A final fitting
quote: "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service
of others." -Ghandi
The only person I
texted while away was Carm. Internet and cell service was difficult to use
consistently on my phone throughout the entire trip. She informed me that
people were actually reading this blog (thank you, Dr. Leight for teaching me
how to do this)! It's somewhat
embarrassing though, because I couldn't edit or truly write efficiently without
the use of a computer. I couldn't see the whole screen on my phone and was
kicked off frequently. So, I apologize for some choppy reads. I also could not
access the far right side of the screen where blog comments were accepted. It
should be ready SOON. Again, I
appreciate your interest and support throughout this endeavor. I am blessed to
have each and every one of you in my life. I would be remiss to not have a
dedication page for that support...
A BIG THANK YOU...
To Debbie Bell: (my friend and roomie in Haiti): For being an inspiration years ago when you spoke of going to Haiti as well as other service oriented trips. For being so very easy to room with. For allowing me to bust on you for being a "witch doctor"... ( Explanation to others: I couldn't sleep and was nauseous a lot. Deb would Zorro my pillow each night with serenity and lavender essential oils. The smell was so soothing. She handed out peppermint or clove beadlets to soothe my sick stomach. She played ocean sounds from her phone. She did all these things even though I flung the cockroach from my head, across the room, to where she slept somewhat soundly that night).
To the Fuller Center Team: For making what could have been an uncomfortable, unaccepting, lackluster week with strangers into an extremely comfortable, accepting and full of luster week. I'll cherish the memories we made in a place we will never forget.
To my neighbors: From Rodney and Gloria Royer pulling over in the street to hand me a monetary donation to Warren and Dawn Royer who saved the day with a flashlight (plus a donation and a knife) we needed every night for the shower. To Maribeth and Brian Meals for undoubtedly checking in on Carm.
To my friends at SRAE and other SR community friends: For Kristin (Thank you Mrs. Malenky) announcing a dress down and you all agreed and contributed in different ways (money, texts, emails, little books). I wish you could've seen the school where the items were donated and then you would know that the dress down was well worth it. The notes of encouragement and quotes were kept in my heart. For Helen, Sara, and Jen and the additional donation. The balls will be used until they are no longer. For Dr. Angelucci approving my sabbatical and the letter of support.
To all the gals and Kevin and Jonathan: I'm not surprised by your support...it's been there for 25 years. Consistent and strong. A specific shout out to Noreen for the cleats and soccer balls. I "played" soccer nearly every day in Haiti. A simple soccer ball meant so much to these kids... it was something to do.
To my BFF's: Ladies... we know what we are to each other, but I always want you to know just how much I treasure our friendships starting way back in elementary school. Nancy, the water bottle with the built in purification system kept me from going through what one of our team members went through for an entire two days (sorry, Connor)!
To my family: We always have each other's back... no matter the cause or the cost, we find a way. "PFF"...Partridge Family Forever
To Carm: For the support and never ending love. You searched for the best bug treated clothes, for the heartiest of shoes, for the thick wad of dollar bills, for keeping me informed about my mom and dad, for the life-saving post-its hidden in my clothing....there are no words, only actions. You get me?
And to God: (I am not a religious fanatic. I was raised Catholic and believe in God). I know there is something bigger at work in this world than what is seen and what is tangible. It might be different things to different people. It makes no difference. What I do know for sure is that what matters is to show human kindness, compassion, hope, gratitude, love, and empathy to each other. If you can show these, to me, you are a person of faith.
I thank you for your faith in me.
So much love.
Blogging off for now...
 |
| Our awesome leaders, Connor and Mike |
To the Fuller Center Team: For making what could have been an uncomfortable, unaccepting, lackluster week with strangers into an extremely comfortable, accepting and full of luster week. I'll cherish the memories we made in a place we will never forget.
To my neighbors: From Rodney and Gloria Royer pulling over in the street to hand me a monetary donation to Warren and Dawn Royer who saved the day with a flashlight (plus a donation and a knife) we needed every night for the shower. To Maribeth and Brian Meals for undoubtedly checking in on Carm.
To my friends at SRAE and other SR community friends: For Kristin (Thank you Mrs. Malenky) announcing a dress down and you all agreed and contributed in different ways (money, texts, emails, little books). I wish you could've seen the school where the items were donated and then you would know that the dress down was well worth it. The notes of encouragement and quotes were kept in my heart. For Helen, Sara, and Jen and the additional donation. The balls will be used until they are no longer. For Dr. Angelucci approving my sabbatical and the letter of support.
To all the gals and Kevin and Jonathan: I'm not surprised by your support...it's been there for 25 years. Consistent and strong. A specific shout out to Noreen for the cleats and soccer balls. I "played" soccer nearly every day in Haiti. A simple soccer ball meant so much to these kids... it was something to do.
To my BFF's: Ladies... we know what we are to each other, but I always want you to know just how much I treasure our friendships starting way back in elementary school. Nancy, the water bottle with the built in purification system kept me from going through what one of our team members went through for an entire two days (sorry, Connor)!
To my family: We always have each other's back... no matter the cause or the cost, we find a way. "PFF"...Partridge Family Forever
To Carm: For the support and never ending love. You searched for the best bug treated clothes, for the heartiest of shoes, for the thick wad of dollar bills, for keeping me informed about my mom and dad, for the life-saving post-its hidden in my clothing....there are no words, only actions. You get me?
And to God: (I am not a religious fanatic. I was raised Catholic and believe in God). I know there is something bigger at work in this world than what is seen and what is tangible. It might be different things to different people. It makes no difference. What I do know for sure is that what matters is to show human kindness, compassion, hope, gratitude, love, and empathy to each other. If you can show these, to me, you are a person of faith.
I thank you for your faith in me.
So much love.
Blogging off for now...
 |
| Our final group shot |
 |
| Week old gloves...5 days of work |
 | ||||||||||
| Thank you... ___________________________________
Reflections from Deb:
Twice during this trip we were asked to describe our feelings in one word.
Words such as:
Overwhelmed
Blessed
Motivated
Happy
Grateful
Invigorated
Relieved
Joyful
Strengthened
Changed
Although it was hard to describe this experience in one word, once the word was expressed by a team member, we knew what that person was feeling.
Our team was a well oiled machine, all with our own talents and strengths, but each accomplishment, large or small, was just as important as the next.
The sand needed to be sifted to make the sturdy concrete that made a strong foundation for a home for a Haitian family.
Each block needed to be loaded, unloaded, moved several times, before being carefully mortared to another to form walls that would protect the family. Each joint needed to be pointed and "ironed" to make it smooth.
Each piece of rebar had to be tied together to form the towers that would join the walls together and strengthen this humble home.
Each shovel full of dirt and rocks needed to be removed to create an even surface to lay the concrete flooring.
Each pile of rocks had to be moved once (or more) to be used for foundations or for upcoming builds.
Each soccer ball had to kicked around the street.
Each child needed a hand to hold, a song to sing, a coloring book page to color, or a game to play.
Each beautiful child needed to feel loved as an important, beautiful child of God.
We had a LOT of laughs -- and a few tears of compassion - and each of us changed in our own way.
Now, as I sit in a burger joint in a nice hotel in Atlanta, (having a large glass of iced tea -- with ice!) back in my comfort zone, I can't help but think how blessed my life is. I hope I never forget the images - and the Haitian people who have truly blessed all of us.
|
No comments:
Post a Comment