Emily; This little light of mine...

I have never felt better in my life. Now I'm saying this despite the temperature, the lack of quality sleep, and my aching sunburn; it is truly amazing to me how simply doing what is right can make me feel. I am surrounded by some of the greatest people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting, let alone getting to know and work with. My eyes have certainly been opened, and it is hard to believe it is only the end of the second day! I have grown closer with old friends, I have made new friends and connections, and I have experienced new things with my best friend and sister. So far I have fully furnished two apartments, I have played an hour long game of duck duck goose with the sweetest, funniest, and cutest kids you will ever meet, helped at the food pantry by being a one on one shopper with the less fortunate, helped fix a broken cart with two Bobby pins and helping hands (unplanned-- a true God wink and test of compassion I think for all of us), swam with a pool full of kids, and, although I have come here to help physically and literally, I feel like I am the one being helped on a more spiritual and emotional level. I came here to learn, to teach, and to love, and I know I will leave here a different person with so many new outlooks on life.

Thank God for the people on this trip, the group leaders for Awaken the City, all of the amazing people in Cincinnati who have helped set the city on the right track, and for the love and compassion that surrounds us all.

"This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine."
Keep the light God gave you shining bright and share it with others. Open yourself up to the light of others, and don't ever be afraid or ashamed to introduce yourself to someone, rich, poor or in-between. Relieve yourself of the prejudices that the world impedes so heavily, and learn to love everyone as your neighbor. I will never again be afraid to reach out to someone, and I will never again feel that I am above anyone. When it all comes down to it, we are all just people trying to live a happy life-- some people just have an easier time than others finding happiness, and those are the people that are meant to reach out and "let it shine".