Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Participant thoughts

Written by Sierra: 
I knew I wanted to participate in the alternative breaks as soon as I heard about them, and I couldn't be happier I followed up with that. I'm sure most groups are going to say that their group was the best, but I genuinely believe i hit the jackpot with all of those who went to Birmingham. You guys not only became friends I needed, but you helped to challenge my previous thought process about numerous things and really brought different perspectives to the table. 

The trip we took was beneficial in that we got chances to help others, but it was also beneficial because it helped me. I'm leaving Birmingham with a reaffirmed love of helping others, but also a sort of humbleness about my actions. We discussed poverty tourism throughout our break and after our service trips and it was a gentle but needed reminder not to take this back home to Knoxville as simply pictures and memories. Our break should be remembered and enhanced my going back and serving our community where we can hopefully see our direct impacts. 

I'm beyond inspired by the actions of my fellow group members. Their compassion and friendship this weekend has made it that much more worthwhile. You guys have not only inspired me to apply for spring breaks trips the minute applications open, but to also become a hopeful team leader because we wouldn't have had the same experience without ours. 

Saturday, October 18, 2014

Habitat for Humanity

After our day of philanthropic service at Habitat for Humanity, I think it's safe to say that everyone is very proud of all the work they accomplished during the 9 hours spent on the site. As a team we painted, hung up blinds, and power washed the outside cement leading to the new home. It was interesting to learn that Habitat for Humanity homes are not free for future owners. These owners have to pay off the money used to build the house and put in 300 service hours building other habitat homes.  Many of our team members learned that those who live in Habitat Homes are regular people. Their circumstances don't define who they are.  Owners of the habitat homes are employed and working hard to make ends meet. At the end of the day I found that we should come to understand 
peoples's backgrounds before judging their financial situation. All in all it was a fulfilling day for everyone. 

Friday, October 17, 2014

Boys and Girls Club


Hey, everyone.  My name is Emily, and I'm another member of this fabulous Alternative Fall Break group. What's up?

This afternoon we went to the Boys and Girls Club in Hueytown, Alabama, about twenty minutes from Birmingham. When we got there, the staff gave us a tour of the facility, which looked like a small school with two buildings: one for younger kids and one for teens. After the tour, the staff let us loose to hang with people and explore. We did everything, from finger painting to basketball and video games. Some of us even relaxed and watched movies.  I especially loved building creative shapes out of dominoes and knocking them down.

This was my favorite part of the trip so far because I got to relive my childhood and have some really interesting conversations with some of the people at the Boys and Girls Club. It's true what they says: kids really do say the darnedest things. If I could time travel, this afternoon would be one of the times I'd revisit! :)

Well, that's all for me! More to come tomorrow.

Talk to you all later,
Emily Starnes

Thursday, October 16, 2014

Kelly Ingram Park

Today we visited Kelly Park, one of the greatest influential historical sights in America. Kelly Park was once the hub of some of the most impactful civil rights gatherings during the 1960s. As we walked through the park statues lined the walkway as a reminder of  how far we have come socially as a nation.  At one end of the park stood the 16th Street Baptist Church, the site of a deadly bombing by the Klu Klux Klan that killed 4 girls within the church in 1963.  As I walked up to the steps of the church, I could barely imagine such a hatred that would bring people to kill innocent lives within a church. On the opposite end of the park there are several reminders of the pain that people suffered during the Civil Rights Movement. For example there was a statue depicting a police officer using an attack dog to scare civil rights proponents. Another statue visualized the oppression of the 1960s youth who supported civil rights in Birmingham. Each statue expands ones understanding of how so many people made sacrifices so that we could all have equal rights. If anything I learned that Birmingham's history has shaped the city that it is today. During the remainder of our trip I hope each of us gain a greater understanding of how Birmingham's past affects the people that live here in present day. 

Day 1 of Service

Our first service destination was Ronald McDonald House serving families of Children's Hospital at UAB. When we first arrived, we were given a tour of the facility with the opportunity to ask questions about services provided. We were told about the mission, values, and qualifications to stay at the house throughout the tour. This tour was very informative to our group and sparked the interest of the participants in helping out with the organization in the future!

After the tour, we all helped out (so efficiently) with cleaning around the house. We cleaned the kitchen, organized kitchenware, and threw away food items that had expired recently. Others from our group cleaned windows, floors, wood surfaces-you name it they probably cleaned it! Everyone came together to get the various tasks done. We learned more about the dynamics of our team throughout the day and can't wait to see what's in store for tomorrow!!!




AFB 4 EVA

-Sarah Copeland

AFB DAY 1

Day 1:
It has been a whirlwind of a day from leaving this morning at the crack of dawn and having every participant in my van asleep before we hit the interstate to crazy Walmart runs being a whole 68 cents under budget. It is truly heartwarming to see this trip that I have worked on since May come to fruition. But hands down the piece of this trip is nothing I have planned but the amazing people that make up my team. 

From my wonderful co- partner Sarah "The Greatest Van Driver" Copeland

To my van full of sleepy college students
These students continue to amaze and inspire me with their hard work, willingness to serve, and and great energy. 

Today we drove the 4 hour trip to Birmingham, got a weekend full of groceries, served alongside Ronald McDonald House (half of us [mainly me] got a little lost), had reflection time the Birmingham Civil Rights District (without having to pay for parking!!!), and ended our day with Taco Thursday. 

This adventure has just started but I know it will only be the beginning of a long journey.


-Kate Stamper


Tuesday, September 30, 2014

T-2 DAYS

Hello!

We are so excited to leave in just 2 days for Alternative Fall Break to Birmingham, Alabama! We can't believe that it is already here. After months of planning for the trip, Kate and I are so excited to see the whole trip come together.

My name is Sarah Copeland. I am a senior nursing student who loves to craft, hike, do any outdoorsy thing, and hang out with my friends in my spare time. Kate Stamper is my partner. She is a sophomore in Aerospace Engineering (she is so smart), a ginger, and you can always find her helping some organization on campus. Kate and I have worked together since the summer to make this the best and most rewarding trip possible for the participants.

Our team has met up 3 separate times to talk about the logistics of the trip as well as hopes and fears for the weekend. We have used these meeting times to get to know each other as well as discuss diversity and our trip theme.

We love our participants and cannot wait to spend fall break leading, serving others, and making many new friends!!!!

Our trip is going to Birmingham Alabama with a focus on Education, Health and Wellness.
We will be serving at the Boys and Girls Club, Glenwood Behavioral Center, Habitat for Humanity and the Ronald McDonald House.

More to come!

Kate Stamper and Sarah Copeland