As I write this blog post we're impatiently waiting for the sealant to dry on our van's new windshield. Our group has been pretty unlucky with the vans this week. In one day we cracked the windshield, rear-ended into a gate, and locked the key in the car. Luckily, we've all become such good friends that even an hour waiting on the side of the road for AAA is full of laughter. Also, (to the parents and ASB exec reading) we promise to make it home in one piece. Once we get on our way this morning we're heading to the AIDS Alabama main office. They're very kindly hosting breakfast for us to thank us for our hard work.
We're also very proud of the work we did for their organization. In just two days we planted a garden, mulched their existing gardens, sealed a giant gazebo, painted two beautiful murals, and decorated bird feeders and flower pots with the residents. Yesterday we helped AIDS Alabama promote their Dining Out For Life event by hitting up 3 different neighborhoods and putting posters and fliers up in shops. It was a great way to get a taste of life in Birmingham while also working for a cause we've all become so passionate about. This afternoon after our "Snack Attack" with AIDS Alabama we'll be wrapping up our volunteer work with them by going to the wildlife preservation with some of the Jasper House residents. After that, we have the rest of the day for exploring. We're planning on going to the Civil Rights Museum and the Vulcan statue. Then, at the bros' request, we're driving to Tuscaloosa to visit the University of Alabama (Roll Tide!) where we'll eat dinner and see how 'Bama students live.
This week has been fulfilling for us. I think everyone can agree with me when I say that we know that the work we've done here has made a positive sufferance in the lives of those suffering with AIDS as well as the people who have made it their job to serve them. Cleaning out the food pantry will make it easier for Birmingham AIDS Outreach to fulfill basic needs for theit clients and passing out promotional information will generate more money for AIDS Alabama to increase their HIV prevention education services in the area, but no one can deny that the most fulfilling moments of this week were when we were interacting with the organizations' clients who were delighted and so very thankful that we spent our free time beautifying their home.
This experience has also been rewarding for us in a personal way. While we began to educate ourselves on HIV/AIDS during our pre-trip meetigs, being here in the heart of America's growing problem with AIDS and hearing from experts about the devastating effects of the disease has been a powerful learning experience. Each of us is now equipped with the information we need to protect ourselves from sexually transmitted diseases and have vowed to educate our family and friends as well.
The best part of this trip, we agree, is the 10 new best friends we've all made. An experience like this bonds us together in a relationship that we can never share with anyone else. While I'm sure we're all eager to sleep in our own beds and see our families and loved ones on Easter, the ride home tomorrow will definitely be bittersweet...and hopefully accident free!
'Bama love.
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Erin O'Neil
erin.oneil@mail.mizzou.edu
(773)562-0611
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