Our second day in Louisville brought us to St. Lawrence's Parish, the Muhammad Ali Center, and the Hehir family's house for dinner. Saint Lawrence Church welcomed us into Louisville with open arms and made us feel at home. Afterwards, we spent the day at the inspiring Muhammad Ali Center learning about love and service. As afternoon turned to evening, we drove to the home of fellow Hokies to share a hearty meal. We grew closer as a group and connected with the beautiful city of Louisville.
The most powerful part of the day was the time spent in the Muhammad Ali Center. Known for being "The Greatest" as a boxer, Ali lived a life of service and showed his passion for helping others by opening up his center in downtown Louisville. Our group walked about the center and took away a greater understanding of service for others. Muhammad Ali was a global citizen with a big heart, which is fitting, as we will be meeting with people from all around the world in the coming days. Our mission of serving God by serving others was instilled with a new sense of compassion. With Ali's values in mind, we prepare for our week of service at the Refugee Center.
-- Tom
-----------------------------------------------
"How I see you is really a reflection of how I see myself"
 |
| Group Photo at the Muhammad Ali Center (I'm the serious guy with facial hair) |
MUSEUM: Cassius Marcellus Clay. Ever heard of him? Probably not. Around the world and more intimately in the boxing community he is now known as Muhammad Ali 'The Greatest'. Why does a boxer have an entire dedicated to him? And why did we, an ASB group from Virginia Tech, visit a museum dedicated to a boxer?
Muhammad Ali is more than just a boxer. He is a testament to American values of Confidence, Dedication, Conviction, Respect, Spirituality, Giving, and Humor. You may see clips from his early twenties when he was a cocky kid from Louisville, Kentucky whose sole purpose was becoming Heavy Weight Champion of the world and speaking in rhyme. Here is something you may not know: He evaded the draft for the Vietnam war. At first it was because he didn't want to serve but it became a cause for racial equality in the United States. Why should someone fight for a country that doesn't accept him? Later on in life, as Tom has mentioned, he dedicated his life to the pursuit of helping others. Whether it is the racially oppressed or people with Parkinsons, he advocates helping others as a way of serving God. I'm happy we decided to go as opposed to the dinosaurs.
Earlier: Before we went to the center, I read a book called: "Hello Baby! - Hola Bebe!" by Mem Fox. Apparently I've been known for a Smooth Jazz radio voice, so I read this book in that voice and it was definitely gave some of the people some laughs. BUT from this we got the group's spirit animals. picture after the break.
---Joe
No comments:
Post a Comment