Alabama - Habitat for Humanity

Looking back on the last week, we didn't feel like one simple blog post would be enough. Instead, we've compiled reflection paragraphs now that we're back in Missouri. Here's what our Alabamily has to say about one phenomenal week in Marion County.

"It is hard to believe that the trip is over, but I suppose all good things must come to an end. It really hit me on Saturday night when I felt hungry for the first time in eight days, and then instead of delicious Southern cooking, I made myself some frozen ravioli. The food is one of many things that I will miss about Alabama. When applying for Alternative Winter Break, I honestly had no idea what I was getting myself into; all that I knew was that I had an opportunity to volunteer for a week and meet new people, and that sounded pretty good to me. However, I could have never predicted that I would grow so close to the rest of the group over a mere eight days, or that I would be moved to tears by the incredible outpouring of love and generosity from family; my family back home overwhelmed me with their donations in support of my trip, and my new family in Alabama showed me what it really means to give selflessly and put others before yourself. From the food and meal donations from people in the community, some of whom we did not even meet to thank, to the gift of mementos we each received that including different items from around the community, to being constantly thanked for the work we were doing, I could not help but feel incredibly humbled. I could have not asked for a better week. I will never forget the feeling of watching eleven new friends, each equally as amazing as the other, all join together to raise a wall – a wall that we built, a wall to someone's home. I could not be more thankful for being apart of such an amazing group. Now I just hope to one day I'll be able to go back!"
- Emily

"There are too many great things to say about our trip to Alabama. So many people to thank and experiences to reflect on… Thanks to our contractors, Greg and Mary, who were such a pleasure to work with every day. They're great at what they do and they were able to teach us a lot while also providing a fun atmosphere on the job site. Thanks to "mother" Teressa, the Habitat director who adopted us for the week, who filled our schedule with activities and really made us feel at home. She's an amazing person with a huge heart. Furthermore, our leaders Alicia and Lauren did an incredible job of setting up an unforgettable trip that allowed us to make an impact on others while also immersing ourselves in some southern culture. One day removed from the trip, I can look back and say that throughout the week I learned a lot about building a home, I learned about some Alabama culture and history, I ate great southern cooking (and gained some weight), and I made some amazing, caring, funny friends. I hope the family enjoys their new home and I look forward to hopefully heading back to Alabama sometime soon!"
- Marty

"My experience in Alabama far exceeded my expectations. There are no words that could even start to describe the outstanding hospitality shown to us. Each person we met had an impact on us that I'm sure will last for a long time. It felt amazing to perform such tasks that will benefit not only the Habitat family, but also the community. In the midst of the tragedy that occurred just days before in Connecticut, it was amazing to see that there was still good in the world. I wouldn't trade my experience in Alabama for anything and I am grateful I had the opportunity to go on the trip."
- Sean

"As I reflect on this past week all I can do is smile. I was pleasantly surprised from the minute we all arrived by the warm welcoming we received. From the smorgasbord of food we were given to the genuine people we met that I now call my friends, the whole experience was nothing short of amazing. It really showed me that taking a small risk can lead to wonderful opportunities and open new doors. I can't imagine not knowing my AWBamily. Mostly, the week was the perfect humbling experience to receive this holiday season. I am more than happy that I got the chance to go on this adventure with 10 incredible people. It is weird to think about the fact that I would have never met them, and how we all came together in a very short amount of time and became so close. They are all so unique and I wouldn't have wanted to spend the time volunteering for Habitat for Humanity with anyone else. I am filled with countless memories that will last a lifetime from this experience, and I will never forget the friendliness and generosity we all received from Winfield, Alabama. Or was it Hamilton? Guin? Gu-win…"
- Joanne

"This past week went deeper than building homes. As much as it impacted me to put up interior walls and fill safe rooms that would protect a family, the friendships from Alabama are something I hope to never lose. From 10-hour van drives to late night chitchats, our Alabamily was awesome. Though it was a lot of light-hearted fun, I really met people that I can laugh around and still accomplish amazing things. Not only were there friends in our AWB group, but in Alabama itself. Teressa opened her community and her family to us. It was an incredible trip, the work on the house was impactful, but the memories and friends I made this week are eternal."
- Rachel

"Faith. Family. Friends. Football. Food. Throughout our week spent in Alabama, our group quickly learned the importance of these five phrases. I originally signed up thinking that "Habitat" meant something along the lines of animals and nature, so I felt pretty ignorant when I realized it was Habitat for Humanity. In all honesty, though, I'm so glad that I was chosen to go on the first ever Alternative Winter Break. Alabama, in short, was amazing. I met so many wonderful people, learned so many useful skills, and ate more than I have in a week than I have in three Thanksgiving feasts. Our group was treated like VIP guests throughout our stay, and I truly felt like we made a difference in the lives that we touched. Between the people, the food, the places, the food, the landscape, and even the food, I could never pick just one thing that resonated with me the most. All I know is that I have a family down in Alabama, and an even closer family here at Mizzou that I'm so humbled to be a part of. For the final time, #CrazyCole is signing off. #Alabamily"
- Cole

"Teressa is my mom from Alabama who said that we give her comfort knowing that the generation coming up is made of people like us. The way Kerry, Teressa's husband, talks about her when she isn't listening has set a new standard for what love and partnership really means. Mary and Greg are my teachers as well as a new Aunt and Uncle who helped us fumble through learning construction while we proudly built walls for this new home. The entire town feels like extended family just waiting to meet a need we didn't even know we had.This was a week of giving: giving walls to a home, giving smiles to our contractors, and giving sweat and labor to a family devastated by a tornado. More than that, it was a week of hugs, delicious cooking, learning how to use power tools, and being graciously hosted by one impressive community. This week has humbled me and inspired me in one great sweep. I am only human, but if I can learn to give like that community, there will be no limits."
- Alicia

"From a site leader's perspective, the greatest privilege of our trip was watching our group come together in volunteerism and leadership. Before leaving, we only knew each other from the few times we had gotten together and by the end of the trip, we may have gotten to know each other too well. One of our participants made a point that so much of our college career is made up of purely small-talk relationships and these are people we have spent the last four years with. In only a week, our group shared in laughs, confessions, story telling and home building. This is an experience that will stand out to each of us as we look back on our college years. Our trip reaffirmed my belief that there is good in this world and it's worth fighting for."
- Lauren