever left a small handprint on our hearts...
...I have been so blessed by this experience and have seen God move in extraordinary ways.
Thank you everyone for making this experience truly amazing.
Glory to God Forever,
Sarah L. Westol
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
Throughout the week my team had been working in various homes but had few interactions with the homeowners themselves. The last day we were assigned painting. My initial reaction to this was dissatisfaction because I would much rather destroy moldy roofing or tear out floorboards than paint. Although this house required the smallest amount of physical labor, the impact seemed so much more than all the others combined because of one young boy named Payton…
Payton was the seven-year-old son of Nick, the owner of a house that had suffered from severe flood damage. It was through this little boy that I felt like we finally got it.
I realized that it is not about what you do; it is about why you do it. Service comes down to the purity of your heart. Jesus says in Matthew 5:8, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” I may have had the sorest back ever after putting a crowbar to a roof for hours on end, or I may have endured extreme pain scrubbing out fiberglass from my face after rebuilding a floor, but if I am focused on how these sacrifices affect me who am I truly serving? When the focus is on how everything affects me, I am ultimately serving myself.
I can truly say that I believe my eyes were opened as I painted side by side that little blue-eyed boy. It humbles me to know that some of his very first memories in that house would be a group of crazy college students painting the walls. I smiled as I painted because I knew that these walls would witness the life of this child. He would grow up under the roof we primed and knowing his rambunctious personality he would most likely write all over the walls we painted.
Before we left, we asked Payton to personalize our shirts. Now each of the members of my team has a small handprint on their clothing. With that final act, it seemed as if everything came full circle. We left our mark on the surfaces of that small house in Tennessee, but Payton has forever left a small handprint on our hearts...
...I have been so blessed by this experience and have seen God move in extraordinary ways.
Thank you everyone for making this experience truly amazing.
Glory to God Forever,
Sarah L. Westol
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
From Ft. Lauderdale to Nashville... with Love...
In an attempt to make a final posting last night, I fell asleep over my laptop... Sucks.
I had something written that was all too perfect for the given situation, describing my jumbled thoughts in a way that satisfied me and I fell into a collage of subconcious imagery instead... Let's try this again though...
Team Delta... Thank you guys for being there with me, for putting in the work, and for driving forward with me - even though we got split up during the journey! I had an amazing time working with you guys... Me: "What's the cat's names?" Leon: "...Kitties..." LOL!!!!!!!
To everyone else that came along, you all have something in you that makes you all good, and it's been noticed and appreciated by me... Thank you for just wanting to help - the World needs more people with mentalities just like yours!
To the SSC's, thank you both for the planning, preparation, and contribution to this service trip... You both were great, hope NOLA goes great when it's my turn! :)
To the chaperones, Thank you two for being that watchful eye, and for looking out for our basic safety! Cuz we all know there were times that it may not have been th most ideal of situations... You guys are appreciated...
To Heidi............ You decided to take the reigns over a project that had every right in the world to just slip through the cracks and fall apart, and you didn't. Instead, you yanked 16 college kids in the opposite direction and started a movement that has made its way even through Nashville now! You're the light at the front of this train, and really - what would we do without you?! Hahahaha..... "Chicken Thigh" ......LOL!!!
To NOVA, thank you for affording us the opportunity to continually take these trips... It's honestly journeys like this that immensely contribute to the most genuinely remembered and revered college experiences... Please, please, please... never divert your focus from the student body, and all that WE need to continue to be successful in every aspect of LIFE... be it on campus, or off. GO SHARKS!!!
Somewhere in a Nashville valley there are Japanese trees that never belonged, with a man with a green thumb and a heart underneath his stone-like exterior... I salute you, soldier... Mr. Bowman... You never gave up after everything... Been working alone to get back to normalcy, and I'm so infathomably proud to say that I've been blessed to be a part of that undertaking.
I hope he'll remember us, even as just a bunch of kids who showed up, made a mess, and cleaned it up - leaving him with something more than what was left before... I hope they'll all remember us...
From Fort Lauderdale (area) to Nashville, Tennessee - with undoubted and newfound Love...
--Stephen Roberts
I had something written that was all too perfect for the given situation, describing my jumbled thoughts in a way that satisfied me and I fell into a collage of subconcious imagery instead... Let's try this again though...
