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| A week of teamwork turned this lumber into something tangible. |
As ever, his eloquence was spellbinding. In a paean to seize the moment and create change, Pastor Randy spoke of how we generate snapshots in time in our lives and that he hoped our experience in New Orleans had become one for us. Heads nodded in unison. With that, he urged us to take the lessons we had learned home with us, to become successful and to remember to continue to give back to – and build – our communities. More nods of promise.
Despite the obvious nature religion plays in the Pastor’s life and words, the lessons he imparted perfectly encapsulated ASB’s objectives of learning from the communities in which we are working, incorporating this knowledge into our own lives and sharing it with others.
Having bid a fond farewell to Pastor Randy, we continued with ‘Nacho Normal Reflection™’ – our final team reflection session, led by Tyler and Katie, over a dinner of nachos for 40. Yes, that did, in fact, include eight pounds of ground beef, an equal amount of grated cheese and a dozen large bags of chips.
The mental commitment to reflection after hard days of physical labour has become one of this team’s hallmarks. Not only willing to share deep, personal emotions, team members have consistently offered extremely profound and thought-provoking observations that have generated emotion-filled conversations. There was no shortage of tears, reciprocal hugs, smiles and ponderous looks. It is obvious we have been tremendously affected by the people and devastation of New Orleans, and by the strength and friendship of our own teammates.
I feel extremely privileged to have experienced the bond and trust that formed so quickly with this team. That alone has been reflection worthy for me.
Now for 20 more hours on a bus, a return home and some tough goodbyes.
For now.
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