By: Anna Pellegrini
Spring break is something all students look forward to during the spring semester. Whether is it padre, pcb, or just going home, this break is well needed. However, this spring break I decided to do something a little different. I decided to go on Bear Breaks.
Going to Asheville, North Carolina was something I was looking forward to, but I ended up receiving so much more than I was expecting. I came out of this trip with new friendships, stronger friendships, a stronger faith, a stronger want to serve, and a different outlook on life.
Throughout this trip we served through different organizations. We served through GreenWorks, YMCA, and Haywood Street Congregation. Monday, we volunteered at GreenWorks. We worked along-side the river front and picked up trash. Tuesday and Thursday, we helped out at the YMCA. Here we did various activities. Whether it was washing large busses, painting tires, handing out food to locals in need from a mobile market, or helping teenagers learn to cook at the boys and girls club, everyone had a great time. And Wednesday, we served people from the Asheville area a very delicious meal at Haywood. Each day and place we worked at, I had so many wonderful experiences, but the one that really had a strong impact on me was Haywood.
Haywood Street Congregation is a faith based non-profit which runs many programs. Programs vary from worship sessions, a safe place for all, a clothing closet, and 2 hot meals for all every Wednesday and Sunday, and much more. The meals that are provided come from top restaurants in the Asheville area, who volunteer either their food and/or services to cook hot meals for all in the community. On Wednesday, we helped serve a delicious meal to the community. This meal included meatloaf, seasoned potatoes, cooked vegetables, bread, salad, drinks, and dessert. This whole meal was done volunteered based. Everyone who helped put on this meal did it out of the kindness of their hearts.
The environment in Haywood is almost indescribable. It was welcoming, warm, loud, full of energy, judgement free, and overall happiness. The majority of the community who came to eat were homeless, but it is not uncommon for doctors, lawyers, and other members of the community to come and eat. When we first arrived at Haywood, we were told to sit and eat with the people we serve and have a conversation when we wanted. And when doing just that, it made the whole experience much more meaningful.
Sitting down and hearing everyone’s story is an amazing experience. You hear where they grew up, what they did throughout their life, what their thoughts are about the world, and how much they appreciate Haywood. I was sitting with this one man, and it turns out he was from Joplin, Missouri. He was telling me his life story and just how much he appreciated Haywood. One thing that stuck out to me was, “Everyone treats me like an actually person here”. And that’s when it hit me. So many people treat the homeless like they are not even people. They go ignored, people won’t even look in their direction, people throw stuff at them, etc. But at the end of the day, we are all people. And this amazing place really does treat everyone equally.
Throughout the whole time we served food, we served about 400 people. It is impossible to have a deep conversation with all 400 people, but all were still extremely appreciative. When it was time to start cleaning everything up, a man called myself and another participant over. We both went over and he introduced himself. His name was Crow. Crow asked us what our names were and asked if he could bless us. We said yes and after the blessing, us three had a conversation. The conversation was long, very in-depth and meaningful. Crow had many insightful things to say but one thing that really stuck with me was, “There is a fire inside of you, I can see it in your eyes. Never let that fire burn out. Fuel your fire!”
That night, I reflected about everything Crow had said, and I gained something I cannot explain. All I knew is that I want to help make our world a better place. I want to keep making everyone’s day better. I want to be a better person. I want to be an advocate. I want to be always fueling my fire.
There is so much more I can type about my Bear Breaks experience however, it could turn into a novel. But if you are even considering going on a trip, please apply. This trip will change your life for the better and be the best possible trip you’ve ever taken. I couldn’t imagine having a better time doing anything else besides serving in Asheville, NC. Stay weird Asheville.