you forget where the heart is..
I got home last night from one of the longest weeks of my entire life.
Went to HEART workcamp in Bluffton, South Carolina..where basically you help rebuild houses of those who can't do it themselves or can't afford to do it. I'm sure most of you Rez kids know what I'm talking about. I got there on Sunday and had 6 long days (4 of which I worked) ahead of me. Everyday was semi repetitive. It was almost..miserable. I was way younger then about 95% of the people who were there- so of course they wouldn't talk to me. Some were mean to me, in fact. To be honest with you- I'm not used to people being mean to me when I'm completely nice to them. I guess thats one aspect of life I'll have to get used to. Anyhow. Everyday- I woke up at 6:30, ate breakfast, went to program, got on the bus to go to my worksite, arrived at my worksite (Monday-Wednesday was Bessie Mae's trailer and Thursday was the junkyard/house that was being turned into an episcopal school), on arrival at 9 until 3:15 when I left, I painted, nailed boards, and stood on ladders, got on the bus to go back to the school where we stayed, waited in a 45 minute line to shower, showered, ate dinner, went to 3 hour program where I quite frankly did not feel like singing and dancing, went to my room and slept. I don't like to complain but this is my journal so I may as well complain. I had such as terrible time. No one would talk to me because I was "way" younger then them (only like..2 years). I felt lonely all week..but I learned a lot. I looked at all of the campers as an example of how I never want to act. There was this guy there who was mentally handicapped and all of these girls were making this huge deal because he said he didn't like their shirts- but he was just joking and trying to make conversation. Other guys there threw things at him and hit him with batteries. I remember thinking "Are these people heartless" and I just wanted to cry for him. All of them found comfort in putting others down and gossiping about people- some of which were even good friends of mine. Friday- was Fun Day. Went to Hilton Head Island and went to the beach. I avoided people all day and enjoyed myself. Saturday- went home. I sound like the biggest complainer in the world, but this week was seriously tough on me. I'm so used to being around people who love me or atleast wouldn't be hateful towards me- not the opposite. The only times I smiled this week are when things reminded me of my friends. But! I am now home and swell. Sorry for the long entry- its hard to squeeze a weeks worth of events onto one entry- if you made it THIS far you are amazing. :) I love you guys and I'm glad to be home. Call me if you want to go somewhere.