Saturday, March 15, 2014

Bringing it home.

This trip has allowed me to become a more socially conscious person and a more veritable leader. I have met so many amazing people in Indiana. They have shared their passions and their hardships, and I am grateful for it. They have changed the way I see service and my community. I could not thank them enough for the experience I have had. 
I feel obligated to give back to our community in a way I did not feel before the trip, and I have found an outlet to express that passion. My sorority has recently adopted Rare Breed as our local philanthropy. In addition to contributing financially, I would like to see my sisters volunteer at Rare Breed and have a true understanding of the need that teens in Springfield have for this program and how the facility benefits the community. I can see that for some, there is a disconnect between service hours and contributing to the community. They only do it out of obligation. I do not want that to be the case for my organization. Being a leader in a new and growing organization, I recognize the potential to start something different and more meaningful. To have my sisters share in a true passion for service and the Springfield community would be incredible. I am excited to return to campus and share my experience with my chapter.

Ellen Herbig


Friday, March 14, 2014

Immersion Trip 2014- Savanna Stanley

Week in Indy 
I honestly really enjoyed this trip so much. Going into this trip I thought we would just be volunteering at a farm and that's it. But little did I know, I learned so much more about myself than I would have imagined. I had so much fun getting to know all of the interesting and diverse people on the trip and how we all came together as a family. I really loved working with Global Peace Initiatives and learning from Linda. Linda had so much knowledge and passion about this organization and I loved listening to her. As an agriculture major, I always thought I wanted to go into the fancier part of the agriculture business and make the big bucks. But after seeing what Linda does for the community and the impact she makes on others, makes me consider all of the possibilities I have with an agriculture degree. Working with Rebuilding The Wall was such a moving experience because Mary's story touched all of us and made us all realize just how good we have it. I reflected on my ex-boyfriends story and related that back to the families and children we were helping by painting that house. I know it's not always esay for families to get back on their feet and although I've never expierenced difficult times personally, I understand the pain and hurt families feel. I also took away how thankful and blessed I am to have grown up with the family I did and with the support, time and money that were poured into my childhood. I would never be where I am today without my parents support and just imagining kids without any support is just heartbreaking and that's why organizations like Lindas, Marys, and Brooks are so important. Working in Brooks church on Thursday made me analyze my life on a deeper more religious level and I was thankful for that chance. Religion has always been a situation where I had the power to choose what I believed in and cleaning that big church just made me rethink a lot of things. This expierence was importan for my conscience and now I have a better understanding in what my religious beliefs are and I am grateful for that. Overall this week in Indianapolis was amazing. I learned so much, matured, and I really think I will take a lot away from this expierence. 

Not ready to leave! - Mary Keathley

    At the beginning of the trip, I did not know what to expect. I didn't know much about the social issue and didn't know anyone but one person. I was excited to learn and ready to work though! Throughout the week I had no idea how much this trip would impact me. 
    To start with the people; I would have never thought a group like this would get along so well. I feel like we have all become such great friends in a matter of six days. I have made some memories I will never forget. All of us are able to laugh any where we go, but can also hold an important conversation during reflections. We understand each other and what each and every person is passionate about. We are so diverse and come from all different places; that is what makes us mesh so well. We learn from one another. I can't wait to keep in contact with everyone and hang out outside this trip. 
    When working at the service sites, I would have never thought I would have had the experience I did. Like I said earlier, I had no expectations. When we first got to the fair grounds, I was hesitant to start working out in the cold weather. Now I would get up at 6am and do it all again if I got the chance. I learned so much talking to Linda. She taught us all about the entire process and really aloud us to have a good time while working. When we went to ReBuilding The Wall, Mary's story was truly an inspiration. I was aware of some of the things going on in the city, but hearing a perspective from inside the community totally changed my views. Working in Brook's church was fun and relaxing! Even though cleaning was a very indirect service, it made me think more into the entire process of serving. Us cleaning that church, could have put a smile on over 100 people, and to me that's what matters. 
    I really enjoyed this entire week. I think I have made some life long friends and learned some life lessons. I hope everyone had a great week! Love you all! 

Mary Keathley 

Goodbye Indy - Makaila Schieber

It has been one of the most inspiring and amazing weeks I have ever had. We were fortunate enough to work with some of Indianapolis' most generous and hard-working people. Working with Linda Proffitt at Global Peace Initiatives, Mary Provence at Rebuilding the Wall, and Brooks Barrick at Olive Branch Christain Church provided us with an insight into some of the great service work that is being done in Indy. All have different areas of Indy that they focus on, and each has a very different way of serving their community, but what I found is that each one of them took pride in their community and worked to make it better. 

