Always be Gumby, Some Ice May Get in the Way


As we stepped outside on our fourth day in Guin, our spirits and the temperature had significantly increased. We relived our elementary school days with packed bagged lunches and filed into our vans headed for the house. After a potentially missed stop sign but uncountable laughs and blasted music, we unloaded onto the sight ready to work. From the second the house came into view, there was already a noticeable difference between the house we had once seen, and what it was now. What was once a deteriorating house overrun with foliage and a porch piled high with trash had transformed into an active project that was being worked on with love. We spent the day raking piles of leaves, painting ceilings, and sanding doors. What may seem like mundane activities led to discussions of careers, horrifyingly awkward middle school relationships and everything in between. After hours of working, the dedication soon gave way to a built up of energy that manifested into an intense paint fight that left the walls but mostly our bodies covered. Our long work day ended in some lukewarm showers and combing paint out of our hair, until we were sternly called into the kitchen by Blake. With trepidation, we headed into the kitchen to hear that we were being sent home early in response to the No Travel warning issued by the state of Missouri. Our amazing couple days in Guin were coming to a premature end due to forces out of anyones control. However, our group was quick to look on the bright side: we began to plan staying together while in CoMo, volunteering together at the Columbia Habitat, and keeping our Groupme active. Our melancholy was soon forgotten as we entered our dinner with the Methodist Church. Each family had volunteered to "adopt" one of us, giving us all name tags and personal attention. We spent our final night truly connecting with the people of Guin, once again being spoiled by the unadulterated love that they never fail to give us. Whether it be home-cooked meals or just genuinely asking us about our plans for the future, we never felt like we were in a completely foreign place. Although our time may have ended early, the connections made with each other and the community have developed so quickly that it feels as though we've known each other forever. Our MAB may be over in Alabama, but it would be impossible to discontinue the friendshops we have made here. We ended the night with a bonfire, reading the notecards we wrote at the beginning of our first meeting, and all realizing that we have truly become a part of the MAB family. Whether it be site leading, participating, or even graduating college, each mmeber has gained something from these past four days that is irreplaceable. 

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