Sunday Funday

Today was our only "free" day on the trip (and chance to actually sleep in).  But just because it was a free day didn't mean we had take advantage of our beautiful location.  After catching up on much-needed sleep, our group drove to nearby Roanoke Rapids to walk an old canal trail.  The weather was 75 and sunny (much better then dreary Baltimore), the perfect weather for a fun hike through the woods.  It was a great time to reflect on the activities of the last few days and spend time getting to know each other better.  Even though our group bonded very quickly, our new friendships have grown stronger with each passing day, to the point that we have become a family.  

We are so blessed to be spending the week on beautiful Lake Gaston and what better activity to do today than boating on the lake? After the hike, we all piled into the Landers's boat to further enjoy the beautiful day. As we are a service trip, we all have service on the mind and with the Polar Bear Plunge coming up, some of us decided to test the waters of the lake. Ali, Grace, and I (Gretchen) were the 3 brave souls who jumped right into the (pushing) 40 degree waters. Boy, was it freezing! Never in my life have I been so cold, the second we jumped in my entire body froze and Grace and I thought we wouldn't make it the 5 feet to the dock and our towels! A major shoutout to Ali for swimming 50 feet and for her champion dive! Although thinking of the lake still sends me shivers, I wouldn't have stayed in the boat for anything- what a great experience! Every day amazes me with the new and unforgettable opportunities: the beautiful location, our spectacular group, and the inspirational children we have the privilege of seeing every day. 

After dinner, we sat around and reflected on the activities of the last few days.  A hallmark of this trip has been the unbelievable positivity shown by our group.  Everyone in the group gave a shout-out, thanking our hosts, the drivers, the cooks, etc.  Often on these trips, not everyone in the groups connects, or cliques begin to form  and some participants are excluded.  That has not been the case for the Gaston trip.  Our group bonded instantly and though we like to pick on each other sometimes, we all really care for one another. 

There are a lot of ways to describe KIPP, but I think it can best be summed up in four simple words "Work Hard, Be Nice".  I think this phrase perfectly describes our group.  Everyone in the group works incredibly hard while at KIPP helping the teachers and tutoring the students and does it with an overwhelmingly positive attitude.  It has been an incredibly enriching experience to work along such great people, and we are happy to be along for the ride. (and to have taken the plunge! Haha!)