“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.” ― Mother Teresa
As a proud member of the Framingham State University community prior to the trip, it was enlightening to join such a motivated group of our students in Joplin and fortify that sense of pride. I was a last minute addition to the chaperones, and wasn’t sure what to expect. However from the one pre-trip meeting I attended to introduce myself to the initial meet up at Logan International, I could tell by the level of energy and enthusiasm that the adventure would be one for the books. At first glance, the sociable demeanor of all the students led me to believe that this was a group of friends. I was shocked that this group was pieced together through an application process, joining together a diverse group of strangers and acquaintances. Many of the students have posted that we became a family. The close quarters certainly encouraged and solidified a unique bond between us. I’m sure the lack of personal space, privacy, and individual free time contributed to the camaraderie. However, I am convinced it was more so the fact that we all share the same compassion for humanity. Connecting on such an emotional level and comforting each other throughout this experience revealed a sentiment and sense of vulnerability that normally gets pushed aside. We were able to take part in rebuilding a community and experience the results on a tangible and personal level. We saw the house get a fresh coat of paint, a beautiful new garden, and the whole exterior of the property became a home again. More importantly, in my opinion, we witnessed the gratitude of the entire community of Joplin through countless measures of appreciation, from the verbal thanks, to the free facilities that the wonderful “Animal” and friends let us utilize, to the monetary donation the “man in red” gave us that very first night. We all felt the gratefulness, and were humbled. I think all of us agreed that we were the fortunate ones and were thankful for the experience. Personally, I learned to look at the bigger picture. People say “don’t sweat the small stuff”, but it’s easy to forget what the small stuff is. It took a trip of this nature to remind me that my everyday frustrations might be considered a good day for others. I am blessed to have the life I live. I am alive and well with a roof over my head and clothes on my back. I work at a University that not only encourages its students to get out and explore and contribute, but its staff members as well. I cannot think of a better way to spend a week’s worth of my vacation time. I would like to thank the other 25 trip members for this once in a lifetime opportunity, for welcoming me at the last minute, for the support and many laughs on the trip, and for making me feel more connected to FSU.
Brooklyn
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
The Week I will Never Forget
You will often hear college students saying they spent their spring break in Cancun or Florida, but for me, I spent my Spring Break in Missouri. Sure at first it doesn’t sound very exciting, but for me it was a life changing experience. I didn’t know what to expect from any of this. While in Boston waiting for our flight to depart it was snowing just overall depressing. I just wanted to get to Dallas. Once in Dallas it was raining, we even had to wait a good two hours because of maintenance problems. It was a long day of travelling but when we finally got to Joplin it was beautiful and sunny. I saw it as a sign of hope.
After a long day of traveling and we were finally in Joplin we went out to eat at Pizza Hut. On our way in a man sitting down enjoying his meal noticed our large group of 26 people and asked where we were from and we told him Massachusetts. After finishing our food we were told that he paid $100 of our meal. Then after that the manager came outside to personally thank us for what we were doing and he told us that he lost six of his friends and four of his employees. This was just the first night in Joplin and these two people showed me how much they truly appreciate people like us helping restore Joplin.
The next day, it was a Sunday, was supposed to be our first day on the worksite. It was raining that morning so instead we drove around Joplin to see the tornado damage. I heard about the tornado, I saw pictures, I even saw a video of the destruction, but it didn’t hit me until I saw it for myself. These neighborhoods were neighborhoods just like mine and their homes were taken away from them in just a matter of minutes. After all of this they kept hope and stayed strong, Joplin Strong. Even on Extreme Makeover Home Edition, a young child said, “Material things don’t matter, family is what matters” or something like that. Just knowing that made me appreciate everything I had so much more. It wasn’t until we reached the high school, that I almost broke down, and I don’t cry. When I saw the sign read “Hope High School” I knew that even though the schools were taken away from these kids they still had hope. Schools were opened not too long after the tornado and these kids were still able to get an education. After taking all of this in Molly came up to me asking me for an interview. I honestly didn’t know what to say it was so much to take in at once so I sounded like an idiot on camera. After that interview I knew I had to take those words and put them into actions. I wasn’t in Missouri on a vacation I was there to help restore Joplin, I was there to make a difference.
