Journal Entry - 01/06/07 (Travel Day #1)
HC395 Service Learning Trip

Wow! What a first day of travel we had! Winter travel advisories, blowing snow, and wind (creating whiteout conditions at times), and tight nerves from the recent van training made for a potential emotional breakdown at times.

In the face of all that, we were an amazing group - nothing seemed to phase us for long - eventually somebody would make a funny comment on the weather, or tell a funny story, and we would break the tension with bouts of enormous laughter. We also had a great collection of music on the group's iPods that kept the conversation (and singing) flowing, and the mood "chill". The jacuzzi at the Comfort Inn was a great way to end the day - soaking our sore bones and telling stories from the day and getting to know each other better.

It really taught me (or affirmed) the principles of service-learning from Soul of a Citizen

• Nothing has to be perfect - somethings are out of our control
• Taking the first few steps is tough - but after that everything just seems to fall into place.