Spring Break Workfest - Fifth update

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3/17/2011

Today was our day off. After our days of hard work and early morning we got up even earlier and went to New York City. Jim drove us down before the sun even thought about rising and joined us at the Today Show. We braved the crowd to stand right in front where the cameras are. Al Roker came out and shook our hands and even gave a shout out for our video documentary! But by far the best part was getting a picture with the camera guy. He was so cool! So while it was a long long long day in the city we had a lot of fun. Some went to see a Broadway show and we ate at the famous Stardust Diner where the waiters sing for you! Totally awesome. I was put on the spot and had to sing for the crowd. All in all it was a fantastic day. Although our feet would say otherwise. So while it was our day off it was definitely the most physically demanding day.

-Brittany

3/18/2011

Today we watched a house drop in Whiteplanes, NY. What is a house drop? Well, it is when the base of a house is already in place and the already built portions of the house are lowered on the base with a crane. Was it weird to watch? Yes. I can honestly say that I've never seen a house swinging in the air over power lines. It was truly a new experience for some of us. We also cleaned up part of a building lot. Before noon we traveled back to Elmsford to get in a few hours of work at the Italian couples house that we'd worked at before. They were lovely like always and the wife made us sandwiches for lunch! It truly is a great feeling to help out these people and to see the appreciation in their kindness. Plus the fresh parmesan was delicious. After lunch we worked on clearing out the Elmsford River. Because of the flooding there is trash and large tree branches clogging up the river. Seeing what this state considers as a "clean river" very much made us appreciate Maine's regulations and beauty. More people in this state need to take care of their environment or someday it won't be there. Jim is always talking about how he wants everyone to take some time and really look around and see what needs to be done and do it. The world is a beautiful place, it just needs to be cleaned up. Later on in the day we visited the Convent House of New York and met a great group of kids living there. We played some basketball with them and obtained a better understanding of how life can be different for everyone. While we may have homes and families to go to, not all do. It was an inspiring experience just as this whole week has been. Tomorrow we leave New York and I already know I'm going to miss it. The choice to join this trip was one of the best decisions I've ever made.

-Brittany

Texts from the Teams

3/18/11

4:38 PM - They definetly put us to work today. All of us are covered in either paint or dirt from helping the women at The House of Grace. Mo Mo brought us out...

4:38 PM - ...a bright great drink that none of us know the name of and sadly could not ask her because she does not speak english. After painting the guest room and...

4:38 PM - ...cleaning up the two gardens we learned a little about the organization and were given some lettuce from the garden. Liz and Krystal are preparing home-made...

4:38 PM - ...mac and cheese for dinner nom nom nom, then were going out with Father Kevin to pass out food and some candy we picked up. What a successful day and...

4:38 PM - ...we're only half way through!

3/18/11

10:17 PM - Just got back from out reach on the streets of Philly. We met some amazing people and none of us want to go home. I'm not sure if the people of Philly...

10:17 PM - ...understand the lasting effect they have made on our lives. We pray for all the people who we have met this week and hope that they find some way to...

10:17 PM - ...continue smiling. One last shout out to Father Kevin, Eumir, Mark, Nellie, Philly and more specifically the people of Kensington. Get Phillayyy!

3/19/11

12:13 PM - Greetings from Vermont. We are at the Ben and Jerrys factory about to tackle a Vermonster. Hopefully we can all move to get back to the van!

1:57 PM - We conquered all 20 scoops of ice cream 10 scoops of walnuts 4 cookies 4 bananas 4 ladels of hot fudge 4 ladels of caramel 4 toppings and 1 brownie that are the Vermonster!