The house to my surprise was bigger than I thought it would be. The only problem was that we had to share two bathrooms between 26 people, 22 of them being girls. Growing up with one bathroom and two sisters I knew what I was in for, just times 11 (that’s the math in me). As soon as we got there people started claiming beds, but I didn’t mind where I slept so I ended up taking the floor. It was cool though, because of the bond that Jorge and I made we ended up switching off every night between the top bunk and the floor. Living in such a small house with 26 people we got really close really fast. I learned everyone’s name by the first night and by the end of the trip I got to know everyone. By the end of the trip it was safe to call ourselves a family. Because of this new family I truly grew as a person. I definitely came out of my shell and came out of my comfort zone. I am absolutely terrified of heights and what did I end up doing, I zip-lined and jumped a 100 foot free-fall. That same day even though I have stage freight I rode a toy horse in front of hundreds of people and earned myself a medal. By the end of the show a man said to me, “Hey son, I paid my money’s worth to watch you win that horse race!” It made my night.
We did a lot of work on Rhonda’s house; we cleaned up, weeded, chipped paint, painted washed the house, sanded, caulked, replaced some pieces of wood, and made a flower garden. I even got to use a nail gun! After four days, we were able to do so much even though we were powered by a strict diet of cereal for breakfast, and pb &j sandwiches for lunch. When it was our last day, I will never forget the look on Rhonda’s face after we finished. We all even got a hug from her, after we gave her a picture to remember us. She even just recently sent Angel a message saying, “I believe you are in my front yard now!!! I love each of you for your time, care and giving of your time to help us here in Joplin. God Bless each of you. Each of you are truly amazing." We had such a big impact on her and knowing that I made a difference in her life changed my life forever.
It was a life-changing experience. I made new friends, a sonic buddy, and overall a new family. Now I am that guy that always holds the door for people behind me. I can honestly say I didn’t know what to expect before going on the trip but now I can say that I wish I could relive every moment of it.
Tim!
After a long day of traveling and we were finally in Joplin we went out to eat at Pizza Hut. On our way in a man sitting down enjoying his meal noticed our large group of 26 people and asked where we were from and we told him Massachusetts. After finishing our food we were told that he paid $100 of our meal. Then after that the manager came outside to personally thank us for what we were doing and he told us that he lost six of his friends and four of his employees. This was just the first night in Joplin and these two people showed me how much they truly appreciate people like us helping restore Joplin.
The next day, it was a Sunday, was supposed to be our first day on the worksite. It was raining that morning so instead we drove around Joplin to see the tornado damage. I heard about the tornado, I saw pictures, I even saw a video of the destruction, but it didn’t hit me until I saw it for myself. These neighborhoods were neighborhoods just like mine and their homes were taken away from them in just a matter of minutes. After all of this they kept hope and stayed strong, Joplin Strong. Even on Extreme Makeover Home Edition, a young child said, “Material things don’t matter, family is what matters” or something like that. Just knowing that made me appreciate everything I had so much more. It wasn’t until we reached the high school, that I almost broke down, and I don’t cry. When I saw the sign read “Hope High School” I knew that even though the schools were taken away from these kids they still had hope. Schools were opened not too long after the tornado and these kids were still able to get an education. After taking all of this in Molly came up to me asking me for an interview. I honestly didn’t know what to say it was so much to take in at once so I sounded like an idiot on camera. After that interview I knew I had to take those words and put them into actions. I wasn’t in Missouri on a vacation I was there to help restore Joplin, I was there to make a difference.
The house to my surprise was bigger than I thought it would be. The only problem was that we had to share two bathrooms between 26 people, 22 of them being girls. Growing up with one bathroom and two sisters I knew what I was in for, just times 11 (that’s the math in me). As soon as we got there people started claiming beds, but I didn’t mind where I slept so I ended up taking the floor. It was cool though, because of the bond that Jorge and I made we ended up switching off every night between the top bunk and the floor. Living in such a small house with 26 people we got really close really fast. I learned everyone’s name by the first night and by the end of the trip I got to know everyone. By the end of the trip it was safe to call ourselves a family. Because of this new family I truly grew as a person. I definitely came out of my shell and came out of my comfort zone. I am absolutely terrified of heights and what did I end up doing, I zip-lined and jumped a 100 foot free-fall. That same day even though I have stage freight I rode a toy horse in front of hundreds of people and earned myself a medal. By the end of the show a man said to me, “Hey son, I paid my money’s worth to watch you win that horse race!” It made my night.