Team Delta... Thank you guys for being there with me, for putting in the work, and for driving forward with me - even though we got split up during the journey! I had an amazing time working with you guys... Me: "What's the cat's names?" Leon: "...Kitties..." LOL!!!!!!!
To everyone else that came along, you all have something in you that makes you all good, and it's been noticed and appreciated by me... Thank you for just wanting to help - the World needs more people with mentalities just like yours!
To the SSC's, thank you both for the planning, preparation, and contribution to this service trip... You both were great, hope NOLA goes great when it's my turn! :)
To the chaperones, Thank you two for being that watchful eye, and for looking out for our basic safety! Cuz we all know there were times that it may not have been th most ideal of situations... You guys are appreciated...
To Heidi............ You decided to take the reigns over a project that had every right in the world to just slip through the cracks and fall apart, and you didn't. Instead, you yanked 16 college kids in the opposite direction and started a movement that has made its way even through Nashville now! You're the light at the front of this train, and really - what would we do without you?! Hahahaha..... "Chicken Thigh" ......LOL!!!
To NOVA, thank you for affording us the opportunity to continually take these trips... It's honestly journeys like this that immensely contribute to the most genuinely remembered and revered college experiences... Please, please, please... never divert your focus from the student body, and all that WE need to continue to be successful in every aspect of LIFE... be it on campus, or off. GO SHARKS!!!
Somewhere in a Nashville valley there are Japanese trees that never belonged, with a man with a green thumb and a heart underneath his stone-like exterior... I salute you, soldier... Mr. Bowman... You never gave up after everything... Been working alone to get back to normalcy, and I'm so infathomably proud to say that I've been blessed to be a part of that undertaking.
I hope he'll remember us, even as just a bunch of kids who showed up, made a mess, and cleaned it up - leaving him with something more than what was left before... I hope they'll all remember us...
From Fort Lauderdale (area) to Nashville, Tennessee - with undoubted and newfound Love...
--Stephen Roberts
Saturday, December 18, 2010
The start of something new
What can I say about nashvile? Well at first I didn't want to go and as heidi said I only picked this trip because I couldn't get my money back for the galapagos and I was planning on transferring at the end of the semester. Well this trip changed my mindset. I realized while being here helping everyone that this is the place for me. This is just what the flood victims must have thought when they wanted to stay there and rebuild, this is their home. Everyone is starting anew and if they're strong enough starting from scratch I can too! As the trip came to an end I realized it was only just the beginning. We helped to give them a fresh start just as nova has given me. People came together for one common cause And many have probably made lifelong friendships out of this trip or just built upon the ones they had. As with the homes it is time to take all you are given and watch it blossom. This trip opened everyone up to something new and I'm glAd I had the chance to have had this experience!
An experience of a life time
When I heard about this trip and the possibility of being able to go I was unsure of myself saying what am I going to do there? Am I really going to make a difference in Nashville? But from this experience my perspective on life and people have been forever changed. I now fully realize that such a small group can make such a big difference on a community and not only give them a place to live but to just put a smile on their face. Nothing was better than working on one Of the victims floors and giving them a whole new kitchen floor and then showing the father and his three kids the results and being so grateful. Or painting another fathers house and being able to talk to him about his life and his hardships and just getting to know who we are working for. Also getting to meet his son Payton who just brought a laugh and smile to everyones faces and pretty much made the whole week so much better and worth knowing that we helped them get back into their house that much quicker. Those are the kind of moments that will be with me forever and will inspire me to go on many service trips from here on out. What also caught my attention was seeing the joy on the faces of the people of Nashville that weren't even affected. Everybody we told our story too was just so impressed and amazed. But the shocking part was how little help they had received before us and how amazed that we would willingly volunteer and pay ourselves to come there. Those are the things that I found shocking and I can't wait to do more to make a difference on the world and everybody I come across. No matter what happens I am forever changed and this experience will stay with me for the rest of my life I made a difference and came out with many new and amazing friends.
most life changing experience of my
My grandpa once told me together we can change the world. He funded my trip and I would just like to thank you for helping me start that change by making a difference in a community. I feel like I have truely made a difference in peoples lives and I feel that is what I was put on this earth to do. In all my twenty years of living I did things I have never done before every single day on this trip ranging from tearing a floor up to building a roof nail guns and circle saws painting a whole housethe list goes on. I not only met 40 amazing people that share the same passion as me but I gained some best friends from this trip I will never forget. I will be a nurse someday and this trip just confirmed me of my dreams. We laughed we cried and we worked hard. I didn't get to tell mrs. Vonda bye but that is one of the strongest women I have ever met in my life it was a pleasure and honor building her roof. A beautiful little boy named Peyton will grow up in an amazing home that I helped paint. Team charlie thank you together we made a difference. Thank you cause for being here giving me and opportunity to help fulfil my calling thank you coordinatorswithout you this trip would not have been so successful. Thank you grandpa again my motivation to be the best I can ever become. This trip forever changed my life and I will spread my experience like a disease of hope to encourage everyone to give back and make a difference.
