Putting on the gloves that would protect my hands and fingers from harm and the white specialty mask that would help me breathe in the air that was polluted with toxic mold spores, I was prepared. I knew what it was going to be like on the inside, I knew that it would be filled with chaotic clutter and a feeling of dark unfixable hopelessness. I turned around with a determined sense and with my first resolute step I walked toward the brokenness that was in front of me.

                I was at the entrance that was made for people to walk through and encase them with security, safety, and love, but now all those things were missing. Within my first glance I looked for a good starting point. I knew there were others behind me as eager as I was; so I headed towards the back of the pit. The chaos that I assumed before walking in was confirmed. The ground on which I tread felt disconnected from its foundation. The walls, defaced by mold contaminated a city and brought the strongest down to their knees. From the moment of entry the stench engulfed me with the most impertinent aroma that could only describe as decay and rotting eggs.

                I see the perfect place to commence my mission. Although it was a gloomy back corner of the pit, it was well light; the sun was able to find a way in through the big scratched cloudy glass window. In the middle there were a few colored plastic totes. The totes were filled to the brim with no longer meaningful items and blacked, grimy water. The case that I carried was broken so the grimy water was able to splash out and corrupt my arm. With my arms infected I can no longer wipe the sweat from my eyes. Even with all that was going on around me and things seemed hopeless I felt as though I was restoring some of the optimism that had been eroded because of the destruction. Now to complete clearing out the back corner I attempted to open the closet with sliding natural wood doors, it was cemented shut, impossible to open, a sledge hammer was brought in to make to door obey the command that was given. With the doors finally open we carried out the lose items that were within. The closet contained mostly shoes, books and cloths made victim by the mold. The closet was wet and would slosh under my boots; but finally the first step into my mission was complete.

                I had finished cleaning out the house that was no longer a home but made into a pit for its owners. When I was able to meet them their faces were covered in joy when they were able to go on the next step of rebuilding their life. After hurricane Katrina struck Louisiana many people were left homeless, and hopeless. I was able to go with my youth group and embark on a mission’s trip that would help people who were devastated by the destruction of a natural disaster regain their lives. I was in Louisiana for about three weeks and did several lose end project just like the house described. I love being able to make a difference with my ability to help other people. Helping people on an organized mission’s trip is not the only way I am able to help people, I strive daily to lending a helping hand to the retired woman next who’s children live out of state or to a fellow student who just needs someone to listen. Whether I am able to financially be the first in my family to make it to college or not my commitment to making my neighbor and my community a better place will never stop.

My commitment to serving did not stop with the clean up in New Orleans. I spent the last summer volunteer my services at our local animal shelter. Providing clerical talents or getting dirty cleaning the kennels may never make the evening news but making a difference in the lives of stray animals and matching to caring families is a reward of its own. I assisted in the care and adoptions for hundred of animals for six months of work in 2009 at the Adams County Animal Shelter here in Colorado. You cannot imagine the sense of personal satisfaction and joy I feel when handing over a sweet new kitten or a ruff one eyed dog to a family who needs a pet as much as a pet needs a home. In addition this summer I will be traveling to Kotzebue, Alaska where teenage suicide occurs at a very high rate. The area is improvised and no opportunities for teens to gather in a safe and encouraging environment. I will be spending 2 weeks the end of July 2010 setting up a youth camp. The outreach may involve walking the tundra to many neighboring villages spreading the news to local teens to come and participate. This trip which costs $1,500.00 is funded solely by my efforts as I come from a single parent home and my mother is currently unemployed. I have raised $450.00 through donations and will be supplying the balance through work efforts and local fund raising projects. I could use my time and talent towards paying for college but the Inuit teens need us now. Because I hate to pass up an opportunity to get people involved I am enclosing information about my upcoming missions trip with this essay application.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story, and I hope you find it note worthy. At the end of the day know that I will continue to better my world in any way I can. Whether anyone is watching or not because it still is my story and I wish to live it with no regrets.

Be blessed,

 

Alana Brown