We did a lot of work on Rhonda’s house; we cleaned up, weeded, chipped paint, painted washed the house, sanded, caulked, replaced some pieces of wood, and made a flower garden. I even got to use a nail gun! After four days, we were able to do so much even though we were powered by a strict diet of cereal for breakfast, and pb &j sandwiches for lunch. When it was our last day, I will never forget the look on Rhonda’s face after we finished. We all even got a hug from her, after we gave her a picture to remember us. She even just recently sent Angel a message saying, “I believe you are in my front yard now!!! I love each of you for your time, care and giving of your time to help us here in Joplin. God Bless each of you. Each of you are truly amazing." We had such a big impact on her and knowing that I made a difference in her life changed my life forever.
It was a life-changing experience. I made new friends, a sonic buddy, and overall a new family. Now I am that guy that always holds the door for people behind me. I can honestly say I didn’t know what to expect before going on the trip but now I can say that I wish I could relive every moment of it.
Tim!
Lets build a time machine and relive ASB 2012.... PLEASE!!! :)
Sitting in the airport, itching for departure, all I could think about was the people we'd be meeting, the smiles we'd share, and the life long memories we'd create. The hope this community holds is inspiring and I couldn’t wait to roll up my sleeves and get to work! Along the trip I kept a journal of a couple key things that stuck out to me at the end of each day. Here’s a few of my favorites:
Day two: Today was our first day up and about in Joplin. We visited the tornado path. Seeing all the destruction was devastating. There were so many emotions going through me at one time, that I didn't really know how to react. After literally being torn out of their homes and having their community ripped to pieces, Joplin remained strong. Even after a year, there is still a lot of work that needs to be done, so its just amazing to me to see all these people always so incredibly joyful and nice. It's apparent that material things don't mean a thing to these people; it's all about having each other. Hope is something that is never lacking in this community; it's the glue that holds them together. Hope high is the perfect example of how new beginnings aren't too far off. With that realization, a spark lit up inside of me, I was inspired, touched, and motivated. Nothing was stopping me from giving this my ALL.
Last day: :( Today was our last work day, its bitter sweet. I mean it’d be nice to have a shower or maybe some more room, but at the end of the day all I want to do is stay here with my 25 new brothers and sisters. I had the most amazing time, well amazing isn't even the right word because it was greater than that. I just wanna give a shout out to all the trip leaders for being spectacular. I also want to thank the fabulous chaperones for being on their game! What an experience this was. :) I really can't begin to fathom that this trip is already coming to an end. Coming into this we were all strangers, but now were a family.
Experiencing such a trip has really put things into perspective for me; I appreciate more than I ever did before. It's chilling to think about how much faith and hope lies in this community. It gives me goose bumps. Being here and actually getting some eye action with all the damage that was done motivates you even more to work so much harder. I just want to help restore this community and give them even more of a reason to smile. After all a life without hope is a life thats hard to live and that’s why I think Joplin has so much of it. They continue to prove to me that no matter how bad things get they always get better, especially when you smile along the way.
I have learned so much on this trip, and if I could go back this very moment, I SOOOOO would! Always take every day with a smile and live in the moment, because you never know what tomorrow holds. Be passionate in everything you do, and always let your heart shine. I'm inspired to be a better person because all of you.
Love always,
Lizzie :) <3
Day two: Today was our first day up and about in Joplin. We visited the tornado path. Seeing all the destruction was devastating. There were so many emotions going through me at one time, that I didn't really know how to react. After literally being torn out of their homes and having their community ripped to pieces, Joplin remained strong. Even after a year, there is still a lot of work that needs to be done, so its just amazing to me to see all these people always so incredibly joyful and nice. It's apparent that material things don't mean a thing to these people; it's all about having each other. Hope is something that is never lacking in this community; it's the glue that holds them together. Hope high is the perfect example of how new beginnings aren't too far off. With that realization, a spark lit up inside of me, I was inspired, touched, and motivated. Nothing was stopping me from giving this my ALL.
