Yesterday, the team woke up with a sizable feeling of accomplishment as we looked at our cameras one last time to see the bridge we put up just yesterday. Today was also a treat from our Project Manager Tyler, as we had our wake up changed from the usual 5:30, to an exceptionally generous 7:45. Once downstairs, we filled ourselves up on the usual breakfast selections - only this time we were told we can eat as much as we want so guys were going up for their fourth and fifth helpings of cereal. Our goal for the day, was to visit the Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital. There our team was given a tour by the staff of the center - we were shown the rehab and dialysis wings and were told about the innovative autism center built on the property.
After meeting a few of the patients at the hospital (the kids were not impressed - the week before the rookies of the Cleveland Browns showed up at the hospital for a friendship visit as well), the team was split up into groups intended to fulfill various tasks arou
nd the facility. I was sad that we were not able to have a real friendship visit but on Sunday we set out for Camp Allyn in Batavia, Ohio, so I am sure that the week will be full of necessary reflection about the camp and the visits. George, Jeff and myself worked in the awfully steamy therapy pool, where we polished the stainless steel in the locker rooms and scrubbed the pool of any scum that had accumulated. Other groups cleaned toys, washed mats and helped the kids with gardening. Although we were unable to spend prolonged time with the patients, the team was able to really put into perspective what children with disabilities have to endure and the facilities available to help them. We helped the clinic in the west way we could and came away with a deeper sense of accomplishment and understanding.
A Walmart trip followed - this was my second trip to Walmart in my life and this one was just as mind blowing as the first. The store has EVERYTHING. I ended up buying various unhealthy snacks, a pair of work jeans and a football - I also purchased a four dollar water bottle that I am pretty certain will share its carcinogens with me eventually. A few hours of rest was spent watching the US collapse
e against Ghana - at 5 we set off to the home of Cam Johnson (a team member from the 2009 BAM team). We spent an amazing evening with his family, grilling, playing volleyball and enjoying their gigantic pool. While some team members played chicken and other pool games with the Johnson children, others enjoyed mama Johnsons pudding cake and sweet corn. It was amazing to see such kindness in people and to be taken in by such a kind family, even if it was for only an evening. The highlight of the evening was probably building a super Build American where Will Aja ended up lifting 400 pounds of weight (three guys).
Camp Allyn is tomorrow along with the real beginning of this journey. A stop at Skyline chili is a part of our travel plans on Sunday so I am already excited. The team has a daily prayer after breakfast and while usually i just sing renditions of Hanukah songs in my head while everyone else prays, I found myself praying along with everyone else that I have the strength during the next 6 weeks to show the special campers exactly how special they are.
After meeting a few of the patients at the hospital (the kids were not impressed - the week before the rookies of the Cleveland Browns showed up at the hospital for a friendship visit as well), the team was split up into groups intended to fulfill various tasks arou
nd the facility. I was sad that we were not able to have a real friendship visit but on Sunday we set out for Camp Allyn in Batavia, Ohio, so I am sure that the week will be full of necessary reflection about the camp and the visits. George, Jeff and myself worked in the awfully steamy therapy pool, where we polished the stainless steel in the locker rooms and scrubbed the pool of any scum that had accumulated. Other groups cleaned toys, washed mats and helped the kids with gardening. Although we were unable to spend prolonged time with the patients, the team was able to really put into perspective what children with disabilities have to endure and the facilities available to help them. We helped the clinic in the west way we could and came away with a deeper sense of accomplishment and understanding.A Walmart trip followed - this was my second trip to Walmart in my life and this one was just as mind blowing as the first. The store has EVERYTHING. I ended up buying various unhealthy snacks, a pair of work jeans and a football - I also purchased a four dollar water bottle that I am pretty certain will share its carcinogens with me eventually. A few hours of rest was spent watching the US collapse
e against Ghana - at 5 we set off to the home of Cam Johnson (a team member from the 2009 BAM team). We spent an amazing evening with his family, grilling, playing volleyball and enjoying their gigantic pool. While some team members played chicken and other pool games with the Johnson children, others enjoyed mama Johnsons pudding cake and sweet corn. It was amazing to see such kindness in people and to be taken in by such a kind family, even if it was for only an evening. The highlight of the evening was probably building a super Build American where Will Aja ended up lifting 400 pounds of weight (three guys).Camp Allyn is tomorrow along with the real beginning of this journey. A stop at Skyline chili is a part of our travel plans on Sunday so I am already excited. The team has a daily prayer after breakfast and while usually i just sing renditions of Hanukah songs in my head while everyone else prays, I found myself praying along with everyone else that I have the strength during the next 6 weeks to show the special campers exactly how special they are.
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