With all the love in the world
-Steph Saverino
With all the love in the world
-Steph Saverino
Live Laugh Love
As I sit here, contemplating what to write, I'm finding myself getting increasingly frustrated with where to start and how to express the impact this trip has made on me. As a member of team Bravo (bravo for team bravo) we worked on painting the home of some of Nashville's finest folk, Dixie and Jim. Although many worksites of the other teams were far from finsihed, we could see the light at the end of the tunnel. After working hard for the past 4 days we managed to complete our tasks and turn Dixie's residence from what looked like a construction site, to a home filled with hope, just in time for christmas.
In previous service trips, we worked on construting new houses from ground zero in order to provide a home for low income families in need. Never before had I met the future homeowner of any of the residences we were building. This trip how ever was slightly different. We worked to repair the homes of local Nashville residents affected by the May 2010 flood. Dixie and her husband currently reside in a small trailer which sits in the carport in their backyard. Seeing the residents in their current residential situation only made the experience that much more meaningful and only made us work that much harder. With high hopes of moving back in before christmas, Dixie's attitude only made us work that much harder.
As I'm sure many students will soon blog, a strong bond was formed between the students during this trip as is customary of these service trips. By the end of the week, we find ourselves referring to each other as family. The final post-work debrief brought tears to many as each of us indepentely answered the question "whom are you going to bring home with you from this trip". Each student poured their hearts out as the expressed which members of the group had the greatest impact on them, whether they were a new or old friend. A seemingly easy question at first, really makes you reflect on the interactions you made with every indiviual on this trip and the impact they had on yourself. Tears were shed by many and the family only grew stronger.
To finish off the final night we went to the family home of one of our very own C.A.U.S.E. members, Ana and circled around the bonfire. As I stood back and observed the group I couldn't help but smile and feel a warmth inside me as the students stood, not only as unique individuals, but as a unified family: living, laughing and loving.
The greatest part of this trip was hearing the newest memebers express how they had finally encountered the imfamous, yet ill understood, "NSU experience". These students had found their niche, sensed the energy, and felt the warmth.
Yet another successful and heartwrenching Service Trip. My prayers go out to all of those we could not help this week.
---- Michael Murphy (one half of the optimism twins)
In previous service trips, we worked on construting new houses from ground zero in order to provide a home for low income families in need. Never before had I met the future homeowner of any of the residences we were building. This trip how ever was slightly different. We worked to repair the homes of local Nashville residents affected by the May 2010 flood. Dixie and her husband currently reside in a small trailer which sits in the carport in their backyard. Seeing the residents in their current residential situation only made the experience that much more meaningful and only made us work that much harder. With high hopes of moving back in before christmas, Dixie's attitude only made us work that much harder.
As I'm sure many students will soon blog, a strong bond was formed between the students during this trip as is customary of these service trips. By the end of the week, we find ourselves referring to each other as family. The final post-work debrief brought tears to many as each of us indepentely answered the question "whom are you going to bring home with you from this trip". Each student poured their hearts out as the expressed which members of the group had the greatest impact on them, whether they were a new or old friend. A seemingly easy question at first, really makes you reflect on the interactions you made with every indiviual on this trip and the impact they had on yourself. Tears were shed by many and the family only grew stronger.
To finish off the final night we went to the family home of one of our very own C.A.U.S.E. members, Ana and circled around the bonfire. As I stood back and observed the group I couldn't help but smile and feel a warmth inside me as the students stood, not only as unique individuals, but as a unified family: living, laughing and loving.
The greatest part of this trip was hearing the newest memebers express how they had finally encountered the imfamous, yet ill understood, "NSU experience". These students had found their niche, sensed the energy, and felt the warmth.
