Where to begin. It was a cold New England day when I boarded the plane in Providence to embark on this trip to Alabama. I had no idea what was in store for the week ahead. Let's just say I wasn't disappointed. I think it is safe to say that our class trip to Birmingham was one of the best trips I've ever been on. Ever. In my life. I never expected to have so much fun. I was a little anxious before we left, as I'm sure most of us were, since our class was not closely-knit. We saw little of each other outside of the classroom, and most of us didn't even speak during class time. I don't even know that class anymore. After spending a week together in a musty old church basement, we all got to know each other pretty well. Now, I really look forward to going to class. Not that I didn't before the trip, it's just different now. I know everyone's name now. A Bomb, Mad Meg, Seg, Dude, Princess, X-Tina, Lindsaaay, Sweet Thang, Maak. The list goes on. These are my peeps now. I love how just 2 weeks ago I knew absolutely nothing about these people and now I'm calling them by wicked outrageous nicknames. The transformation astounds me. I could ramble on foreva, but I'm going to focus on just a few of my favorite parts of the trip.
1. Accents
Let me start by just asking a simple question: Can anyone speak correctly after this trip? Probably not for a little while. I don't think I've butchered the English language more in my entire life than I did on this trip. There were so many accents flying around. New Yawk, Massachusetts, Da Souf, Nigeria, Rhode Island. It was crazy. I loved every second of it. I think a perfect testimony to how out of control everyone's speech was is that multiple people told me they had no idea what my voice actually sounded like. I had Jami going for a while. She thought I really was from Mass. The point is, it was hilarious and it made the trip that much more fun for me and I'm sure everyone else.
2. Jess and Tolu
Two things: 1. "Sweet Thang!" 2. Tolu shakin it like a Polaroid. Nuff said.
3. Catch Phrase
I've never played Catch Phrase before this trip. Now, it's all I want to do. Some of the best quotes from the trip came during our intense CP battles. My absolute favorite:
Lindsay: "Guys like it when girls do this..."
Adam: (screams) "EVERYTHING!"
You can't buy moments like that. Catch Phrase brought the group together and allowed us all to really bond. I've never had so much fun.
4. Camaraderie
I loved being at the work site everyday. We all worked together so well. I was impressed with everyone's work ethic and diligence. Everyone was so supportive and had a positive attitude everyday we stepped on the site. Bryant and Brian were wicked cool and thankfully very patient. No matter how many times I messed something up, and there were plenty of times, Bryant never lost his cool. They were so easy to get along with and made working with them a total blast. Unfortunately I did not get to be Brian's protege, but I had a good time nonetheless. Gail said it best when she said, "Doing good brings out the best in everybody." All I saw at the worksite was everybody's best. We should be proud of what we accomplished.
5. The Weather
Unbelievable. It made me not want to leave. My neck is still peeling.
6. Service
Who knew we could have so much fun roofing? I feel good about what we were able to do for Devarez and his family. I enjoyed being able to talk to him about his hopes and dreams and to laugh and cut up like kids. Habitat is providing more than a house to these people. They're providing a sense of security, a safe haven, a place of rest, a place to grow, and all the other things that a home is supposed to be. To be a part of that is really special. I don't intend to stop there.
7. Everyone
I got to know just about everyone on this trip and I have to say: I love you all. You made this one of the best experiences of my life and I thank you for that. I can honestly say that I was happy literally the whole time I was in Alabama. I enjoyed spending time with you all and I hope we get to see much more of each other in the future.
Ok I know that was a little more than a few things, but that's the best I could do. If I've taken anything away from this trip I would have to say it is inspiration. Inspiration to use my two hands to benefit this world the best way I can. There are millions of people in this world with needs. Most of them will never have those needs met because there aren't enough servants or leaders. I want to be a servant. Granted, it shouldn't take a one week trip to Alabama to open my eyes to the social injustices of the world, but maybe that was just what I needed. I'm young, healthy, and somewhat intelligent. I have the tools necessary to make a difference. There is plenty of time for fun. Now is the time for action. I want to get more involved and I think I'm going to start with Habitat for Humanity. From there, who knows. All I know is that I have a responsibility, and I plan on fulfilling it. I'm very glad I did not get into the Fall Colloquium. I would have missed out on one of the greatest experiences of my life. Wow. What a trip.
1. Accents
Let me start by just asking a simple question: Can anyone speak correctly after this trip? Probably not for a little while. I don't think I've butchered the English language more in my entire life than I did on this trip. There were so many accents flying around. New Yawk, Massachusetts, Da Souf, Nigeria, Rhode Island. It was crazy. I loved every second of it. I think a perfect testimony to how out of control everyone's speech was is that multiple people told me they had no idea what my voice actually sounded like. I had Jami going for a while. She thought I really was from Mass. The point is, it was hilarious and it made the trip that much more fun for me and I'm sure everyone else.
2. Jess and Tolu
Two things: 1. "Sweet Thang!" 2. Tolu shakin it like a Polaroid. Nuff said.
3. Catch Phrase
I've never played Catch Phrase before this trip. Now, it's all I want to do. Some of the best quotes from the trip came during our intense CP battles. My absolute favorite:
Lindsay: "Guys like it when girls do this..."
Adam: (screams) "EVERYTHING!"
You can't buy moments like that. Catch Phrase brought the group together and allowed us all to really bond. I've never had so much fun.
4. Camaraderie
I loved being at the work site everyday. We all worked together so well. I was impressed with everyone's work ethic and diligence. Everyone was so supportive and had a positive attitude everyday we stepped on the site. Bryant and Brian were wicked cool and thankfully very patient. No matter how many times I messed something up, and there were plenty of times, Bryant never lost his cool. They were so easy to get along with and made working with them a total blast. Unfortunately I did not get to be Brian's protege, but I had a good time nonetheless. Gail said it best when she said, "Doing good brings out the best in everybody." All I saw at the worksite was everybody's best. We should be proud of what we accomplished.
5. The Weather
Unbelievable. It made me not want to leave. My neck is still peeling.
6. Service
Who knew we could have so much fun roofing? I feel good about what we were able to do for Devarez and his family. I enjoyed being able to talk to him about his hopes and dreams and to laugh and cut up like kids. Habitat is providing more than a house to these people. They're providing a sense of security, a safe haven, a place of rest, a place to grow, and all the other things that a home is supposed to be. To be a part of that is really special. I don't intend to stop there.
7. Everyone
I got to know just about everyone on this trip and I have to say: I love you all. You made this one of the best experiences of my life and I thank you for that. I can honestly say that I was happy literally the whole time I was in Alabama. I enjoyed spending time with you all and I hope we get to see much more of each other in the future.
Ok I know that was a little more than a few things, but that's the best I could do. If I've taken anything away from this trip I would have to say it is inspiration. Inspiration to use my two hands to benefit this world the best way I can. There are millions of people in this world with needs. Most of them will never have those needs met because there aren't enough servants or leaders. I want to be a servant. Granted, it shouldn't take a one week trip to Alabama to open my eyes to the social injustices of the world, but maybe that was just what I needed. I'm young, healthy, and somewhat intelligent. I have the tools necessary to make a difference. There is plenty of time for fun. Now is the time for action. I want to get more involved and I think I'm going to start with Habitat for Humanity. From there, who knows. All I know is that I have a responsibility, and I plan on fulfilling it. I'm very glad I did not get into the Fall Colloquium. I would have missed out on one of the greatest experiences of my life. Wow. What a trip.
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