On Wednesday (Sept. 21st), we left for Joplin around 7am. It was a pretty long drive, but I got to see a lot of Missouri. (I also had an amazing salad at Wendy's - Apple Pecan Chicken Salad during the trip). There were 13 of us on the trip from my church. I was the youngest of the group which was made up of mostly retirees. Around 4pm, we made it to Joplin and our home for the next few days. We stayed at Abundant Life Christian Center in Joplin. It offered us a place to stay, (outdoor) showers, and 3 meals a day. After we checked in, we had a tour of the town (some of my pictures are posted in my previous post). It was crazy to see. I obviously had no idea what the town looked like pre-tornado, but I had seen a lot of news coverage post-tornado. We were there exactly 4 months after the tornado hit. Most of the debris had been cleaned up. There were a lot of foundations around the town that no longer had houses upon them. The trees were also really interesting looking. The tops of the trees looked as though they had been pulled off with ease leaving just the larger extensions from the trunk. You can see the signs of growth and renewal though. Many of the trees are covered in new leaves. The leaves have not just sprouted from the top but from all parts of the existing tree - they look like something in a Tim Burton movie or Dr. Seuss book. A lot of the damage was cleaned up and they had recently put up the power lines again. Some roads were still without street signs though so they were labeled with spray paint on the ground, retaining wall etc. Many damaged businesses had new location information spray painted on their damaged buildings. Some houses also had house numbers or other information on them. The biggest damage we saw that had not been cleaned up was probably the high school. We also saw the hospital - we could not get as close to the hospital though. The damage to the big buildings was insane. It was so odd to see such huge buildings torn apart. It was also strange to compare different areas where the tornado hit - in a few places one side of the street was totally empty and the other side looked relatively unharmed. After our tour and many pictures, we had dinner at Panera and went back to ALCC to get settled and to have devotions.
The first morning (Thur) was a bit confusing. We thought that ALCC would have more things for us to do, but we learned that they provided some information about opportunities, but we had to contact the leader and figure out what work they needed from us. The group split up that morning. I went to a meal site started by a pastor that had been serving meals since the tornado hit. We helped to unload some donations (so many toothbrushes (seriously, I should have taken a real picture of all of them) and tp!). We also helped with lunch (well, we tried - they usually have a lot of construction workers and volunteers that come, but it was raining that day so we had a very low turnout. We worked with Chef Bob that day. Bob had been traveling and doing different service since he lost his family and home when Katrina hit. We also met a women who told us a lot about her tornado experience. She showed us pictures, answered our questions, and told us all about it. She could not stop talking about the tornado - she talked about her mother that still had nightmares about it and could not move back into her home after it was repaired. I think my favorite part of the trip was hearing people's stories. I wish I would have asked people more questions, but now I know that for my next mission trip!
In the afternoon, we met some other members of our group at a warehouse that was setting up for a school supply/book "sale" for local teachers. We got to open and organize boxes and boxes of books. We also met a few volunteers from CA that day as well as some local teachers. Some of their schools did not suffer damage, but some of them were shopping for their students who had lost their homes. It was neat to hear their stories.
After a lot of book-sorting, we headed back 'home' for a pasta dinner (yum!!) (well, after stopping at Culver's for custard).
http://rebuildjoplin.org/
September 30, 2011
September 29, 2011
Joplin Pictures
I will write about Joplin soon, but I thought I would at least post a few of the pictures from the trip.
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| Getting ready to serve lunch at a meal site |
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| Joplin High School (this was probably the best looking side) (we think those stars marked the path of the tornado) |
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| The Whole St. Paul's Group in Front of the Damaged Technical School |
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| I saw a TV still hooked on the wall and undamaged in this building (I couldn't get a good picture with the fence though) |
September 19, 2011
Packing for Joplin
On Wednesday morning, I'm going to be leaving for Joplin, MO. I'm super excited for the trip! I have an up-to-date tetanus shot and I've checked the weather(70's and partly cloudy everyday)! I found some games to bring along for the 8-9 hour car ride as well as for our free time at night. I'm so excited for this new adventure. It will be such a unique experience. I'm also excited to get to know the other members of our group (even if I'm the youngest by 20 yrs haha). I just have a few more items to pack (and update my ipod) and I'll be ready to go!