Last day: :( Today was our last work day, its bitter sweet. I mean it’d be nice to have a shower or maybe some more room, but at the end of the day all I want to do is stay here with my 25 new brothers and sisters. I had the most amazing time, well amazing isn't even the right word because it was greater than that. I just wanna give a shout out to all the trip leaders for being spectacular. I also want to thank the fabulous chaperones for being on their game! What an experience this was. :) I really can't begin to fathom that this trip is already coming to an end. Coming into this we were all strangers, but now were a family.
Experiencing such a trip has really put things into perspective for me; I appreciate more than I ever did before. It's chilling to think about how much faith and hope lies in this community. It gives me goose bumps. Being here and actually getting some eye action with all the damage that was done motivates you even more to work so much harder. I just want to help restore this community and give them even more of a reason to smile. After all a life without hope is a life thats hard to live and that’s why I think Joplin has so much of it. They continue to prove to me that no matter how bad things get they always get better, especially when you smile along the way.
I have learned so much on this trip, and if I could go back this very moment, I SOOOOO would! Always take every day with a smile and live in the moment, because you never know what tomorrow holds. Be passionate in everything you do, and always let your heart shine. I'm inspired to be a better person because all of you.
Love always,
Lizzie :) <3
Monday, March 26, 2012
"We can burn brighter than the sun"
I can't believe it's been a full week since we came back from Joplin. It feels like it was yesterday. Alternative Spring Break was one of the best experiences of my life, and I'll take the many lessons I learned during our week in Joplin, Missouri with me wherever I go. And not just metaphorically! I got my tatto, a spiral sun, in Joplin so that each time I look at it, for the rest of my life, I will remember the beauty and kindness of the people in Joplin. Although it was premeditated, my tattoo, in part, is for the people of Joplin who, although victims themselves, were the first to show kindness to us, a group of students from halfway across the country. It's for the man at Pizza Hut who put $100 towards our meal, even though he didn't look like he had an extra $100 dollars to give. It's for the manager of Pizza Hut, who ran into the parking lot after us to thank us, even though he didn't need to go out of his way. It's for Rhonda, who could still smile throughout it all. And, finally, it's for the amazing people from Framingham State who I met on this trip, and whose big hearts and desire to help their fellow man have, in turn, helped me to realize that life is short, but meaningful and beautiful nonetheless. Thank you, fellow ASBers. Wherever life takes you, I hope you'll let your inner sunlight shine through. :)
I can't wait to do it again! And for my mom's sake, I hope I won't feel the need to get a tattoo on each trip! ;)
I can't wait to do it again! And for my mom's sake, I hope I won't feel the need to get a tattoo on each trip! ;)
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Is this real life?
So we have been home for about a week now. It was one of the hardest transitions getting back on the daily grind. I was so excited to go back to school and see all of my friends and most importantly, my fellow asb family. We would see one another and jump all over each other with hugs. My friends from here began to think I was crazy because we were all obsessed with each other. I had to explain to them numerous times "When you go from living together for a week to not at all, you miss your family!" Even when I got home from the airport and was just home for one night, I went stir crazy over how much I missed being in our tight quarters and just being a family. Although I will admit, having my own bathroom again was a godsent. LOL
All I can say is Miss Molly Goguen was completely right... It was so hard to focus last week! I kept thinking "last week at this time we were ziplining" or just remembering other things we were doing. I just could not focus at all... and when you have to complete an 18 page paper due the Thursday we got back, yeah it was almost impossible. But I managed and I finally put up all of the pictures on facebook on Thursday night! I would not let myself do it before I passed in that paper; that had to come first!
Words cannot describe this experience. I now walk into Wal*Marts and want to cry because of the good times we had, I look through pictures and laugh at all the good times and I hear Adele and We are Young and I blast it and sing it at the top of my lungs. Whenever family or friends ask me how the trip was I immediately say "It was the best week of my life." And that's because it was. We all went on this barely knowing each other and we came back a family. This was by far one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had. We laughed together, we cried together, we ate together, we rode together and most importantly, we worked together as a team.
