Sunday Blog: March 27, 2016
Today was our first day in Black Mountain, North Carolina. We started on our service projects with Black Mountain Home for Children, and worked with the organization on an Easter egg hunt for the children that attend the church on campus. We hid the eggs, gave out prizes and watched the smiling faces as the kids found the eggs.
After our work at the church, we headed to Black Mountain's downtown area and looked at the local stores. We stopped for ice cream and chatted with a few local residents about the area and they gave us some advice for hiking trails (which we definitely intend to use). After a quick trip to Walmart, we headed back and made dinner. Alexis and Caroline made burgers and turkey burgers, which were absolutely amazing.
After dinner, we played "never have I ever," and somehow nick always seemed to win. Nick also tried his first pickle today, which was very exciting for everyone. After that game, we played "paparazzi" and just asked each other a bunch of "get to know you" questions, which got us closer as a group. We can't wait for tomorrow when we actually start working on our projects for the campus.
Monday Blog: March 28, 2016
Today was our first service day. We started off the day heading to the camp cabins right up the mountain. Our task for the day was to help fix up the camp cabins and a paintball course up in the mountains. Since it was also their spring break we got to work hand and hand with the black mountain kids, which was SUCH a great experience.
While some of us painted cabins a soft blue (which was a million times better than the original neon, slime green) the others went up the mountain to rebuild a pretty incredible paintball course. By the time we were finished, it was obvious that any paintball expert would be lucky to shoot a few rounds there. However, this work wasn't for the faint of heart. We moved heavy tires down the slope of a mountain, cleaned our fair share of questionable toilets, and rode in the back of a very unstable pick up truck with gardening tools. BUTTTTT I don't think any of us would change a minute of it. Working with kids like Tia and Vanessa and seeing how happy, inspired, and friendly they were when we were painting or listening to Jerry impersonate his favorite cartoon characters was such an eye opening experience. We also had the opportunity to square off in a softball game against some of the Black Mountain kids and staff!
After the softball game we took the advice from the locals and drove to a nearby mountain for a hike. All of us were very excited to go explore a new place, but I don't think any of us were expecting the strenuous hike to the top of a very steep mountain. After a 45 hike up, and a lot of "are we there yet"'s we made it to the top, and trust me it was worth it. The mountain overlooked the entire town below us and mountains and trees as far as you could see. We timed our hike perfectly as the sun began to set. We arrived back to our cabin around 8pm when Lauren and Logan made tacos, beans, and Red Lobster biscuits (creds to Logan for the biscuits). Pretty sure every single one of us went back for at least seconds and had no food leftover. We ended the night with our reflection around 10pm when we played another get to know you game where we picked a piece of paper off the floor that had a personal question written on it, such as "what is your biggest regret, are you a vunerable person and why" and so on. It was a great first day of service and we cannot wait for more!
Tuesday Blog: March 29, 2016
This morning it was very chilly. We were sore from the day before because of our wonderful hike to the peak of a mountain in Montreat and from our softball game against each other and the kids of Black Mountain Home. We left around 9 am to take on our task of the day. Today we would be working hard in the yard. We all worked together to tackle the weeds and the leaves. We grew closer together in this task because we all had the common goal: poco a poco. We knew that if we finished this task the results would be even more amazing, but because it was difficult to do and a lot of ground to cover it took a little longer than expected. Some of us worked on weeding, while others worked on replanting the daffodils to the other side of the house. In the process of working we were able to talk to the kids from the preschool house when they came out for recess. With them they brought their amazing, cuddly, blind dog, named Chief. She was very calm and sweet because she didn't eat up our hard work.
When we finally finished the yard work we did, we were so proud of what we had accomplished. We weeded, took out the dead plants, replanted flowers and laid grass seeds down. I have to say today we were professional gardeners in the end. After our hard work, Rodney, our leader for this project, who allowed us to meet the newborn baby goats, rewarded us. During this time some played with the goats and others ran with the alpacas trying to get their attention without them spitting. At one point, one of our own members was almost tackled by one—please keep Alexis in your prayers she's struggling to cope with that moment. She's fine but everyone can use prayers. After our adventure with the animals we came back to our housing and took a quick nap then we were off again.
Our amazing site leaders (which is really no lie they're doing a great job at helping us and being there to give us direction because we're always lost) took us on another hike. This one was closer to town at the local YMCA but we still got lost. Eventually we found the spot and hiked to the scenic view (even though there were many along the trail). Everyone was super supportive of those who found it difficult to climb to the spot, but I think it has to do that they were secretly tired too. In the end the view was worth it and when we finally came home for dinner. Annie and Lizette cooked an amazing dinner—teriyaki chicken stir-fry. It was nice getting a home cooked meal and we are super thankful to be here. Thank you for your support, love and prayers.
Wednesday Blog: March 30, 2016
We had such a great day!! In the morning we had family breakfast and ate eggs and bacon. Yum! After, we went to Chimney Rock State Park. First, we hiked to the waterfall and ate lunch there. Some of the girls even went into the river where the waterfall cascaded. It was so cool! After many flights of stairs, we got to hike up to the highest point of Chimney Rock, and saw some pretty neat views of Lake Lure. So breathtaking! The views, caves to explore, and gift shop at the top made it all worth it.
After our hike, we sure were tired! We got back and all got ready and dressed up to go for a dinner in downtown Asheville. We went to Wayside, which was an American themed restaurant located right next to the railroad. There were even trains going by in the window as we were eating. Such a blast from the past to see trains going by!
After Wayside, we ventured out to explore a bit of downtown Asheville before we headed home. The downtown had so much character. There was a dessert and coffee place that was in a two-decker bus and a chalk wall where people could write about what they wanted to do before they died. We of course all took a bunch of hip pics. Since the dessert and coffee place was closing, we got to go to Marble Slab and get ice cream.
Overall we had such a great free day hiking, eating, and enjoying each others' company. A successful day always includes good tunes in the car and the site leaders trying to pull unsuccessful pranks. ;) XOXO- Gossip Girl (AKA Caroline and Brian)
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