This week has taught me that there is no one way to volunteer and no matter how small the work may seem, it really is the little things that count. Coming back to Springfield, I am bringing back a new perspective on people and how I relate to them. This week opened my mind up to so much. I hope to come back and tackle some of the issues that we learned about this week because there is social injustice everywhere, including Springfield. 

I was also honored to serve the city of Indianapolis alongside some of the funniest, craziest, and most kind-hearted people I have ever met. I made 11 new friends this week while exploring a city that I had never been to before. I am sad to leave Indy, but I am proud to say that we have made our mark and helped a city with a lot of need. 

So much fun alternative trip-- Boun Sengpraseuth

The immersion trip semi elevated my understanding of how volunteering contributes to helping the community. I learned to really empathize with the leaders of different organization. In other words, listening to individuals stories and the obstacles that they had face allowed me to really visualize their situation. Doing different repetitive tasks, and "living" their life have gave me understanding because I able to feel the hard work that goes into the mudan jobs. For example, going to Linda's farm and racking the land all day, knowing that she relies on volunteers to help her get different tasks done gave me a perspective that volunteer contributes by helping the organization to regulate which then helps the community by distributing food, soil or house.  I didn't really gain much experience in volunteering, besides learning how to paint. I wish that there were more people interactment. I was hoping to go to a homeless shelter, or even a school to talk, or feed the people. All and all the most that I can get out from this trip is questioning what I really want to do in my future. For some odd reason, this trip had trigger on what I really want to do in my life and getting to see the people who developed their own organization and live their life doing this and seeing how happy they are makes me question is it really worth pursuing something that I semi enjoy. I guess I come out from this trip questioning and examining my future decisions. Seeing others loving their jobs and hearing their challenging obstacles makes me wonder. Oh! The group was cool and I am glad we all became friends. All of the people that I had work with, all have such a big hearts and I am quite thankful for that.

Final Night- Aubrey Snedeker



This past week of service has been inspiring and insightful. I have gained a great amount of knowledge about several social issues. This trip consisted of a variety of issues. We learned about health, agriculture, poverty, and sustainability. As a dietetic major learning about agriculture and health was a wonderful experience. I got to see it from another perspective than what I have been used to. I did not realize how much it goes into producing the goods that you desire. I have gained only a small percent of understanding being a farmer but it has inspired me to learn more. I want to become more aware of what all farmers and local business owners go through. When back in Springfield I will be researching and talking to many of them in the area. What was pretty interesting also was that the organization that produced the gardens or homes for people and turned it over to them entirely. They created a sustainable life for their community members that may have not had the best luck or were in the best situations. They provided them a way to get unstuck .The community members who were given the gardens or homes were treated as if they still mattered even though other parts of society may have given up on them. This was incredible to see. Rebuilding the Wall would take not so lovely houses and completely make livable again and work with felons or community members in need to get their credit better  to be able to receive a loan to get the house at a very low price from the organization. Rebuilding the Wall would give the person a job and in return for working for them they would receive a home they helped rebuild. Therefore the member went from homeless and jobless to an employed community member and a home owner. However what most stuck out to me was that all the people who work for Rebuilding the Wall live within 10 blocks of each other. They believe in keeping the organization made of only community members because if the organization is going to make changes in a community they need to live in it and see how it functions on a first hand basis. Overall this trip has been inspiring and I cannot wait to see what the future holds.
Aubrey Snedeker

A Week in Indy- Emily Cassimatis

This week was the best week I have had since I started college. 
Whether it was working hard on service projects, laughing, or eating, the Indianpolis trip to me was all about connections and relationships. I understand that the trip was supposed to be about agriculture and sustainibility and poverty, but to me those were just basic outlines that the trip fell in to. We did learn about agriculture and sustainibility with Linda Proffitt and we learned about poverty with Mary Province and Brooks Barrick, but it was the relationships that these people made, as well as their personal stories, that really stuck with me. I remember when Mary Province was telling her story about living in the "hood" and how she viewed prostitutes and drug dealers and neighbors and even as friends. This struck a chord with me the most, because I feel as though I have personally fallen victim to judging people based on their social status, and I think we all do. I mean what comes to mind when you think of a homeless person? We think of them as less than us, but the more I heard Mary speak, the more I realized that even though a person may have less than I do, it does not make them less of a person. 
After coming to this realization I started to really listen to the people on this trip with me, because I think when we truly accept those around us, we become more inspired about the things that make them different from us. The people on this trip with me are incredible and unique individuals. They are brilliant and caring and have the most incredible hearts... I mean who would give up their spring break to do a service trip somewhere cold?! 
This group of people has become a group of friends outside of my "usual" 
They have inspired me to be confident in what I do and I know I will be the first to sign up for this trip again next year. 