Just the feeling of knowing you are making a difference, no matter how big or small, is amazing. Rhonda was such a grateful, kind hearted woman with a big smile. Getting to know the woman and her family whom we were helping just made the work so much more worthwhile. I am now back in Massachusetts and try and think of the smallest acts of kindness to take on whether it is picking up a piece of trash or holding the door open or simply just saying hi to a stranger. Any act, no matter how big or small can make a difference This was one experience I will remember forever and ever and ever and ever. I still get sad thinking about how it has already come and gone, but in Dr. Seuss's words
"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened"
... I should probably go get some homework done... Love you all!
~Erin the Elephant :)
All I can say is Miss Molly Goguen was completely right... It was so hard to focus last week! I kept thinking "last week at this time we were ziplining" or just remembering other things we were doing. I just could not focus at all... and when you have to complete an 18 page paper due the Thursday we got back, yeah it was almost impossible. But I managed and I finally put up all of the pictures on facebook on Thursday night! I would not let myself do it before I passed in that paper; that had to come first!
Words cannot describe this experience. I now walk into Wal*Marts and want to cry because of the good times we had, I look through pictures and laugh at all the good times and I hear Adele and We are Young and I blast it and sing it at the top of my lungs. Whenever family or friends ask me how the trip was I immediately say "It was the best week of my life." And that's because it was. We all went on this barely knowing each other and we came back a family. This was by far one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had. We laughed together, we cried together, we ate together, we rode together and most importantly, we worked together as a team.
Just the feeling of knowing you are making a difference, no matter how big or small, is amazing. Rhonda was such a grateful, kind hearted woman with a big smile. Getting to know the woman and her family whom we were helping just made the work so much more worthwhile. I am now back in Massachusetts and try and think of the smallest acts of kindness to take on whether it is picking up a piece of trash or holding the door open or simply just saying hi to a stranger. Any act, no matter how big or small can make a difference This was one experience I will remember forever and ever and ever and ever. I still get sad thinking about how it has already come and gone, but in Dr. Seuss's words
"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened"
... I should probably go get some homework done... Love you all!
~Erin the Elephant :)
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Back to the Daily Grind
Okay, so time to blog. I have never been good at putting my feelings down in writing (sorry for my horrible motivational mailboxes BTW) which is why I had avoided doing it for so long. That and I had a pile of work waiting for me on my return to school.
ASB was pretty much the best thing I have ever done. That is a heavy statement but it is totally true. I almost backed out before we went on the trip because I have never been the most social person and barely knew anyone who was going on the trip. That really freaked me out. But I knew that I would just sit around all spring break playing Skyrim if I didn't go so I stayed in. I am so glad I did. Everyone on ASB was friendly, and sharing a bathroom with 26 other people really makes you connect with them. So did all the group bonding that we did on the trip. Normally group bonding is the worst experience of any program that I have been a part of before but somehow for this trip it was actually enjoyable, so congratulations to whoever came up with those.
My favorite part of ASB was spending time with wonderful people and working to get something done. We made that house look gorgeous. I also really enjoyed the car rides. For me that seemed like the time that we got the most bonding in. Rocking out to the same songs over and over and over will do that to you I suppose. I also really enjoyed the ice cream truck coming by. It was a very little part of the whole trip but it just reinforces how perfect everything was. For being so nervous at the beginning and dreading being totally socially awkward for a whole week, it was a fantastic break. Everyone we met was so nice, the people at the liquor store letting us use their bathroom, Howie and Scott, even the people at Pizza Hut. Truly the experience of a lifetime.
Now, being back at school is not as relaxing as I thought it would be. I find it so hard to focus on my school work when all I want to go is work on a house. I have never been one to enjoy school anyhow which makes this even worse. My anthropology paper on cannibalism will not make anyone's day better. Hopefully this weekend will re-energize me and get me back on track, school work wise, and I will just have to look forward to all the volunteer opportunities that come my way.
Laura Hardy
ASB was pretty much the best thing I have ever done. That is a heavy statement but it is totally true. I almost backed out before we went on the trip because I have never been the most social person and barely knew anyone who was going on the trip. That really freaked me out. But I knew that I would just sit around all spring break playing Skyrim if I didn't go so I stayed in. I am so glad I did. Everyone on ASB was friendly, and sharing a bathroom with 26 other people really makes you connect with them. So did all the group bonding that we did on the trip. Normally group bonding is the worst experience of any program that I have been a part of before but somehow for this trip it was actually enjoyable, so congratulations to whoever came up with those.
