BNGIowa

Expectations

I remember doing research papers for school homework. Seems like there was one or two due every semester. I was lucky, my family owned an encyclopedia set. I remember my mom bought a book at a time with a grocery purchase until she completed the set. The books made a lovely display on the bookshelf in the hallway by the phone (the one phone and it was corded). I used the books more than the phone. That was what my parents expected, so that is what I did.

Information is available in vast quantities these days. But what about the quality? No one questioned the reliability of the facts published in the old encyclopedia. These days, it is hard to trust any information. Who is writing the stuff online? Anyone can put information online. Even me. 

So why do I write for free? Today, I hope to influence someone to be trustworthy and provide quality work. It will make you happy, at least that is what I believe. I guess that is why people are spewing out so much information and communication: We want others to believe as we do. 

Trust. Quality. I hope there are still people and companies who value those qualities. I have met too many lately who don't. 

Service with a Smile

Over the labor day holiday I spent a whole Saturday tearing down flood damaged homes in the Cedar Rapids area.  As with other service opportunities, I sometimes agree to help as I inwardly would much rather sit on my bum and do nothing or do what I want to do.  Despite my inclinations, I got my name on the list and showed up with some others of my church group to work a full work day.  Not really knowing exactly what I would be doing, I was mostly hoping that I wouldn't have to come in contact with too much fecal material as I heard stories of some of the less sanitary conditions that may exist in these homes.  My aunt who just moved here from Houston, TX to the Cedar Rapids area joined me and we followed our 10 other team members in a caravan to the project we'd work on.  As we took the exit just south of the river on the I380 bridge, I saw disturbing images of blocks upon blocks of deserted homes and small businesses.  Many of them had yellow signs signifying there was very limited entrance to the properties due to flood damages.
As we went into the home armed with masks, goggles, gloves, and crowbars I still wasn't quite sure how this project was going to start or end.  We recieved the go ahead to start removing the plaster and walls down to the framing of the home.  After ripping up the first portion of the floor, we found the second layer damaged and needing removal so we removed that flooring.  By the time our team was done with the house we had stripped back the interior of the home and it was ready for the contractor to come and start doing more of the skilled labor.
At the end of the day, I had participated in two different projects doing similar work.  Both homeowners were very thankful as we worked and when we left for the hard work we'd brought to pass.  I had talked to some of the volunteers from Cedar Rapids and learned that some of them had been voluteering in a similar fashion for the last few months spending evenings dur ing the week and long days on Saturdays helping the families of those effected by the floods.
I am proud of myself for suppressing the natural tendancy that I would normally follow to take the easier road.  But I feel that as a result of my decision the next time I am faced with a similar decision I will recall the "grateful that I helped" feelings and provide meaningful service to those around.  You love and appreciate those that you serve.