Envisioning Change - Alex Johnson

One week of exposure to social issues facing a community was all it took for a group of college students to come together and envision change for their own communities.  Food insecurities, poverty, and agriculture were topics with which we got hands-on experience this Spring Break.  Those learning experiences will hopefully transfer to Missouri, along with awareness of these issues.

I am taking away from this experience knowledge, skills, new connections, and a sense of pride to be a Missouri State Bear.  I love getting my hands dirty, and one of my favorite experiences was working with Linda Proffitt of Global Peace Initiatives.  What she does for the Indianapolis community is beyond belief, and she gave me several opportunities to take part... while getting in the dirt and having fun. 

Breakfast Club- Johnathan Saunders

I was asked to blog about my entire experience from this trip. As I reflected about this, my mind gravitated toward an iconic movie called The Breakfast Club. I could see many parallels between our group from the onset of our trip. What a site to behold. Students from all walks of life crammed into two vans, who barely know one other were traveling two states away to live in an unfamiliar place for a week. We all had reservations about each other, but remained open minded. After each day of service we would gather around and reflect on the days activities. As a group we become closer each day until we felt close enough to call one another friends. We learned more about nonprofits, community issues, and what we can do to help on this trip than we ever would through a book or class. This post doesn't do our group justice, but I think it captures the essence of our experience. We are Bears, we are students, we are active citizens, we are friends, and we are the Breakfast Club.

Clay Stacy - Indianapolis Experience

My experience on this trip has been amazing! I knew coming to Indianapolis that I wanted to go into social work for graduate school. However, I was unclear of what direction I wanted to take it in. Hearing from Linda Proffitt at Peaceful grounds that she was a social worker, and the work that she does with agriculture. Then hearing from Mary Provence at Rebuilding The Wall that she was a social worker, and the work she does within here community was amazing. It helped me realize I can do whatever I want with a masters in social work. It was also so amazing hearing there stories and how passionate they were about the issues that they take care of. It made me cry to see how much change took place with the passion from their hearts.
Overall, this trip helped me discover my future, my leadership ability, and new friends. I'm glad that I had this experience. I'm also excited that I learned more about agriculture, so I can take that information and apply it to the Peace Corps. This trip makes me even more excited for my future and the future of the others in my volunteer group. I want everyone at Missouri State to have this experience at least once, so that they can take away their own experience and apply it to their community. It really helps you discover who you are and bond with others so well.

The end - Francis Ahrens

It has been a great week in Indianapolis! I have had the chance to co-lead a trip full of amazing student leaders. I am going to be taking a lot out of this trip. The main thing would have to be the inspiring stories that we heard throughout the week. Mary Provence, Linda Proffitt, and Brooks Barrick are three outstanding role models for their community and students like our group. In addition to that, the relationships that were formed were so great. I am coming out of this week with 11 new friendships. A lot of us did not know each other before the trip and I am excited to continue to bond with this group of individuals. 

I have got to admit that it is completely different being a trip leader. I have gained a lot of new perspectives from this trip. Looking back at this experience, I look forward to be a better citizen, student, and leader. 

All it takes is glue - Alex Johnson


What an eye opening week in Indianapolis! Not only are we serving the community and helping a cause, we are also learning about what life is like for those who don't have food or shelter.  I appreciate so much the time spent by our community partners to explain the reasons behind their organizations and initiatives.  These discussions really brought to light issues faced in both the Indianapolis community and Springfield. 

As an advisor, I have been so impressed by the participants and trip leaders. They are all hard-working, dedicated, service-minded folk who serve with their hearts and with a smile.  We have students from all facets of campus who have bonded with each other; the glue to this bond: compassion for others.  I have no doubt that their experiences, challenges, and skills built this week will influence the Springfield and Missouri State community. 