My favorite part of ASB was spending time with wonderful people and working to get something done. We made that house look gorgeous. I also really enjoyed the car rides. For me that seemed like the time that we got the most bonding in. Rocking out to the same songs over and over and over will do that to you I suppose. I also really enjoyed the ice cream truck coming by. It was a very little part of the whole trip but it just reinforces how perfect everything was. For being so nervous at the beginning and dreading being totally socially awkward for a whole week, it was a fantastic break. Everyone we met was so nice, the people at the liquor store letting us use their bathroom, Howie and Scott, even the people at Pizza Hut. Truly the experience of a lifetime.
Now, being back at school is not as relaxing as I thought it would be. I find it so hard to focus on my school work when all I want to go is work on a house. I have never been one to enjoy school anyhow which makes this even worse. My anthropology paper on cannibalism will not make anyone's day better. Hopefully this weekend will re-energize me and get me back on track, school work wise, and I will just have to look forward to all the volunteer opportunities that come my way.
Laura Hardy
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
The Kind Souls of Joplin and ASB
There are a great number of things that stuck out about this trip to me, however when I try to pinpoint the moments that left the greatest impressions, most have to do with individuals we met along the way or members of our own group. Everywhere we went and everything we did it seemed as if at least one more person was backing our mission, supporting and rooting for us. These kind people only further supported the ideals of ASB by lending a helping hand. It is impossible to deny the generosity the group has seen and shared throughout this year’s journey.
Some of the kind souls we met along the way were - Dave and Dale Sampson who allowed a group of excited eager kids to stay at their house the night before and drove them to the airport in the morning, the stranger from Pizza Hut who put $100 to our bill after learning what we were doing, the manager who began to get choked up when telling us how grateful he was to have people still helping, , the wonderful workers at Feerick’s Westside Liquor store (especially you Animal J) who allowed us to invade their bathroom for an entire week, Emma and the crew from Branson Zipline who made sure Joplin was able to go ziplining and donated bracelets to our group, the fantastic workers at Starbuck who supplied us with caffeine for the work day, Mrs. Knox who greeted the group at Logan with flowers for all, our dear friends Scott and Howard who guided us along our way, and of course Rhonda herself for allowing us to be a part of the efforts to Restore Joplin. There are many more people we were fortunate enough to meet over the journey. Thank you all for the support and help you offered us, you helped us worker harder, longer and stronger.
The group of 26 individuals who embarked on this journey has left the largest mark on my heart. I am so proud and impressed by the group of young, hardworking, good willed and determined individuals I was able to work and travel with. It was an honor to work alongside you as you devoted your efforts and energy into improving the life of strangers. You all inspire me to be better, work harder, joke more, believe in humanity and to love the lives we are given. I care deeply about all of you and each and every one of you holds a very special place in my heart from here on out. The things we built – relationships, a stronger home, a brighter future, a new sense of hope, and our own family – cannot and will not ever be destroyed. Let us continue to love one another, remain flexible, humorous, hardworking, and generous. May you continue to make this world a more connected, more hopeful, kinder and overall better place. Remember, you do not need to be on a work site to perform acts that make this world a little bit nicer, more loving and accepting place. Thank you all for sending me off on my last ASB with a full heart, exceeded expectations, stronger belief in humanity and a stronger understanding of what it means to give and receive love, support and faith. I love you all.
We are not longer a group of strangers, we are a family dedicated to one common goal and we supported and guided each other through the emotional, eye-opening, exhausting, and empowering experience that is Alternative Spring Break. Once again, ASB has changed lives, including my own. Thank you all for this beautiful, inspiring journey. I could never thank you enough.
<3 Kendra Dale
Sunday, March 18, 2012
My ASB experience
Rather than blog throughout the trip I kept a journal going in a word document. When we arrived back at FSU I took a look through at all the wonderful memories I had documented. It seemed like so long ago when Alex and I were sitting in Mad Willies for 2 hours after being kicked out of the dorms. It made me realize how much we accomplished in such a short amount of time. I decided the best thing to do would be to write about my favorites.
