Once upon a time there were a group of bears that decided to go on a long, winding journey to the mountains of North Bearolina. After hours (and hours and hours) of driving, a Sizzilin Chikin, an NCDOT sign, and a long, loud tunnel full of honking cars later, they finally arrived. Although the bears knew that this new journey would make their own spring break an enriching experience, they didn’t realize the impact they would have on the community of Asheville and the relationships they would build in just three short days.
Right away the bears were blown away with the southern hospitality that welcomed them at their new cave (The Hominy Baptist Church) that would become home for the next week. The first area of service the bears explored was cleaning a littered stream in the city of Asheville. River Link paired with the bears to provide the tools needed to pick up the piles of trash polluting the stream. Plastic bags, tires, cans, metal, and an old, rusty table were just a few of the unbearable items polluting the creek that the bears had to face. After many spills in the water and around 30 garbage bags of litter later, the creek finally looked like a stream you would expect to find in the beautiful mountainous town of Asheville.
After retiring our waders and having a picnic lunch in the car because we were too hungry to find a park, the bears ventured to The Western North Carolina Aids Project, or WNCAP offices to learn about how HIV and AIDS is a prevalent issue in North Carolina. With over 35,000 cases in North Carolina alone, the organization is trying to assist their clients with the supplies and support needed to fight the illness as well as education and outreach to the community to learn about the virus and prevent the spread of HIV and AIDS. They also provide resources to help their clients fight their everyday bearriers by connecting them to their food pantry, financial assistance program, and more.
When the bears’ long service day was coming to an end, they decided go on a 5 mile hike in order to soak in the beautiful nature surrounding them. The bears were very active as they endured the steep and rocky climb and finally made it to the breathtaking view of the mountains. Hiking in bear country was an adventurous way to build our den community as we talked about service, summer camp, puppies on the trail, and Pope Francis.
The bears second day of service was just as intriguing as the first. Their community partner for the day was ABCCM (Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry) who helps the community and homeless population in emergency situations such as medical care, food insecurity, and a need for clothing. While there, the majority of the maul of bears sorted clothing, shoes, and accessories, some went to serve food and others helped sort and pack information to be given out to the community about the organization. Seeing the difference a few hours of hard work and compassion can make really showed this bear how much of an impact can be made on the community.
Later, the bears had the opportunity to explore downtown Asheville and actually got recognized by one of the clients! What an amazing feeling it was to be called to by him from across the street and be thanked for our service. Walking around and embracing the culture (like trying the free samples of chocolate or writing on the Before I Die wall) of downtown Asheville again showed us the hospitality of the people and the atmosphere of the city. After eating yet another beary good meal by one of the student leaders Zach and a lesson in athletic training by Adam, we had an amazing reflection about serving others, not helping them. Helping or fixing indicates that something is broken, but serving others benefits both sides because we grow through each other.
Asheville has already began affecting the bears in a big way, and we cannot wait to see what is still to come. It’s only day two and there’s so much service and growing that is still to be done in North Bearolina. The bears will continue to serve, create connections, and make an impact on the community around us. They will bring their attitudes back to Missouri State, start making a difference, and live happily ever after.