I love EVERYONE (:

It’s ALREADY Tuesday ):
and YES I said ALREADY.

We have already successfully ended our fourth day, here at “Looavule” Kentucky.

(we are still working on our pronunciation)

and as I look ahead to the four days we have left, I can’t help but wish we had more time.

We started out with a group of 12 very awkward individuals, who all wondered how we were going to make it through the week.  But now, we are slowly becoming a family.

Today we got the opportunity to work with Dare to Care to distribute various kinds of food to the people who came by.  We were out there for about an hour and a half, and during that short time we were able to provide food for 160 families (about 400 people).  However the best part of it all was that we were able to interact with these people and learn something from them. The people we met today showed us how to truly be thankful for the smallest things, and how to share and be thoughtful of others regardless of their situation. For example, we had two little girls that came by and brightened up everyone’s mood and a lady who offered to take less food so that the people coming afterwards can have food to take.

Later today, our group also got the opportunity to prepare and decorate an apartment for a family that will be coming in on Wednesday night. We excitedly gathered toys for the kids and kitchen appliances and other essentials for the apartment. Once we got to the apartment itself, we got to work immediately, and made a home for these refugees coming in with nothing.

Today’s experiences along with the past few days have really taught me many different lessons. However, what I really love the most are the people that I am with and have come across. 

Kelsey really brings the group together and keeps focused on our tasks. She sets the example for the group with her dedication and love and care she has for every one of us and the people we are helping. She’s like the COOL MOM (: She makes sure everything is in place and in orderly fashion. But once that’s over she’s fun to be around, easy to talk to and depend on.

Ben, our titular leader, really raises the group’s dynamic at all times. Even if he struggles with the names, he really puts effort into making each and every one of us feel as a part of the group.  And I have observed in the past few days and noticed that Ben is just awesome at communication, whether it’s within the group, with the alumni, or to set up meetings and times for our projects.

Cynthia’s unexpected sassiness really shocked the entire group! But her infinite love for the group and desire to really give back to the community always keeps us motivated to do the same.  She said that she wanted to give back to this community as much as she has received in Haiti. But honestly, she really has personally contributed to our group and group dynamic! (Plus she’s really awesome at basketball!)

Tom! When we were still twelve very awkward individuals, Tom and I were put into a car by ourselves for three-four hours! AWKWARD! But we soon got to talking, and I found it really easy to talk to him and we got the chance to learn a lot about each other. Although Tom tends to stay in the corner, quietly, he really is interesting to talk to one-on-one.

Angie is ALWAYS happy and smiling! And whenever she says my name RRROOOOSSSSSAAAA it makes me happy (: even if I hear it from two rooms down, right before I fall asleep.

Sandy, who apparently is SHY (who knew?) and is always so excited to work with everyone and do everything! It was also very nice to be able to sit down at the end of a long day and listen to her and BEN play the guitar and sing and calm us down! (Beautiful voice)

Matt, or is it Brian? Whether it was his near-death flip incident or how he almost messed up the barbed wiring for the mock refugee camp, he always has a way of entertaining the group. But away from that, he’s really easy and fun to talk to and joke around! Today, he taught me basically EVERYTHING about baseball (:

JOSEPH. Jo’s laugh makes everything funnier than it really is. But what honestly makes him who he is, is the time and effort he takes to get to know everyone and connect with them. A couple mornings ago, he asked me, “Tell me one thing that I do not know about you.” Although it might have been something to fill up his time while eating his bagels, it was probably the first time anyone willingly took the time and effort to get to know me. And from there on his interest in my hobbies, my name (SOLREE not SORRY) and my Korean culture really has made my day every day.

David: What really amazes me about David was the dedication he has to the work and the group. Today, regardless of his not-so-perfect physical condition, he made every effort to be a part of the group and participate in all our activities. Even though he was not feeling well, he put in the effort to help us out preparing the house, and stay with us as we hung out afterwards.

Emily: Emily truly shows that we have become a family. Her openness with the group, and her ability to trust and depend on us (especially during our faith-sharing) really showed me that we have become or are slowly becoming a family. Emily is ALWAYS full of energy. Even after a long 12 hour day, she participates and eagerly adds to our conversations and faith-sharing.

Liana MY ROOMMATE! I have never met anyone with so much knowledge! She really keeps the conversations going with all the information that she has to share with us. Starting back from our awkward group meetings before the trip, she was always so friendly and willing to be a friend.

Every single one of our members brings something special to the group and I truly wouldn’t want to be here with anyone else than these twelve. In addition, we even have our supportive and loving alumni who have provided us with the best meals and conversations and a home!

These past four days have really been a great time, and I cannot wait to see what the next four will be like! YAY!

-RRRROOOOOSSSSSSAAAA SORRY!-