The first full day we spent in Joplin was one of the most emotional experiences of the trip. It was unreal to see how much damage occurred in such a short amount of time. The only way I can put it into words is to compare it to a bomb. There were areas of the town that were completely leveled, no trees, no homes, nothing. I cannot imagine what it is like to be a resident of Joplin and drive through town seeing that everyday. It must bring back so many memories that people must want to forget. The last leg of our mini tour was to see the high school. Being there hit me harder than anything else. It made me think of my high school and what it would be like to go home and see it as a pile of rubble. A high school is typically the heart of a town and to see the high school in Joplin destroyed was heartbreaking.
Meeting Rhonda and spending time working on her house was inspiring. To see the debris that had blown into her yard from the hospital down the street put into perspective the power of the storm. It felt so rewarding to help someone who needed it and to see how grateful she was that we were there. I loved watching the house change day by day. I helped to build a garden in the front of her house so she would have something beautiful to look out her window at. Seeing how happy she was that we were there touched me. It made me realize even more that the smallest person can make the biggest impact in the life of another.
Our day off in Branson was a blast. I had never been ziplining before but it was the coolest thing ever! We all had a blast and even Joplin got to go (twice). After ziplining we spent time in the Branson landing. We got to walk around the shops and take in the sights. For dinner we went to the Dixie Stampede. We had to eat with our hands which bothered me, but I put on a smile and did my best to eat. The show was pretty entertaining and so different from anything we have up north. The best part was watching our fellow ASBers race around the arena representing the south. It was an experience I will not forget.
While there are many more incredible experiences I could write about, there is one thing that sticks out in my mind even more; the people of Joplin and all that they taught me. Being surrounded by devastation made me think about my own life. It really made me realize that materials and possessions do not matter as much as we normally think they do. Some people in Joplin lost everything. However, they are grateful and resilient and just happy to be alive with their family. This made me realize that it wouldn't matter how big my house was, where my house was, or how much money my family had. All that matters is that you surround yourself with the people who love you. As long as you have them by your side everything will be alright. Joplin proves that by sticking beside one another, you can overcome any obstacle life puts in your path. I am so thankful that my life was touched by the residents of that community. I truly believe that they impacted me, more than any impact I or ASB as a group could have had on them.
The first full day we spent in Joplin was one of the most emotional experiences of the trip. It was unreal to see how much damage occurred in such a short amount of time. The only way I can put it into words is to compare it to a bomb. There were areas of the town that were completely leveled, no trees, no homes, nothing. I cannot imagine what it is like to be a resident of Joplin and drive through town seeing that everyday. It must bring back so many memories that people must want to forget. The last leg of our mini tour was to see the high school. Being there hit me harder than anything else. It made me think of my high school and what it would be like to go home and see it as a pile of rubble. A high school is typically the heart of a town and to see the high school in Joplin destroyed was heartbreaking.
Meeting Rhonda and spending time working on her house was inspiring. To see the debris that had blown into her yard from the hospital down the street put into perspective the power of the storm. It felt so rewarding to help someone who needed it and to see how grateful she was that we were there. I loved watching the house change day by day. I helped to build a garden in the front of her house so she would have something beautiful to look out her window at. Seeing how happy she was that we were there touched me. It made me realize even more that the smallest person can make the biggest impact in the life of another.
Our day off in Branson was a blast. I had never been ziplining before but it was the coolest thing ever! We all had a blast and even Joplin got to go (twice). After ziplining we spent time in the Branson landing. We got to walk around the shops and take in the sights. For dinner we went to the Dixie Stampede. We had to eat with our hands which bothered me, but I put on a smile and did my best to eat. The show was pretty entertaining and so different from anything we have up north. The best part was watching our fellow ASBers race around the arena representing the south. It was an experience I will not forget.
While there are many more incredible experiences I could write about, there is one thing that sticks out in my mind even more; the people of Joplin and all that they taught me. Being surrounded by devastation made me think about my own life. It really made me realize that materials and possessions do not matter as much as we normally think they do. Some people in Joplin lost everything. However, they are grateful and resilient and just happy to be alive with their family. This made me realize that it wouldn't matter how big my house was, where my house was, or how much money my family had. All that matters is that you surround yourself with the people who love you. As long as you have them by your side everything will be alright. Joplin proves that by sticking beside one another, you can overcome any obstacle life puts in your path. I am so thankful that my life was touched by the residents of that community. I truly believe that they impacted me, more than any impact I or ASB as a group could have had on them.
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