Eleven months ago, when we were sitting at a table in Dobbs and trying to decide where we wanted to go, we knew we wanted to go somewhere south (the warmer the better) and somewhere that a trip had never gone before. We pulled up Google maps and for some reason New Mexico was the first state that popped into our minds. We pulled up the Habitat for Humanity website and began going through affiliates, looking at the distances. We made a list of possible locations and decided that we would call them in June. For whatever reason, we decided to call Taos first even though it was the last place on our alphabetical list. We were greeted on the phone by the most cheerful voice we could imagine: the volunteer coordinator Susan Nuss. As she talked about Taos and the adobe style construction that Habitat for Humanity used, we knew we had found our place. In the following months, the more we learned about Taos and our affiliate, the more excited we became. But, we had no idea just how amazing Taos truly is. The views are simply incredible, the people are so kind, and the culture is unparalleled. We are so grateful for whatever cosmic force (maybe it was the buffalo chicken?) that was in Dobbs that May afternoon that led us to Taos, NM because it has been absolutely phenomenal.
Another important part of our trip planning came in early November, when we finally were able to choose our participants. When we received the email with over 500 applications, needless to say, we were a little overwhelmed. We spent hours combing through each application, so much so that Panera had to kick us out thirty minutes after they had closed. When draft day came, we knew who we wanted. There were certain applications that stuck out to us, and we fought (literally) for every person on our trip. When the draft was finally over, we had our dream team, but we didn't know their identities. However, a few weeks later, we finally met them, and our excitement increased even further. At our first meeting, each one of our participants was so excited to be on this trip, and they continued that enthusiasm throughout the four months before our trip.
When it was finally time to roll out of Columbia, we could hardly believe it. Something that we had been planning for almost a year was about to happen, for real. We thought we were dreaming, but have come to realize that we definitely aren't because this has been one of the most incredible weeks of our lives. Each experience (as we're sure you've been able to keep up on via our awesome bloggers) has been unique and special in it's own way. It has been a week beyond anything we could ever imagine. Having been on trips before, we knew that it was going to be amazing, but what we didn't know was just how much. This trip has reminded us of how powerful the act of service can be and how it can bring people together from all walks of life for one common goal.
A major component of our experience has been those that have experienced it with us, and we want to thank each and every one of you. Each of you has changed our lives in your own special way and all of you have made our jobs as a Site Leader the most enjoyable jobs we could imagine. You have become our family (literally) and even though we cringe at the fact that y'all think we're mom and dad, in all seriousness, you really do make us proud parents. So to thank you for the amazing memories that you have given us, we have a special gift for each of you: your very own Taos superlative:
NICOLE: Most Likely to Make Sure Our Trip Doesn't Fall Apart
Thank you for being our right-hand gal and always making sure that we have it together. We honestly think that we would have a lost a participant (just kidding), or burned something down, or basically just been a mess if it hadn't been for you.
SARA: Most Likely to Act Like a 12-Year-Old
You have kept the mood light and brought your playful personality on every part this trip. We love your youthful spirit (and look according to Mitch) and granola attitude (seriously, you're so one with nature). Even though sometimes you make us all feel like we might die due to toxic expulsions, we wouldn't trade that for anything.
DANI: Most Likely to Keep Us Grounded
Your journalistic intellect has helped us think about things in a new way and we always love hearing what you're going to say next. You also always make sure that we aren't shooting for the stars and that we make realistic goals, which has been awesome for this trip.
ALEX: Most Likely to Drive Off a Cliff
You may be one of the craziest drivers we know (or will ever meet), but you are one of the most calm people we have ever met (seriously, how does that work?). You're ability to keep cool in high-stress situations (like us not knowing where we're going basically every day of the week) has helped make this experience awesome.
SYDNIE: Most Likely to be a Trooper
You are such a fighter and we am so proud of you. Even though your experience didn't start off the way you expected it to, you were determined to overcome that and make this an awesome trip. We also am thankful for your "mama bear" instincts that probably have saved us from a few mountain lion attacks.
KELLY: Most Likely to Bring Up Texas in EVERY Conversation
Thanks to you, we now know that the Lonestar State is the greatest former country. Seriously though, you have such a great attitude about everything and your laugh always makes us laugh (and sometimes cry, in fear).
ALEXUS: Most Likely to Step Out of Your Comfort Zone
Alexus, you have grown so much during this trip and you make us so proud. Going into this trip, we knew you would be doing a lot of things that may put you outside your comfort zone. But you embraced everything that came your way and truly made the most of your experience. We will never forget the look on your face when you finally conquered those ladders.
EMMITT: Most Likely to be Meditating Right Now
Dude, you conquered the "This Is It" principle like no one has before. Whether it was chillin' on a cliff in Bandalier, or even when you were one of the last working on the site while the rest of us broke for lunch, you live in every moment and make the most of it.
MORGAN: Most Likely to be Flailing her Body
Morgan, we're still convinced that you have a really quiet twin who went to all the meetings for you before our trip. When that first noise came out of you during our drive, we thought we had an animal in the car.
MICHAELA: Most Likely to be the Cool Soccer Mom
Whether it's pumping your own gas or opening your own bag of trail mix, you aren't afraid of doing things on your own. You also have really mad driving skills and your second superlative could probably be "Best Driver on the Trip."
In all seriousness, each and every one of you has been so amazing. We couldn't have selected a better group of participants and we are so excited to continue to build upon the relationships that we have formed with you in the future.
This trip was so much more than we imagined. It has helped us further realize just how important the relationships that we form with people are, and how powerful the acts of love and service can be. When we return to Columbia, we know that this experience doesn't have to end. We can't wait to continue to develop the relationships we have made during this trip, and build upon the experiences that we've had. They say that ASB can change your life, and it definitely has for us yet again.
Until next time,
Mom and Dad
(Cara and Nick)
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