"You are amazing. That's why you're in this world bran, to help teach people and open their minds. :)"
Saturday, November 16, 2013
LOVE YOU MICHEAL
Now that I'm back...
It feels...weird to be home. They warned us about coming home and it being hard and feeling alone and feeling awkward...all of which are true and happen BUT overall I'm happy to be home. I am incredibly proud of who I am and what I've done but what kind of person would I be if I abandoned my home town?! I've done service for everyone else, now time to come home and figure things out here too.
This year has meant a lot to me. This past year I took to be both selfish and selfless. I took it to travel and I took it to learn. Learning not only about others but also about myself. In the end what I took out of it was a little muscle, a few talents, and a whole new appreciation for humanity and what communities can do when they come together.
In Indiana, I saw a camp that only had a few permanent staff but provided amazing educational services to inner city kids who would have never gotten a chance to experience the environment in that capacity without this camp.
In North Dakota, I witnessed the strength of human resilience! Families who had their entire lives literally washed away were coming together, instead of fighting or being angry they were grateful and willing to donate their time and skills to help others! The purity of these people was inspiring. What I didn't realize was that by helping them I was in fact helping myself. I was learning and growing as a person with each person I came to know. I cherish this location the most, and hope to return.
In Minnesota, I met monks! Real life monks! I went into a forest that was rated as excellent and helped maintain that quality. I built a 9 ft deer fence around 19 acres! Probably the most challenging project we had. I walked away knowing how to swing a hammer properly though! Monks taught me to hammer, that's my favorite thing about the year! Thanks Bro Walt.
In Iowa, I lived a lot..the first month..between projects...the last few weeks! But I also served here. I worked with Parks and Recreation! I was in Vinton, the smallest, Mayberry town there is....but their parks and rec were outstanding! They built the community. They did so much to get people involved, I envy their dedication and ability to call others to serve - I wish our parks and rec were like that. Here I learned to chain saw though! 4 hours of training and a cut boot later I am now a chain saw professional!
In Michigan, I was lucky enough to experience both parts! I was in lower Michigan at a YMCA camp being a counselor for a few weeks! Being a camp counselor really helped foster my leadership skills! I left feeling more confident in my ability to communicate effectively and lead a group. In upper Michigan I worked with Habitat for Humanity...there I improved my hammering abilities! Also I found out I could adapt to the cold! Snowy day?! STILL WORKING!
These places and people I've met, I'll never forget you! I am inspired by everyone I've met. I feel like I owe you all something to thank you for helping me along the way, but as my payment to you I'll take what you taught me and apply it to every day life and I'll continue to serve "this year and beyond" and I'll teach others what you've taught me..maybe we'll start a ripple effect! A few people I really enjoyed and miss incredibly are: Mary Barker, Carol, Daniel Becton, Paul Logan, Brother Walter, Brian, Tremonde, and Joe! I learned so much from you all, it's truly impossible to thank you all enough.
Favorite places I've been?
This year has meant a lot to me. This past year I took to be both selfish and selfless. I took it to travel and I took it to learn. Learning not only about others but also about myself. In the end what I took out of it was a little muscle, a few talents, and a whole new appreciation for humanity and what communities can do when they come together.
In Indiana, I saw a camp that only had a few permanent staff but provided amazing educational services to inner city kids who would have never gotten a chance to experience the environment in that capacity without this camp.
In North Dakota, I witnessed the strength of human resilience! Families who had their entire lives literally washed away were coming together, instead of fighting or being angry they were grateful and willing to donate their time and skills to help others! The purity of these people was inspiring. What I didn't realize was that by helping them I was in fact helping myself. I was learning and growing as a person with each person I came to know. I cherish this location the most, and hope to return.
In Minnesota, I met monks! Real life monks! I went into a forest that was rated as excellent and helped maintain that quality. I built a 9 ft deer fence around 19 acres! Probably the most challenging project we had. I walked away knowing how to swing a hammer properly though! Monks taught me to hammer, that's my favorite thing about the year! Thanks Bro Walt.
In Iowa, I lived a lot..the first month..between projects...the last few weeks! But I also served here. I worked with Parks and Recreation! I was in Vinton, the smallest, Mayberry town there is....but their parks and rec were outstanding! They built the community. They did so much to get people involved, I envy their dedication and ability to call others to serve - I wish our parks and rec were like that. Here I learned to chain saw though! 4 hours of training and a cut boot later I am now a chain saw professional!
In Michigan, I was lucky enough to experience both parts! I was in lower Michigan at a YMCA camp being a counselor for a few weeks! Being a camp counselor really helped foster my leadership skills! I left feeling more confident in my ability to communicate effectively and lead a group. In upper Michigan I worked with Habitat for Humanity...there I improved my hammering abilities! Also I found out I could adapt to the cold! Snowy day?! STILL WORKING!
These places and people I've met, I'll never forget you! I am inspired by everyone I've met. I feel like I owe you all something to thank you for helping me along the way, but as my payment to you I'll take what you taught me and apply it to every day life and I'll continue to serve "this year and beyond" and I'll teach others what you've taught me..maybe we'll start a ripple effect! A few people I really enjoyed and miss incredibly are: Mary Barker, Carol, Daniel Becton, Paul Logan, Brother Walter, Brian, Tremonde, and Joe! I learned so much from you all, it's truly impossible to thank you all enough.
Favorite places I've been?
- Chicago
- Minot
- Louisville
- Minneapolis
Favorite task?
- Chainsaw
- delivering drywall
- hydroseeding
Coming back has really shown me what I gained in AmeriCorps...
- independence
- a sense of responsibility to do the right thing although not always popular
- social awareness
- diversity
- appreciation for cultural differences
- appreciation for everything in general
- leadership
- communication skills
- money management
- an idea for my future
- experience I would have never gotten other wise
- 3 college credits in diversity
- skills in conflict resolution
- 8 friendships that will never fade - Love you Oak 3
- and confidence in myself.
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