"Act out of love, not fear."
I think that quote best describes what I will remember most from this conference. It's not the amazing VEGAN lunches, or the sudden bursts of tears from Mark Reynolds, and not even the incredible collaboration among each and every one of our volunteers. That's a whole other story in itself. But what I've found is that when I truly think about who I am, where I'm headed, and what I want to see in this ideal, picturesque world of mine, it isn't glamorous by many standards. It's hard work, dirty at times, unending but rewarding for every smile, handshake, note of appreciation and certificate of graduation. Yes, I may be a full-time student, part-time worker, and part-time volunteer, but despite the load I know that I will make a difference. Super corny, right?! Well I'm at an International Conference! How could I not be motivated by such powerful people just like me?
I like how everyone I've met thinks it's so "cool" to meet someone all the way from Kansas! Woot woot! Gotta represent my wonderful hometown of Lawrence. It's not until you leave the place you've known forever and have to describe it to other people that you realize how special it is. It wasn't long ago that I would talk to my friends, despising the town I'd known since pre-school. Yet, I find myself now reveling in our hippy ways, being the little blue island in a sea of red.
I have once again found myself writing lists of to-do's: Ways I can improve our outreach, ways I can be more informed about the agricultural standpoint, ways I can connect to a different audience, but somehow ways I can give work to others just hasn't come up! I know that our current members are quite active, and some have even had to relinquish some of their responsibilities because they were getting overwhelmed, so I don't want to pressure them with more duties. That being said, I still feel as though it's my job to find someone who can do it all, or at least a portion of "it all", and that comes down to membership. I want to meet more people like myself, with about 20 years of existence under their belt, so that I can relate to them with my struggles and bounce ideas off of them. IF YOU KNOW SOMEONE OR ARE INTERESTED, please contact me. Our group would love to have you!
Lastly, I found an entry in my notebook from earlier today that is quite entertaining and a true reflection of the ups and downs of being here:
"Thoughts.
I can only do as much as my body can take and my mind is willing to suffer. I have to find motivation from the core of my being and not let others' excitement or depression drain me. I need to find a way do this for the next two and a half hours."
That was obviously the highest point of the day! No but really. Read this next one. My eyes started to water as I was writing it. Mark told us to create our own statement that we would read to ourselves each day, reminding us of what we were in this for, and it just worked:
"I won't see the Earth torn to shreds. I will be proud of humanity and see the barriers that divide us crumble as we come together for a common goal, and I won't let language or culture get in the way of communicating.
This battle is my life. Today. Tomorrow. Forever."
This battle is my life. I can't imagine doing anything other than what I am doing right now, developing my understanding of all the problems we face in the near future. And I certainly can't thank all of you enough for your support, whether it's with your hugs, Facebook comments, money, or ability to listen. It means more than you know.
Also, photos as promised:
This was the only picture I got while the conference was actually happening. Other than that, copious notes!
Pretty neat view from the bottom of the escalators going up to the Omni Shorham Hotel.
Another wicked shot from inside the Metro Rail. Why can't public transportation be this cool in Lawrence?
YUM! Fish and Chip's a Murphy's Pub. Giant fries, delicious ranch dressing, and coleslaw, of course. Highly recommended if you're in the area...
I think that quote best describes what I will remember most from this conference. It's not the amazing VEGAN lunches, or the sudden bursts of tears from Mark Reynolds, and not even the incredible collaboration among each and every one of our volunteers. That's a whole other story in itself. But what I've found is that when I truly think about who I am, where I'm headed, and what I want to see in this ideal, picturesque world of mine, it isn't glamorous by many standards. It's hard work, dirty at times, unending but rewarding for every smile, handshake, note of appreciation and certificate of graduation. Yes, I may be a full-time student, part-time worker, and part-time volunteer, but despite the load I know that I will make a difference. Super corny, right?! Well I'm at an International Conference! How could I not be motivated by such powerful people just like me?
I like how everyone I've met thinks it's so "cool" to meet someone all the way from Kansas! Woot woot! Gotta represent my wonderful hometown of Lawrence. It's not until you leave the place you've known forever and have to describe it to other people that you realize how special it is. It wasn't long ago that I would talk to my friends, despising the town I'd known since pre-school. Yet, I find myself now reveling in our hippy ways, being the little blue island in a sea of red.
I have once again found myself writing lists of to-do's: Ways I can improve our outreach, ways I can be more informed about the agricultural standpoint, ways I can connect to a different audience, but somehow ways I can give work to others just hasn't come up! I know that our current members are quite active, and some have even had to relinquish some of their responsibilities because they were getting overwhelmed, so I don't want to pressure them with more duties. That being said, I still feel as though it's my job to find someone who can do it all, or at least a portion of "it all", and that comes down to membership. I want to meet more people like myself, with about 20 years of existence under their belt, so that I can relate to them with my struggles and bounce ideas off of them. IF YOU KNOW SOMEONE OR ARE INTERESTED, please contact me. Our group would love to have you!
Lastly, I found an entry in my notebook from earlier today that is quite entertaining and a true reflection of the ups and downs of being here:
"Thoughts.
I can only do as much as my body can take and my mind is willing to suffer. I have to find motivation from the core of my being and not let others' excitement or depression drain me. I need to find a way do this for the next two and a half hours."
That was obviously the highest point of the day! No but really. Read this next one. My eyes started to water as I was writing it. Mark told us to create our own statement that we would read to ourselves each day, reminding us of what we were in this for, and it just worked:
"I won't see the Earth torn to shreds. I will be proud of humanity and see the barriers that divide us crumble as we come together for a common goal, and I won't let language or culture get in the way of communicating.
This battle is my life. Today. Tomorrow. Forever."
This battle is my life. I can't imagine doing anything other than what I am doing right now, developing my understanding of all the problems we face in the near future. And I certainly can't thank all of you enough for your support, whether it's with your hugs, Facebook comments, money, or ability to listen. It means more than you know.
Also, photos as promised:
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