The Power of Enthusiasm!
Hello Everyone!
Today was so exciting!!! These past two days I was a part of a landscaping crew (there was about 8 of us). We spent all day yesterday clearing out a front and backyard of one house that we finished today and then this afternoon we started clearing out a yard of a second house. It’s amazing how the little things that you come accross makes the experience so exciting and definately an enthusiasm booster for each new day.
Okay so I am going to try to make this short as others want to blog as well and I did write a super long entry last time. The one exciting thing that happened today was that in the yard of the second house we were working at we found parts of a rat skeleton and a cat skeleton. It was so amazing…we were so excited about it that we wanted to find all of the bones and try to piece it back together (tomarrow we want to go back and try to find more of the bones). A bit creepy in a way I guess…but it was so amazing to try to figure out how the bones fit together! In addition to that we came accross so many creepy crawlies (if that is a true word??). We found snakes (little small ones), beetles, spiders, slugs, as well as tiny frogs and a mouse that ran by us. Plus the day before while cleaning out the yard of the first house we found a bunch of random household items and for some reason we found it so fascinating to find random things under branches and inbetween leaves and tall grass, such as a shoe, mustard bottle, rench, medical scissors, a ken doll, two bowling balls, a toy stroller, two ovens, a ruler, rociking chair as well as many other small things.
Besides the little things the amazing thing is that with only eight of us we were able to clear out two yards (first house) and the start of the second house. The first house was the most amazing! We all had so much enthusiasm it was super awesome! We cleared out a shed that a tree had smashed down the center as well as that tree and all of the debris surrounding it with our bare hands!
Well I should end on this note but I seriously cannot wait to see what the next day will bring! The power of enthusiasm is within all of us and as Ralph Waldo Emerson stated “Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.”
Have a great day!
~Eileen
Eileen,
Not sure if you remember me, but I work for your mom at the Bank. I can tell she is very proud of you as she keeps us all abreast of your experiences at Knox college, including your efforts in New Orleans. She shared your blog and, of course, now I see what I’ve always known, that you have not one, but two proud parents.
Personally, I think what you and your classmates are doing is awesome! While the average college student on holiday break is shopping at the mall, watching TV or working for pay, you and your classmates are unselfishly giving of your time and talents to help others in need. You have found the true meaning of the Holidays. I applaud each and everyone of you.
I also think this is the perfect time for you to experience life. Once you have a full-time job or have a family of your own, you will not be able to easily pick up and go explore or volunteer for long periods of time. Enjoy the opportunity, you have in front of you in New Orleans; live the culture where you are, get to know the people you are helping and help spread the news that there are people who care about them. As you can imagine, nothing could possibly be any lonelier than loosing everything… your home, your pets and life as you knew it.
I know you are only in the first couple of days of the effort and you may get tired. If you do, I encourage you to reflect on what Edward Everett Hale, the American author (and son of Nathan Hale) said: “I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do. What I can do, I should do. And what I should do, by the grace of God, I will do.”
May God keep watch over you and your classmates as you continue your efforts in New Orleans and as you travel home. May you always be as sweet and generous as you are… and thank you.
Best regards,
Andrea Wilk
(Guess you’re not the only one who can be lengthy! Hope you don’t mind.)
Comment by Andrea Wilk — December 8, 2006 @ 11:57 am
Eileen!!!
I’ve been thinking about you these many days, and now read what you’ve written and am so so so proud of you! Your optimism and generosity are shining through—as always! Now you are bringing that Eileen O’Brien special magic to those in New Orleans. This is gonna be a life-changing event for you (my daughter #3!). I can’t wait to hear more (and see pix) when you get home!. Stay strong and full of faith. This proves you can do anything!
All best,
Mrs. Saunders
Comment by Cathie Saunders — December 11, 2006 @ 9:54 am
Eileen,
The most amazing thing to me about the New Orleans disaster is that it has almost completely fa
Comment by Jerry Pospisil — December 11, 2006 @ 12:05 pm
Sorry about that - I fell off line…..The most amazing thing is that this has fallen off the mainstream media’s notice. It has fallen into the hands of people who volunteer from schools, churches, small teams and interested people. You would think the Federal gov’t would be more interested than it seems.
As far as your involvement….good for you and your friends. Always stay focused on the important things in life; namely family, friends, relationship with God and others who need your help. Keep on your trek of discovery …. it is something you will always have.
Comment by Jerry Pospisil — December 11, 2006 @ 12:10 pm
Eileen- Sorry it took us so long to blog. Your entries were incredibly detailed–it’s almost like we are
there with you. Your experiences sound amazing–it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I’m so glad you are
doing it. We both can’t wait to see your pictures when you get back. LESS THAN ONE WEEK TILL WE’RE HOME (AND
YOU TOO)!!!!!!! See you soon!!
~Rebecca and Sarah
Comment by Rebecca and Sarah Saunders — December 13, 2006 @ 10:57 pm