Work Hard Play Hard

While I've never been a morning person, rising with the sun and enjoying the groggy company of the other members has been something to look forward to.  After a simple breakfast, the bus rides seem to be a perfect lullaby for many of the group members **cough cough Mark, Kristina, and Lisa**. I know in the past I've certainly identified with being a so-called "bus-sleeper"; however, the past couple days have been different.  Part of it has almost certainly come with the mentality that I've come to realize here with the group--the concept of savoring as many moments in life as possible, the ideal of being more present, the ability to detach myself from technology.  These are all things that are easy to forget when I get caught in my comfortable routine and forget to turn off autopilot.

For me, the past couple days have been the quintessential example of work hard, play hard.  Spending two full days at Jerusalem! has been a wonderful, albeit somewhat exhausting, treat.  I'm still amazed at how welcoming each person is there, even from the first seconds of arriving.  At home I'm usually not the type to strike up conversations with people I don't know and I tend to shy away from unfamiliar situations, but here the smiles, waves, and hugs are contagious.  Many of the kids come up to you as if you were their best friends and the instant bond is there for good.  Hearing "Hey! Uncle Mike!" and turning to see an excited wave and a genuine smile is an instant morale booster when you're balancing your 25th mound of dirt in the wheelbarrow to the nearby field.

The heat and the hard work can be draining, but the time spent playing and goofing around the kids is irreplaceable. It's amazing to see how much the kids remember about Jordan, Meaghan, and Andrew, the group's three veterans, whether it's a game that they played with them once, or a story that they told, or a silly joke.  I can't help but wonder how much my short time here will stick with them.

Realizing that it's already Wednesday night is almost surreal.  It feels like just yesterday we were lugging our suitcases and backpacks from the airport, yet at the same time I can't help but feel as though we have been here together for weeks. Each day is packed with so many unforgettable experiences, conversations, jokes, and good eats. It might be tough to leave all this soon, but that's not going to stop me from cherishing, enjoying, and savoring each and every one of the next days.

Mike (newbie)