We will be staying at the Abundant Life Christian Center in Joplin. I'm not sure what type of work I'll be doing yet. It depends on what the people need at the time. I might be cleaning up debris (I guess there is still a lot of it), working at a food-pantry-type place, serving meals, moving people into different temp housing etc. We are planning on "touring" the area where the tornado struck as well as seeing the FEMA housing.
I'm excited to meet other volunteers (ALCC can house up to 150 volunteers a day, but it will not be full while we are there) as well as the people of Joplin. I have no idea of what to expect, but I'll be taking lots of pictures and taking notes so I'm ready to write about it afterward. (This trip will also help me to add another picture to my state travel scrapbook! - I've been to MO, but this is a new-to-me place in MO)
Joplin Pictures from CBS News
We will be staying at the Abundant Life Christian Center in Joplin. I'm not sure what type of work I'll be doing yet. It depends on what the people need at the time. I might be cleaning up debris (I guess there is still a lot of it), working at a food-pantry-type place, serving meals, moving people into different temp housing etc. We are planning on "touring" the area where the tornado struck as well as seeing the FEMA housing.
I'm excited to meet other volunteers (ALCC can house up to 150 volunteers a day, but it will not be full while we are there) as well as the people of Joplin. I have no idea of what to expect, but I'll be taking lots of pictures and taking notes so I'm ready to write about it afterward. (This trip will also help me to add another picture to my state travel scrapbook! - I've been to MO, but this is a new-to-me place in MO)
Joplin Pictures from CBS News
September 18, 2011
September 17, 2011
Week Two is Through!
I think these rhymes are a little silly, but I could not think of a more creative title tonight.
So, I've finished my 2nd week of work! Yay! (I learned that I might overuse the word "yay" this week. I erased it from multiple emails after I typed it when I realized that it might not be super professional and it was not really serving a purpose - besides the obvious expression of my joy that the email was over) It was a lot of things in the office, but I had a fundraiser/collection/coin drive with the Central Red Cross club for the Disaster Relief Fund - they raised almost $200 in a few hours! It was fun to see them excited about raising money for a good cause. I also scheduled some more classes and I will teach my first class at a head start program on Tuesday! I get to teach the kids there proper hand washing technique. (Also my little sister told me today that she wishes that I could teach a class for her - I don't think a lot of 6th graders would enjoy a big bear that likes hand washing -- maybe there will be something else better for her age) I'm excited to get out of the office and actually start the exciting part of my job! This week I looked through the props and created a new poster for one presentation so I'm excited to use the things I found and learn more of the programs in the coming weeks!
I have a bunch of cute posters on the other wall of my cubical. I'll take a picture of them this week. This week I'm also meeting with a high schooler who wants to start a club at her school! I'm so excited to start something new! (Did I write about Red Cross Clubs already? They are clubs at local high schools (2) and middle schools (1) that I work with. They raise money for the red cross as well as work with elementary age kids to help teach the health and safety programs that I work with. They the best way for youth to be involved as Red Cross volunteers. They also work with the measles initiative and "Holiday Cards for Heroes" programs.
I also found out that there is a national "Make a Difference Day". I mean, there is a day celebrating everything right? So this is not much of a surprise.
On a personal note: I went to my first Hot Yoga class yesterday. It was very hot. I guess I know how it got its name. I think I started sweating before class started, but it was really great! I definitely feel the workout today!
Tomorrow = day two of Sunday School - I added some more posters to my room this week (I'll take pictures tomorrow) so I hope the kids like it. Tomorrow we are learning about finding bible verses! Yay!
