Sunday, February 26, 2012

EEK So Soon

I am so super excited to share the Alternative Spring Break *life changing* experience with this year's team!!

We leave so soon- in less than two weeks.  Don't miss out on all of our upcoming fundraisers!

Find us on FB for more details: http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/150447148310223/

Krista
Trip Leader

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Acts of Kindness

 Two days ago I witnessed the power of helping one another, and I want to share the story.

An older woman came into the store that I work in, but when she tried to enter the door she got stuck. Her wedding ring was attached to the door and it caused her diamond to fall out of her ring. I went over to her and her face was white and she was shaking pretty badly. "No, no, no. My diamond. Please, please we have to find it." The poor woman was seconds away from tears and I knew the value of this diamond was far more than money.

Immediately the workers helped her try to find it on the ground. Due to bad timing, the store experienced a rush right at this moment. As the line grew the woman stood at the register, white as a ghost and broken hearted. One woman, hearing what had happened, was on her hands and knees searching the pavement for the stone. Out of a miracle, the woman found it and walked up to the older woman, "I found it." The women embraced and the older woman started to cry. "Thank you, thank you so very much. I can't even tell you." The younger woman smiled and just said "You're welcome I am so happy you found it."

Once the older woman had left, the younger one was still in the store. She came up to the register tears still in her eyes. I'm just so happy she found it." I was moved by the woman's sense of empathy and care for a complete stranger. Her heart broke for the older woman and she was able to fix it simply by taking a moment to help. When I expressed my thanks to the woman, she smiled and looked at me, "Just pay it forward. Someday, someone is going to need your help, and all you have to do is pay it forward."

This experience once again proved the value and power of helping one another. No matter if it is small or massive, giving someone a hand can do nothing but make this world a better, more connected, and kinder place.

Spread the love,
Kendra Sampson
Trip Leader

Thursday, February 16, 2012

22 More Days Until We Leave~ Excited, Nervous, Moved

Hey All-

   First Time Blogger-Long Time Reader here :) I don't exactly know where to begin, or what to write for that matter-but what I do know is that I am honored to be part of this years Alternative Spring Break. I can't believe I am able to actually be a part of somthing like this. I mean, the thought of doing somthing this big-and helping people that may or may not be able to help themselves after such devastation-is monumental.I feel excited and nervous all at the same time! I have always heard of trips like this before, but to be leaving for one in 22 days-half way across the counrty no less- is rather amazing! :)

  So, I was looking through the Joplin Globe today, and I came across the cover story,which was about volunteers working to help bring Joplin back to life, and I was rather moved by it. It was about a "volunteer house" that was built to house volunteers while they worked -and it was being moved to become part of a future collection in the city museum. Apparently those who have come and volunteered so far, have left thousands of messages scribbled on the walls, windows, floors and doors of the house. :) Wow-goes to show how appreciative Joplin's people are--keeping pieces of history to never forget May 22nd, 2011. ---I am so excited to start this life changing adventure!
Peace & Love,
Mary D.

PS: Here is the link in case you wanted to check out the article:
http://www.joplinglobe.com/local/x638262427/Volunteer-House-moved-to-new-home