Yet another successful and heartwrenching Service Trip. My prayers go out to all of those we could not help this week.
---- Michael Murphy (one half of the optimism twins)
Friday, December 17, 2010
Feeling great
This trip to Nashville has over exceeded my expectations in many ways As a student site coordinator I was a little nervous knowing that I had to lead a group of students being that I myself am a student and also nervous because I have never seen myself as a leader, nor have I ever been put in a leadership role. Hearing feedback from students about my performance on this trip is extremely gratifying, and I thank them for their hard work and making me feel proud for them and myself. I thank the other chaperones/student site coordinators, Andrea, Kevin, Norma, and Heidi..without the work they put into this trip none of this would have been possible. My goal on this trip was to make sure all the students were happy, having a good time, learning about themselves and others, and to make sure that students were working hard because these HOME owners whos HOMES (not houses) were effected really needed the hard work. And I'm proud to say we delivered. Each and every student worked hard, and at every HOME we worked at in the Nashville community whether it was ripping up a roof, painting, tearing up a floor, putting in insulation, and plenty of other things, the home owner was satisfied and thankful with our work which was a good feeling to know. Everyone was here for the right reasons in my opinion, and that's to give back to a community that needs it. From the smiles we put on the faces of home owners, and the memories and friendships that were created between the people who attended this trip, this trip was an amazing experience. For the people who are reading who were not on the trip, you will not understand this experience truly, but these blogs I hope give you a good insight into what we've been doing and how we are feeling.
Cole
Cole
Thursday, December 16, 2010
:)
Hey,
The internet is barely working in this hotel. Nevertheless, My experience here has been amazing! I love the city - It is so full of love and pride for one another. We have been in groups working on different projects which at the end of the day we get to share our experiences. Which as soon as I get back to Nova, I have to tell you about every day. We have an early morning... Good night from TN.
~Saky
The internet is barely working in this hotel. Nevertheless, My experience here has been amazing! I love the city - It is so full of love and pride for one another. We have been in groups working on different projects which at the end of the day we get to share our experiences. Which as soon as I get back to Nova, I have to tell you about every day. We have an early morning... Good night from TN.
~Saky
Completely different experience.=)
Hey guys,
This is Nasya blogging and I just want to start off by saying hey! Ok, so to start off, I just want to say that I think that this trip has been one of my best experiences here at Nova, and it has really made me feel as if I am living out the 'college' experience. Honestly, I could say that I believe that the main reason for coming to Nashville is seen in almost everybody's eyes that I have come into contact with, that know our reason for being here, which is to help out the victims of the flood. My favorite moment from this trip I could say would be to see the homeowners' reactions to the work that we have done in their house; which is pretty much priming and painting the rooms. To see the transformation of the house over a period of the past three days is astonishing. Not only is the work that we have been doing is astonishing, the amount of team effort and pride that is within this group is astonishing. I do not think that I have ever seen a group of people that barely know each other, for the most part, come together and be able to make a difference in people's lives.
This is Nasya blogging and I just want to start off by saying hey! Ok, so to start off, I just want to say that I think that this trip has been one of my best experiences here at Nova, and it has really made me feel as if I am living out the 'college' experience. Honestly, I could say that I believe that the main reason for coming to Nashville is seen in almost everybody's eyes that I have come into contact with, that know our reason for being here, which is to help out the victims of the flood. My favorite moment from this trip I could say would be to see the homeowners' reactions to the work that we have done in their house; which is pretty much priming and painting the rooms. To see the transformation of the house over a period of the past three days is astonishing. Not only is the work that we have been doing is astonishing, the amount of team effort and pride that is within this group is astonishing. I do not think that I have ever seen a group of people that barely know each other, for the most part, come together and be able to make a difference in people's lives.
Right now...
Tonight it came upon me that in a few days I'll be back at home but the truth is, the more time I spend here with my newfound "family," I find that I don't want to leave so soon. By family I mean the amazing people I have had the opportunity to meet here in Nashville and the amazing people from back home I've been lucky to get to know and get closer to. I see how hopeful everyone appears to be in this town even if we may think the contrary. And by us coming here it has demonstrated that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I know that the people that we are assisting will have a story to tell future generations just like we will have the same...so until then I will keep doing the best I can to help my family and make more memories.
-Natalie Cespedes
P.S. I miss you Miami!
-Natalie Cespedes
P.S. I miss you Miami!