So, I've finished my 2nd week of work! Yay! (I learned that I might overuse the word "yay" this week. I erased it from multiple emails after I typed it when I realized that it might not be super professional and it was not really serving a purpose - besides the obvious expression of my joy that the email was over) It was a lot of things in the office, but I had a fundraiser/collection/coin drive with the Central Red Cross club for the Disaster Relief Fund - they raised almost $200 in a few hours! It was fun to see them excited about raising money for a good cause. I also scheduled some more classes and I will teach my first class at a head start program on Tuesday! I get to teach the kids there proper hand washing technique. (Also my little sister told me today that she wishes that I could teach a class for her - I don't think a lot of 6th graders would enjoy a big bear that likes hand washing -- maybe there will be something else better for her age) I'm excited to get out of the office and actually start the exciting part of my job! This week I looked through the props and created a new poster for one presentation so I'm excited to use the things I found and learn more of the programs in the coming weeks!
I also found out that there is a national "Make a Difference Day". I mean, there is a day celebrating everything right? So this is not much of a surprise.
On a personal note: I went to my first Hot Yoga class yesterday. It was very hot. I guess I know how it got its name. I think I started sweating before class started, but it was really great! I definitely feel the workout today!
Tomorrow = day two of Sunday School - I added some more posters to my room this week (I'll take pictures tomorrow) so I hope the kids like it. Tomorrow we are learning about finding bible verses! Yay!
September 11, 2011
Maybe I'll Make a Difference
Yesterday (Saturday), I got invited to a Valpo Guild Luncheon. (Also, it featured chicken salad and ice tea for lunch which was amazing for a warm Sept. day!) I had met a few of the Guild Members before, but I got to know a few more of them while increasing my Valpo pride. (Side note: I was the youngest person at the meeting by probably 20 years so the mom's and long time grads asked me a ton of questions about what was going on at Valpo - it made me miss it a lot, but it was nice to talk about it with people who loved Valpo too)
They also wanted to know what I was up to post-graduation. One Guild member who I had met a few times and emailed even more, told me that she could tell I was happy about my job because of the "sparkle in my eye" - it was such a sweet thing to say, but it is true. I truly feel like this is a perfect fit for me right now. I am truly happy being with the Red Cross. It was nice to hear that from someone that is not a family member or close friend.
Anyway, also at the luncheon I was talking to a women with who I will be working a college fair with (we are both part of VAN - Valpo Admission Network - which is a group of alumni all over that attend different college fairs for Valpo - it helps expand our admission team and allows us to reach many more schools than we would reach if the fairs were just covered by staff). She asked me about what I want to do after AmeriCorps. I told her honestly that I am not totally sure - maybe something at a nonprofit, maybe something using more of my bio studies, we'll see... She was happy to hear that I was thinking about nonprofits (she had worked with the American Cancer Society) and encouraged me to look into admissions at a university as well. She also gave me a lot of ideas, advice, and encouragement about working with kids. She told me about a committee that she had been on that fell inactive, but they had talked slightly about having college tours for 6 graders that go to at-risk schools to show them some options they may have for the future. This was not much more than an idea before the group fell apart, but she told me about it and sort of challenged me to propose this to a committee that I will be on as part of my position at the Red Cross. She gave me multiple resources and people to talk to. She also told me that she thought I could make a difference. I had only known her for about half an hour! I told her a bit about my trips this summer and about my current job and previous work at camp. (Again, my parents have always had faith in me and encouraged me, but you (or at least I)never take that very seriously. Parents are supposed to think that (I mean I realize that not all parents do -- and I would love to help the kids that are in that boat).) She thinks I can make a difference in a child's life - and she told me that right to my face! Whoa. I had never really heard someone say that so straight up and honestly to me. I'm beginning to think that maybe it will be true. I want to help kids. I'm pretty lucky and I didn't really realize how lucky I was until I traveled to big cities this summer. I want to try to help kids who are not as fortunate as I am. I want to give them a chance and hope for a better future. Having her express her confidence in me really started me to think more about my future and what I want out of life. Today, I added to my "job wish list" (I'm a list girl for sure), "help people - make a difference". I don't have set plan of