Lexington

This is a quote by Albert Einstein that I stumbled upon just before coming to college, during a time when I was submersed in the thoughts that a normal eighteen-year-old heading off to a big university has like, I'm going to have the best time of my life and, my opportunities academically and socially are endless. This quote along with some extraordinarily positive influence from my Peer Advisor in my dorm really got me to think about what else college and even life has to offer. From that point I have constantly searched all over campus for organizations I could really do some good in and at the same time if I'm lucky do a little self discovery along the way. This trip has allowed me to do just that. It has truly given me a new perspective, a feeling of meaningfulness, and so much knowledge that it is almost unbelievable we have only been here for five days. My definition of appreciation has been pointed in a new direction. I've found it isn't about appreciating what you have, it's about appreciating where you are, being surrounded by family, and the material things that make our lives all that more comfortable. I have got to witness first hand a family that wanted nothing more but to have a little piece of America to call their own and they were so appreciative and inspiring along the way. It has been an experience I will carry with me throughout my college years and most likely even further. The topic that has flooded my mind most throughout these five days here in Lexington is deeper then my initial aspirations of just wanting to make a difference, beyond that I have really put some thought into how can I connect the things I love and my future career to the service of others. This surely isn't a question I have been able to answer quite yet, but I am on my way to figuring it out one day at a time. What I have enjoyed throughout this entire trip, but even more so at the dedication tonight is the amazingly powerful energy that is harnessed by all the individuals that come together to make what we are aiding in a possibility. Not only have I met role models that inspire me in drastic ways, but also it has all given me a little hope for this world we live in. It's a hard thing these days to say something like that with all the cruelty, hatred, and lack of helping hands in the world. Yet everyone I met tonight that came together as one to make a positive influence has made me think just maybe this world will someday be the place I aspire for it to become. A place where everyone treats each other in the way the director of Lexington's Habitat described, where we consider our neighbors to be those in need and we all reach out to our fellow neighbors to aid in the struggle we all call life. ____________________________ Today marked the time where I really felt that I am making a difference in helping these families here at Habitat. Today we went back to one of our sites to finish some coats of paint to finish constructing the house. It really made me feel a new gratefulness for what I have been granted in life. I was able to meet two families that were working with habitat to have their house built. I talked with a man from West Africa that has been here for a couple years to seek out a better life here in America. He moved here to look for better opportunities for his family and himself. It was great talking with him because it let me know first hand that I was really doing something positive for a deserving family. We also had the chance to meet the woman whose house that we were working to complete. I loved seeing her smiling face as she walked around and looked at the progress the house underwent with our help. We had the opportunity to actually go to a house dedication of a family that just received their house. It was very inspiring to see the whole community to come out and support in the celebration of the family. The Mayor of Lexington really said it best when he told the family thank you. At first I wondered why he was thanking them, but he went on to explain with us helping them celebrate their new home that it makes us even more grateful for them and grateful for ourselves for everything that we have in our lives. The father of the home that they received the home touched the rest of the group when he said he is happy to finally have a home for his family and a permanent address in America so he is able to supply a great life for his wife and children. It is going to be sad to leave his trip but it will always be comforting to know that 12 strangers were able to come together and help others have a better life.