Where I Belong
Words simply can not express the feelings I have felt the last couple days while working with C.A.U.S.E on the Nashville winter service trip. I have learned so much about victims of the may 2010 flood. Particularly Dixie, the owner of the house for team Bravo. Every step of the way she has been encouraging and so thankful. I can not wait to see her face tomorrow as we put the finishing touches to the painting of her house. This expirience has provided me with the opportunity to take my love of community service a step further. I discovered how much of a difference I can really make and an even bigger we as a whole can make. From the bottom of my heart I feel as though I belong here and have found a family with in not only my Bravo team but everyone involved in making this service trip happen. I would like to express my sincerest grattitude to the founders of C.A.U.S.E for making this dream come true. These service trips are part of my life and wouldn't trade them for the world.
~Lindsey Goldstein
~Lindsey Goldstein
I've Had the Time of My Life
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
~Lauren Llorente
"Who you gonna call?" TEAM BRAVO...
Nashville has been so wonderful to us. I hope we are returning the favor.
Along with our amazing site leader, Joe, Team Bravo (Vanissa, Mike, Alexis, Anna, Brynne, Kayla, Nasya, Lindsey, Amanda, Rosey, and our newest addition, Evie) has been hard at work with Dixie and Jim, the sweetest couple we could ever hope to meet. The Bravos have been busy, turning cold, bare walls into what Dixie says is finally starting to look like a "home".
Dixie has been an incredible tool of motivation for Team Bravo. Every time she walks into the house, everyone wants to paint a little faster, edge a little neater, and get a little closer to giving her back her home.
After a full day of priming on Wednesday (and avoiding an over-rated weather report), the Bravos put the color on the walls today and it looks absolutely amazing. We have some touching up to do tomorrow, but Team Bravo is more than up to the challenge, because at the end of the day, it's all for Dixie and Jim.
I am so very proud to be a Bravo.
-Andrea Gruger, Chaperone
Along with our amazing site leader, Joe, Team Bravo (Vanissa, Mike, Alexis, Anna, Brynne, Kayla, Nasya, Lindsey, Amanda, Rosey, and our newest addition, Evie) has been hard at work with Dixie and Jim, the sweetest couple we could ever hope to meet. The Bravos have been busy, turning cold, bare walls into what Dixie says is finally starting to look like a "home".
Dixie has been an incredible tool of motivation for Team Bravo. Every time she walks into the house, everyone wants to paint a little faster, edge a little neater, and get a little closer to giving her back her home.
After a full day of priming on Wednesday (and avoiding an over-rated weather report), the Bravos put the color on the walls today and it looks absolutely amazing. We have some touching up to do tomorrow, but Team Bravo is more than up to the challenge, because at the end of the day, it's all for Dixie and Jim.
I am so very proud to be a Bravo.
-Andrea Gruger, Chaperone
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
It's as if the heavens sent it all down to accentuate the landscape...
The snow melting slower, or maybe faster than any of us will ever be able to notice and I'm deep... Deep in thought. There's a man living in a house somewhere on a long stretch of road in a house who's floor boards were rotting beneath him. That's the same man who Team Delta (Bill, Josh, Zach, and Myself) are giving a new floor to - the same man who's rotting floor got ripped out today and began to be replaced with a new one. His name is Leon. He's a soldier, and at 62 yrs old he's a trooper. Never hesitated to jump in and do the same back-breaking work me and my team were doing.
That's the BEST thanks I could ever receive. The. Best. Period.
Wednesday here in Nashville is dreary. Gray and meloncholy, like the skies are on the verge of crying for change... Maybe the change we're here to bring... I've been not-so-unusually deep in thought today... I do that sometimes... Didn't really want to speak much, if at all. This is my fourth service trip and each one being different from the last warrants some time dedicated to observance and meditation. Today is that day for me. I'm not usually a loud person, nor do I expose my feelings very frequently, and most times I decide to express myself through writing. I need to find some paper and a good pen asap! Tomorrow is swiftly approaching, and I have a floor to finish - can't wait... I wanna see Leon smile...
--Stephen Roberts
The snow melting slower, or maybe faster than any of us will ever be able to notice and I'm deep... Deep in thought. There's a man living in a house somewhere on a long stretch of road in a house who's floor boards were rotting beneath him. That's the same man who Team Delta (Bill, Josh, Zach, and Myself) are giving a new floor to - the same man who's rotting floor got ripped out today and began to be replaced with a new one. His name is Leon. He's a soldier, and at 62 yrs old he's a trooper. Never hesitated to jump in and do the same back-breaking work me and my team were doing.
