By Analise Reed

Today was probably the most eye opening day of service. Being a trip leader, I have seen and learned a lot throughout my experiences. Today we worked with the non profit called Rebuilding the Wall. This group shared their story with us, and it brought tears to not only their eyes, but mine as well. Mary was a social worker who moved to the roughest neighborhood of Indy to form close relationships with the people in the community. Keep in mind Mary is a white middle class woman who would not typically be seen in this kind of area. This is how she met her husband, Chris. Together they wanted to do something to promote economic sustainability within their community. They started their non profit to invest back in the locals. They restored houses and prepared individuals for home ownership that without them, may not have ever had the chance to own one. These two opened their home to their community. They had everything from violent threats, people shot in the house, to even being hit by a bus. These two still persevere despite the struggles they had faced as a nonprofit. They are just recently getting back on their feet since the accident. I was incredibly touched by their story. These two did not go into that neighborhood to “fix” it. They went in to promote the community. Each side was benefiting and one did not think it was better than the other. I truly think they represent what it means to serve. They saw an opportunity and ran with it. I think many people could learn a thing or two from their practices.