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Rebuilding the Walls of life- Aubrey Snedeker

This trip has been very inspiring and eye opening so far. Monday and Tuesday we worked with Global Peace Initiatives. We were educated on all different techniques of how to produce soil. What hit home for me was that this organization has been working on and preparing the soil and these gardens for five years. They have not even seen their end product yet with this five year project but are still very dedicated and know that they will accomplish their goals and will make that community impact that has been building up. Listening to our site host talk about her drive and how much they have given to their community was beautiful. They not only are providing food but creating stability which was wonderful to hear. They have created these gardens that now have been turned over to community members to create a new life style. They are be coming sustainable.Today we worked with Rebuilding the Wall. We had groups split between houses being renovated painting and moving furinture. Today's service was uplifting. We were immersed into people's storeis in the area. I learned a great amount about the founders of the organization and how they live within the community, same street, as the people they serve on a regular basis. Mary Provence, co-founder, moved us all today with her own personal story but what moved me the most from it was that she has kept her family in that area even with all the crime and unknowing possibilities that may occur. Instead of keeping her kids in a sheltered area or house hold she embraces what is out there. Her family and her live and see some of the most abundant social issues and hard times but instead of flea away they become more driven and thrive on that community. Hearing her persspective on the beauty and horrors in the world from another view was inspiring. This trip has truly been moving and fulfilling.   

Aubrey Snedeker

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Community

As we end our third day and I think back about what Linda Profitt and Mary Provence had to say about service and what they do, and also the other volunteers they had on site I found the same recurring themes.  When we talked to Linda she talked about how she loved working with the soil, had a deep[ appreciation for farming and farmers, and was interested and passionate about food production and sustainability.  She works well with her hands, and is very, very intelligent.  
She uses her talent and skills to better her community and the communities around her.  Her talents and interests are fulfilled through being an active and engaged citizen of whatever community she is living in, whether it be Thailand or Indianaoplis, IN.  
When we talked to David, the worker for Rebuilding the Wall, he talked about how he loved fixing things, putting things back together, and working with his hands.  He works every day at Rebuilding the Wall doing carpentry, painting, and handywork to help reclaim rough urban neighborhoods left in decline.  
Mary discussed how she majored in Social work, and had a passion for helping others, a deep interest in serving her own community, and sharing her interests with others. She also felt a desire to help families stay rooted in their own communities.  She uses her talents and traits for her own community, started a non-profit and moved to a rough urban neighborhood.  
The underlying theme I picked up and took with me so far is that to be an active engaged citizen does not have to be just making yourself serve in areas you are not qualified to serve in, or doing things you don't find really interesting.  Service is best done when you are passionate about the issue, and you have something valuable to contribute.  I believe we are all are given talents and our personalities reflect these in our interests.  For those who have a gift or talent for cooking and hospitality-go work at a food kitchen preparing meals for the homeless, open your home up to others.  For those who are gifted working with their hands-help build homes torn up after nature distastors, or refurbish decaying homes. For those who are good with people and just congenial-go out and talk and make friends with your neighbors, volunteer at the nursing home and play games with kids at the Boys and Girls Club.  I truely believe we are called to use our gifts to better our communities, and not to "waste" our talents.  I used to think I was't good at anything, except talking.  But through my opportunities with service and Bear Breaks, I've learned I have a talent for working with and connecting with others, even if its through casual conversation. I hope to use these skills to serve others in my community, creating value, and becoming a truly active and engaged citizen. 

Proffitt's Non-Profit

What does it take to feed a person? How about a city, a state, or even a nation? What happens when entire generations of people become dependent on others for food? What happens when public policy slowly becomes punitive in cities by making it difficult for families to create sustainability?

Lind Proffitt taught our group so much that words do not adequately describe the knowledge we have gained. She took a bunch of college students who are not particularly keen on hard labour and created a rewarding and learning experience. It was difficult at times to understand the tasks we were doing and how they could really make a difference, but Linda always took each task as an opportunity to engage us in meaningful dialogue. She didn't just want volunteers, she wanted active citizens. She found a group of eager helpers and made us farm hands, construction workers, biologists, strategic planners, and most importantly, better people.

For many, service is an opportunity for resume building, or to get a fuzzy feeling. Linda is the embodiment of hard work, dedication, and what we ultimately aspire to be; active citizens. She lives each day, year after year to help people she has not even met yet. Our group has left changed, and with new energy and understanding of sustainability and empowerment. 