how I'm going to do that, but I think I'm off to a good start! Through my job, I will be helping kids learn different aspects of health and safety. I also get to serve as a role model to these kids as well as my Sunday School class. I get to teach my Sunday School class life lessons that maybe they will share with a friend or a sibling. I have so many opportunities to help people (specifically kids) and maybe make a small difference in their lives. Maybe someday I'll come up with a neat program or complete a part that my new Valpo friend has given to me. I want to contact the people/organizations that she suggested and get feedback about having 6 graders take tours at local colleges (we do this at Valpo) - it could really help motivate and educate kids about their options. Maybe it would help one child have a better life or maybe it would encourage 5 kids to go onto higher education. I guess I would never know, but I want to do something to try to help. I'm so excited for this challenge that she helped create for me. I'll obviously write about my updated plan, but I have lots of hope and determination that one day I'll make a difference (even if I don't even know that I did it).
They also wanted to know what I was up to post-graduation. One Guild member who I had met a few times and emailed even more, told me that she could tell I was happy about my job because of the "sparkle in my eye" - it was such a sweet thing to say, but it is true. I truly feel like this is a perfect fit for me right now. I am truly happy being with the Red Cross. It was nice to hear that from someone that is not a family member or close friend.
Anyway, also at the luncheon I was talking to a women with who I will be working a college fair with (we are both part of VAN - Valpo Admission Network - which is a group of alumni all over that attend different college fairs for Valpo - it helps expand our admission team and allows us to reach many more schools than we would reach if the fairs were just covered by staff). She asked me about what I want to do after AmeriCorps. I told her honestly that I am not totally sure - maybe something at a nonprofit, maybe something using more of my bio studies, we'll see... She was happy to hear that I was thinking about nonprofits (she had worked with the American Cancer Society) and encouraged me to look into admissions at a university as well. She also gave me a lot of ideas, advice, and encouragement about working with kids. She told me about a committee that she had been on that fell inactive, but they had talked slightly about having college tours for 6 graders that go to at-risk schools to show them some options they may have for the future. This was not much more than an idea before the group fell apart, but she told me about it and sort of challenged me to propose this to a committee that I will be on as part of my position at the Red Cross. She gave me multiple resources and people to talk to. She also told me that she thought I could make a difference. I had only known her for about half an hour! I told her a bit about my trips this summer and about my current job and previous work at camp. (Again, my parents have always had faith in me and encouraged me, but you (or at least I)never take that very seriously. Parents are supposed to think that (I mean I realize that not all parents do -- and I would love to help the kids that are in that boat).) She thinks I can make a difference in a child's life - and she told me that right to my face! Whoa. I had never really heard someone say that so straight up and honestly to me. I'm beginning to think that maybe it will be true. I want to help kids. I'm pretty lucky and I didn't really realize how lucky I was until I traveled to big cities this summer. I want to try to help kids who are not as fortunate as I am. I want to give them a chance and hope for a better future. Having her express her confidence in me really started me to think more about my future and what I want out of life. Today, I added to my "job wish list" (I'm a list girl for sure), "help people - make a difference". I don't have set plan of how I'm going to do that, but I think I'm off to a good start! Through my job, I will be helping kids learn different aspects of health and safety. I also get to serve as a role model to these kids as well as my Sunday School class. I get to teach my Sunday School class life lessons that maybe they will share with a friend or a sibling. I have so many opportunities to help people (specifically kids) and maybe make a small difference in their lives. Maybe someday I'll come up with a neat program or complete a part that my new Valpo friend has given to me. I want to contact the people/organizations that she suggested and get feedback about having 6 graders take tours at local colleges (we do this at Valpo) - it could really help motivate and educate kids about their options. Maybe it would help one child have a better life or maybe it would encourage 5 kids to go onto higher education. I guess I would never know, but I want to do something to try to help. I'm so excited for this challenge that she helped create for me. I'll obviously write about my updated plan, but I have lots of hope and determination that one day I'll make a difference (even if I don't even know that I did it).
