Tuesday, August 7, 2007

The bitter-sweetness of being home

Hi everyone, it's Mrs. Donnelly and I miss you all already. Sleeping in my own bed last night felt wonderful although I struggled to fall asleep without one of Loren's bedtime stories. I finally drifted off knowing that I no longer had to worry about anyone falling out of a bunk bed. I know we are all happy to be home with our families but there is a feeling tugging at me that will not allow the images of the last 10 days to leave my mind. This decompression back into our regular life can be emotional and a little difficult. The key of getting through it is to still be there for each other. Talking about the trip and trying to get others to understand that there is still an enormous amount of devastation on the Mississippi coast will also be a help. I am here if you need to talk and I couldn't be prouder of all of you.
Much Love,
Mrs. Donnelly

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hello everyone!!!
DID EVERYONE DRINK THEIR WATER TODAY? In all seriousness, we shared an incredible ten (eleven) days together, learning about the Gulf Coast, each other, and ourselves. I had a hard time giving an adequate description as to all that we did and saw, but it is as clearly etched in my memory as it is in yours. Remember - service is in anything and everything - from building a home to a simple smile on the street to someone who just may need a smile at that very second. You have all impacted my life, and I thank you for that from the bottom of my heart.
Love always,
Jane Smedley

Anonymous said...

Hi girls!

After three showers (yes, three) and a full stomach (pity there were no "dirty Lagniappes" around), I'm still in disbelief that I'm actually home and our amazing journey has ended.

I want to stress how proud I am of all of you for all that you accomplished these past 11 days. You truly epitomize all that service entails. Thank you for an amazing service trip. I can't stop talking about all of you and how hard you worked. While my descriptions of the devastation are still lacking in quality (it really is hard to explain) my stories of the 16 amazing young women I was with are full colored narratives rich with detail.

I can't wait to see you all again in school. Remember that we will always share these memories of our trip, and I am always here for you when needed. Thank you for everything.

Love,
Ms. Tyrrell (Auntie)

Anonymous said...

hellllllllllo <3
OH MY GOD I MISS YOU ALL SOO MUCH <3333333333 i went out to lunch with some of my friends today and i drank threeeee glasses of water, thanks to you smeds haha! wow, i dont no where to begin i miss you all SO SO MUCH and i would have to say that this was definitely one of the most amazing experiences of me life. i am so glad to have met all of you and cherish the relationships i have formed. i will always be here for each and everyone of you... thankyou for making it so easy to express myself in front of all of you... i love you forever...
Love,
Loren