Monday, March 10, 2014

If you teach a man to fish...

Today we worked with Global Peace Initiative, an organization that tackles hunger and agricultural sustanability in Indeianapolis and the surrounding area. The founder of Gloabal Peace Initiative, Linda Proffitt, has spent the last five years building the organization from the ground up. Coincidentally, That is where we started as well. Today we worked at the Marion Fair Grounds raking, shoveling and moving compost and soil. Here, Linda's organization produces all-natural, fertile soil that is used to grow food for the hungry. But it doesn't stop there. Global Peace Initiative also gives people the  skills to grow their own food and be self-sustaining. 

Though our tasks seemed to have no direct impact on the community, the work we did today will allow Global Peace Initiative to help many. Working with Linda is a truly rewarding experience. She exudes her passion, and her passion is helping people. How much she cares for the community is echoed in everything she says and does. You can't help but want to further her cause. More than her community service efforts, she has imparted us with so much wisdom. Most of all, I will take away that it is good to help people for a day, but it is better to help people help themselves for a lifetime. 

Ellen Herbig

Day 2 - Global Peace Initiatives - Francis Ahrens

Here are some photos that were taken during the day. 
Photo 1: Missouri State students Boun Sengsapreuth and Ellen Herbig are digging rows of potential compost for Global Peace Initiatives. 
Photo 2: Missouri State students Mary Keathley (left) and Alex Johnson (middle) had the opportunity to work with students from Southern Methodist University from Dallas, Texas. The three were working on making compost bags that can potentially be distributed to community members to make sustainable gardens. 
Photo 3: Missouri State students and Southern Methodist University were working on making rows for potential compost piles. 
Photo 4: Grad student Brett McKnight (left) and Aubrey Snedeker (right) talk to Linda Proffitt while working at Global Peace Initiatives. 





Global Peace Initiatives: Day 2 - Makaila Schieber

     Today we worked with Linda Profitt at Global Peace Initiatives. The group was divided into several groups to accomplish tasks including creating rows of compost piles that will become distributable soil for the people of Indy, moving wood pallets for the future theatre stage at Peaceful Grounds, and removing nails from old boards that will be recycled for future projects. Everyone came in with a great attitude and jumped right into the manual labor set before us. I think everyone is still feeling the side effects:) 

     Peaceful grounds works to not only grow food to be distributed to the community, but they provide education to people about how to start their own gardens and grow their own food. I learned so much about sustainability today and the work that Global Peace Initiatives does is truly inspiring. As Linda told us this morning, while it may take some time to assign everyone a task, once everyone has a task, magic will happen. I am glad to say that magic really did happen. Our accomplishments today saved Linda two months of work. Everything that Global Peace Initiatives achieves is done through the power of volunteering. We were thrilled to be a part of it. 

     I am also happy to share that our group has completely bonded already, giving ourselves the title of "Dream Team." Tomorrow we have another great day with Linda and we are all excited to learn more about sustainability. I can't wait to see what we have in store for Day 3!!!!

-Makaila Schieber

Sunday, March 9, 2014

ready to have fun!

We just arrived! I am super excited to start this journey and learn new things! The ride up here was crowded but fun! I can't wait to go to the three different sites and work with all new people. I am excited to get to know everyone on this trip and create memories together! 

Mary Keathley 

We have made it! - Savanna Stanley

We just arrived to the church in Indy! The church is beautiful and I already know that this sweet is going to be so fun. I am excited to work with the agriculture of the schools garden and spend time volunteering. I am excited to see what activities we will be doing this week and I hope we can make a positive experience on Indy! 
- Savanna Stanley 3/9

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Pre-Indy Anticipation - Emily Cassimatis

This past week I have been getting more and more excited for the upcoming break. Although I was added late to the group, and was totally confused as to what was happening for a couple days, I couldn't be more ready to go! I think what I am looking forward to the most on this trip is getting to know the people I am traveling with. We all come from different backgrounds and are different ages with different majors. I love the opportunity to meet new people and make new connections across the university!

Pre-Indy Excitement - Clay Stacy

The things that I am excited for the most would be to bond with all the people that are going on the trip. I love communicating with new people and cant wait to create new friendships. Another thing that I am excited for is to gain more experience helping people. I love community service and giving back to people is something that I cherish out of life. I cant wait to get this trip going and being on the road.