Week One is Done!
On Friday, I completed my first week of work at the American Red Cross. It was a great first week of work! (I guess I have not had that many first weeks, but it was much better than my short stint in the insurance business) The week was a bit overwhelming with all of new-to-me information. I learned with lots more detail about what I will do this year as an AmeriCorps member as well as all of the projects that are completed by the Red Cross. I got to take a little class called Changing Lives at the Red Cross about all the different aspects of their programs - like disaster relief and work with the armed forces as well as the prevention (like the classes offered by the red cross - my job!) courses. It was really neat because it was not just staff members presenting, but volunteers too.
The office has a really great atmosphere too - I've met a lot of dedicated volunteers in my 4 days at work. I hope to get to know more of them and hear more of their stories. There are not a lot of full time staff members in the office, but they are all very welcoming and helpful. I also love having my own space to work - I've done a bit of organization and decoration of my space this week!
So this week was mostly orientation, but I already know that I am going to have an amazing year! I started to learn the Scrubby Bear (hand washing) program that I will be teaching to kids. (I have a ton of these already scheduled since fall is a popular time to learn good hand washing skills) I also met with the girl who had my position last year so I heard a bit about what the position was like. In my desk, I found some bound note cards from previous AmeriCorps members with their notes, advice, and stories. It made me see the history of the program and made me feel a connection to these previous members without me even knowing them. I already have some things on my calendar. Many are programs, but some are meetings with clubs or a committee I'm going to be on. Some groups I will visit multiple times so I'm excited to hopefully get to know those kids well! I also signed up for a Girl Scout Leadership Day where I'll talk to troop leaders and hopefully present different programs to their troops! The Red Cross Clubs that I work with have also started this week! I'm excited to work with these high school students as they host different fundraisers for the Red Cross and educational activities for their classmates as well as local elementary students. I'm excited to see kids that are excited about service and excited to be leaders! I can't wait till things really get going!
This morning was my first week of Sunday School! It was a bit hectic to be honest, but I think it went well overall. The 45 min went by super quick! My class is so cute! I had 22 energetic 3rd graders today and two parents for helpers in a room that was crowded with tables and chairs. We made notes/pictures for the kids of Nigeria to go with my church's mosquito net fundraiser and worked on a worksheet to help the kids start to get oriented with the bibles they will receive in a few weeks. It was fun to see all of their energy and creativity! I'm excited to get to know them as the year goes on!
The office has a really great atmosphere too - I've met a lot of dedicated volunteers in my 4 days at work. I hope to get to know more of them and hear more of their stories. There are not a lot of full time staff members in the office, but they are all very welcoming and helpful. I also love having my own space to work - I've done a bit of organization and decoration of my space this week!
So this week was mostly orientation, but I already know that I am going to have an amazing year! I started to learn the Scrubby Bear (hand washing) program that I will be teaching to kids. (I have a ton of these already scheduled since fall is a popular time to learn good hand washing skills) I also met with the girl who had my position last year so I heard a bit about what the position was like. In my desk, I found some bound note cards from previous AmeriCorps members with their notes, advice, and stories. It made me see the history of the program and made me feel a connection to these previous members without me even knowing them. I already have some things on my calendar. Many are programs, but some are meetings with clubs or a committee I'm going to be on. Some groups I will visit multiple times so I'm excited to hopefully get to know those kids well! I also signed up for a Girl Scout Leadership Day where I'll talk to troop leaders and hopefully present different programs to their troops! The Red Cross Clubs that I work with have also started this week! I'm excited to work with these high school students as they host different fundraisers for the Red Cross and educational activities for their classmates as well as local elementary students. I'm excited to see kids that are excited about service and excited to be leaders! I can't wait till things really get going!