That's the BEST thanks I could ever receive. The. Best. Period.
Wednesday here in Nashville is dreary. Gray and meloncholy, like the skies are on the verge of crying for change... Maybe the change we're here to bring... I've been not-so-unusually deep in thought today... I do that sometimes... Didn't really want to speak much, if at all. This is my fourth service trip and each one being different from the last warrants some time dedicated to observance and meditation. Today is that day for me. I'm not usually a loud person, nor do I expose my feelings very frequently, and most times I decide to express myself through writing. I need to find some paper and a good pen asap! Tomorrow is swiftly approaching, and I have a floor to finish - can't wait... I wanna see Leon smile...
--Stephen Roberts
Being a ray of hope
This trip has ment alot to me. I see the faces of those who we help and can see their spirits lift. I am glad that this trip falls around the winter holidays where everyone tends to go out of their ways to help others that need it.
Today i felt both a great hope inside of me for mankind in general and also great disappointment. I was disappointed that the weather plays a big role in this Trip. Its first role was the flood that caused us to be here in the first place. This flood made many lose their homes and possesions that everybody (including myself) take for granted. I heard the stories of all the students about how some houses didnt even have running water yet... the site that my group (DELTA) went to on tuesday had nothing in their house. They had no heat and no water. The people that owend the house was an elderly lady who lost her husband in march and has three grandkids that she watches during the day. Up until three weeks ago they where living in a house with no heat, mold field, and no water. They where lucky to have the church get them a trailer to live in while we worked on the house. the first day there tuesday we couldnt due much due to freezing in the pump we were using to spray for mold. we could not return on today tho due to the roads being to icey in the area.. i am heartbroken since we could not get anything done for these people.
WE did manage to go to another site and help tear up a subfloor to a 62 year old army vet. Leon was his name. When you walk up to his house you could see all of his postions out side in the back yard. We where there to help replace the subfloor in one of his rooms. we managed to do this and have great fun. We got to go "office space" on the floor with some crobars. While the four of us (Zack, Steve, Josh and I) Ripped up the floor Leon decided to join in. i saw in his face the joy he was having by just being with us and hearing our stories and jokes. He was a kind man who alot has happen to over the last few years. When it was time for us to leave he said he wished we could stay more today. I dont think it was to finish the job but more of interacting with us.
The Wrap up today was deep and moving. i learned alot about my self and the others. i am finding more and more that there are people with my drive in this world.
Until tommorow keep classy Ft. Lauderdale...
~Bill Lacava
Today i felt both a great hope inside of me for mankind in general and also great disappointment. I was disappointed that the weather plays a big role in this Trip. Its first role was the flood that caused us to be here in the first place. This flood made many lose their homes and possesions that everybody (including myself) take for granted. I heard the stories of all the students about how some houses didnt even have running water yet... the site that my group (DELTA) went to on tuesday had nothing in their house. They had no heat and no water. The people that owend the house was an elderly lady who lost her husband in march and has three grandkids that she watches during the day. Up until three weeks ago they where living in a house with no heat, mold field, and no water. They where lucky to have the church get them a trailer to live in while we worked on the house. the first day there tuesday we couldnt due much due to freezing in the pump we were using to spray for mold. we could not return on today tho due to the roads being to icey in the area.. i am heartbroken since we could not get anything done for these people.
WE did manage to go to another site and help tear up a subfloor to a 62 year old army vet. Leon was his name. When you walk up to his house you could see all of his postions out side in the back yard. We where there to help replace the subfloor in one of his rooms. we managed to do this and have great fun. We got to go "office space" on the floor with some crobars. While the four of us (Zack, Steve, Josh and I) Ripped up the floor Leon decided to join in. i saw in his face the joy he was having by just being with us and hearing our stories and jokes. He was a kind man who alot has happen to over the last few years. When it was time for us to leave he said he wished we could stay more today. I dont think it was to finish the job but more of interacting with us.
The Wrap up today was deep and moving. i learned alot about my self and the others. i am finding more and more that there are people with my drive in this world.
Until tommorow keep classy Ft. Lauderdale...
~Bill Lacava
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