Exactly one month ago I was packing my life into my car in preparation for the move to Knoxville.  After interviewing in August,  family, friends and HOP volunteers worked hard to help make the city-jump easier. My parents gave me use of their car. Cindy and Dr. Dean Mire(the HOP Medical Chair) offered me a job at their medical office.  The HOP Ways and Means Chair, Jennifer Neil, offered her house to me while I looked for an apartment. Needless to say, I decided to come, and thanks to the contributions of many, the transition has gone remarkably smooth. It is crazy to think that just two months ago applying to this internship was only an idea.

In the first week after arriving, I found myself in the car with Jennifer as she drove us to my first board meeting. She told me about the members, their large hearts, and their work for the HOP. She warned me, saying, “Now, when you walk in and see all these Haiti people, you are going to be surprised.” She went on to tell me that the board was made up of seemingly everyday people and yet they have helped to achieve such extraordinary things.  Jennifer then said, “it’s a little inspiring, I think.” And I think she is right.

The board meeting was held in the Sacred Heart Cathedral School. I don’t know what I was expecting but I was surprised when we walked into a classroom thoroughly designed for first graders. Adults were already occupying childrens’ desks arranged in a misshapen circle. Ben Johnston the Chairman of the board was seated at a desk clearly marked for “Ashley M.,” while Dianne Durand the Financial Chair sat at the desk claimed in large letters by “Jacob.”  The meeting began and the members took turns updating eachother on parish relations, recent trips, sea containers, the PGA event, budgets and PIH correspondence. I loved listening to the important conversations and glancing up to see yellow stars taped to the wall.  How inspiring to watch such a great program be run by such humble people out of a children’s classroom.

Sometimes when I read books and articles on people who have done big things I feel more defeated than inspired. I think that I must be some sort of superhero to accomplish anything worth talking about. After attending that board meeting and listening to normal store-owners, landlords, elders, students, parents and doctors talk about their efforts for HOP, I really did feel inspired.  And I want to share that inspiration with all of you.

You and I can make a difference.  A small donation, a day spent volunteering, a blog, a quick prayer: all can seem so small.  But if everyone brings their contribution to the table (or should I say to the desk) something great can be formed in the collaboration. Furthermore, the resulting achievement can be shared.

Just like my presence here in Knoxville, the HOP is proof of the achievements possible when a community works together. Let’s keep it up!