This morning was my first week of Sunday School! It was a bit hectic to be honest, but I think it went well overall. The 45 min went by super quick! My class is so cute! I had 22 energetic 3rd graders today and two parents for helpers in a room that was crowded with tables and chairs. We made notes/pictures for the kids of Nigeria to go with my church's mosquito net fundraiser and worked on a worksheet to help the kids start to get oriented with the bibles they will receive in a few weeks. It was fun to see all of their energy and creativity! I'm excited to get to know them as the year goes on!
September 1, 2011
Start of Something New
(yeah, the title to this post is also a High School Musical song)
1. After searching for over 4 months, I found a job that is perfect for me! I started applying for jobs seriously a month or two before I graduated from college. I applied for any job I found remotely interesting. I did have a few interviews, but nothing really worked out until last week. I accepted an offer to be an AmeriCorps member through my local American Red Cross. I found a passion of mine, service and volunteer work, in a job! And working with kids!
For a year, I get to teach health, safety, and disaster classes to different groups of kids! I also get to plan and organize my own schedule and work with local Red Cross Clubs (like those at high schools/ Jr. highs)! I'm so excited for the position and all I've done is sign my paperwork and get fingerprinted (I had to have multiple background checks)! I can't wait for my first day!
2. In late Sept., I'm going to Joplin, MO to help with tornado clean-up with a group from my church. I'm excited since I've never really gone on a mission trip (I think of Chicago and NYC as service trips) before. I'm also excited to see the damage that I've seen on TV in real life - not that I want damage, but I've never really seen real tornado damage before so I want to see the power of weather with my own eyes. I'm excited to meet the other volunteers (we are staying in this place that provides beds, showers, and meals to over 100 volunteers) and the citizens of Joplin. My grandma is also going (it is her first mission trip ever!) so it will be fun to experience this service together!
3. I've been preparing this week to teach 3rd grade Sunday school. I get to come up with my own curriculum for a few weeks while they learn about the Bibles that they get. It is exciting to use my past working with kids to come up with activities that would help them learn about the Bible and have fun. I can't wait for it to start so I can finally meet my kids!
1. After searching for over 4 months, I found a job that is perfect for me! I started applying for jobs seriously a month or two before I graduated from college. I applied for any job I found remotely interesting. I did have a few interviews, but nothing really worked out until last week. I accepted an offer to be an AmeriCorps member through my local American Red Cross. I found a passion of mine, service and volunteer work, in a job! And working with kids!
For a year, I get to teach health, safety, and disaster classes to different groups of kids! I also get to plan and organize my own schedule and work with local Red Cross Clubs (like those at high schools/ Jr. highs)! I'm so excited for the position and all I've done is sign my paperwork and get fingerprinted (I had to have multiple background checks)! I can't wait for my first day!
2. In late Sept., I'm going to Joplin, MO to help with tornado clean-up with a group from my church. I'm excited since I've never really gone on a mission trip (I think of Chicago and NYC as service trips) before. I'm also excited to see the damage that I've seen on TV in real life - not that I want damage, but I've never really seen real tornado damage before so I want to see the power of weather with my own eyes. I'm excited to meet the other volunteers (we are staying in this place that provides beds, showers, and meals to over 100 volunteers) and the citizens of Joplin. My grandma is also going (it is her first mission trip ever!) so it will be fun to experience this service together!
3. I've been preparing this week to teach 3rd grade Sunday school. I get to come up with my own curriculum for a few weeks while they learn about the Bibles that they get. It is exciting to use my past working with kids to come up with activities that would help them learn about the Bible and have fun. I can't wait for it to start so I can finally meet my kids!
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