Day 4: It's going too quickly!

Day 4: It's going too quickly! 

The last day we spent helping the Horizon House again with some more housekeeping items. We were able to help with the landscaping outside, some various trash pickup and a little more sorting of items in the donation center. The Horizon House employees were very thankful for all the work we had done for them over the past couple days. They told us that they always look forward to the Iowa State crew who comes to help, and that we make a big difference each year. We didn't realize how much each little thing we did impacted the organization, but it really allowed for the employees to better focus their time on neighbors, instead of the little things around the grounds. We loved being able to help out and had a great time at the Horizon House this year, thank you! 

Our next stop was at NPC and NIC headquarters. For those of you that don't know, NPC is National Panhellenic Conference and NIC is North American Interfraternity Conference. These organizations oversee the happenings of most Fraternities and Sororities. The headquarters for both of these organizations are separate, but they are right down the hall from one another. One thing that amazed us was that each office only had a handful of employees. I think most of us were expecting to see a giant office with hundreds of employees to be able to handle all that they do. The tours were very informative and we thank NIC and NPC for their time! 

We had a nice family dinner to wrap up our night before heading home to start cleaning up our cabin and getting ready for our departure in the morning. Words cannot describe the experience that we had this week. We tried to wrap it up in our reflection video that will be released during Vespers. We cannot tell you how grateful we are for the organizations who hosted us, as well as for the lessons we learned. Thanks for changing our lives Indianapolis, we hope for the best for next years crew! Keep your eye out for applications to be a part of Greek Alternative Spring Breaks 2016, we would love to have you on board. 

All of our best,

The Greek Alternative Spring Breaks Crew 2015

Day 3: Feelin' lucky to be alive!

Day 3: Feelin' lucky to be alive! 

St. Patrick's day is rumored to be the luckiest day of the year. We found out today that for some people, just waking up in the morning can mean it's a lucky day. We were fotunate to spend the morning in the company of those who really showed us what good luck means. The Horizon House had us back for the day, and we were in full force before the doors opened at 7AM. Our group was spilt up, each taking a shift working administrative work and one serving food. When we showed up there was already a line waiting for breakfast. As the neighbors shuffled through the line, each one seemed to be happier than the next. There were very few people who walked past without a smile on their face. We were greeted with a warm and friendly presence. The neighbors were excited to hear our story, as well as tell us theirs. These neighbors had amazing stories to tell about their past experiences as war veterans, athletes, and college graduates. It was humbling to hear how life threw a few curveballs their way and put them out. As they were leaving, there wasn't a single neighbor who didn't thank us for our work. Each one was extremely grateful for the work we have been doing. As much as we want to say that this trip is all about changing the lives of others, I think we all can agree it's also changing our lives as well.

Later in the afternoon, we were able to get a tour of Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity headquarters. Their beautiful multi-story building is filled from top to bottom with awesome historical archives as well as a full gym and office space. They have many famous artifacts from President Ronald Reagan, one of the most notable TKE alums. We also learned that there are many honorary members such as Elvis Presley and Aaron Rodgers. Thank you Tau Kappa Epsilon for your time! 

Jake was especially excited for our dinner plans as he is a giant Jimmy Buffet fan. Once we found out there was a Cheeseburger in Paradise resturant in town, there was no changing his mind. We all gathered together for a nice meal and some good laughs.

When we got back to the cabin, our friends from University of Iowa invited us out to a bonfire. It was a little chilly, and the fire didn't start so well, but we had a great time getting to know them. It was interesting to hear their stories about their day helping make meals for a few different organizations.

Until next time,

The Greek Alternative Spring Breaks Crew 

Day 2: Horizon House

Day 2: Horizon House 

We are exhausted after our action packed day today! Our first early morning at the Horizon House was a blast. We arrived around 8AM with smiling faces and eager attitudes. We first met our volunteer coordinator, Kathleen who taught us all about the Horizon House. This facility is the only full service day center for homeless neighbors in Indianapolis. The offer medical, mail, phone, shower, laundry and employment coaching services. These neighbors are offered help and services in their time of need, and the facility does all it can to try and not turn a single person away. 

Most of today involved helping in the donation center. We were able to help organize the clothing donations so the staff can better find the items needed for neighbors. We all learned how much a little hard work can accomplish. Just check out the before and after photos! 

The facility was spectacular, and welcomed us with open arms. We thank every member of the Horizon House staff for having a great list of work for us to accomplish. We are eager to help over the next few days. 

(We also found this note from last year that the Greek Alternative Spring Breakers left) 

The next stop was to Alpha Gamma Delta headquarters where we were given a wonderful tour. We learned all about the history of the organization as well as met some friendly ladies who gave a great tour. 

The men of the group found a box of squirrels, and I don't think anything will be able to top that for them on the rest of the trip. 

Our last stop was at the Pacer game downtown! The beginning of the game was very exciting and I think we have a few ideas to bring home to the athletic department (CY bungee jumping in from the ceiling anyone?!?). Although the Pacers lost, it was still an exciting experience. However, I think we like the energy in Hilton and we'd rather watch the Cyclones anyways. 

We're all back at our cabin now preparing for an even earlier wake up call to serve breakfast to the neighbors at the Horizon House. University of Iowa Greek Alternative Breaks moved in next door while we were out today, and were sound asleep when we got home. But don't worry, we're going to keep our promise of making a challenge with them before we leave. 

Hope you're all having fun and staying  safe, 

The Greek Alrernative Spring Breaks Crew 

Day 1: At the camp!

Day 1: At The Camp!

Today the breakers started the morning off a little later, which we are thankful for because we're going to have to be out the door around 7AM for the rest of the trip. We spent our day bonding as well as benefitting the Jameson Camp, which is where our cabin is located that we are staying at (yes, cabin! More pictures of that to come, we promise!). The camp had us doing a few tasks such as digging holes, splitting wood and picking up trash. The girls were the rock stars of the day, picking up around 9 bags of trash along the highway! We are fortunate to have access to this great facility and enjoyed being able to help them out.

We all regrouped over grilled cheese and great laughs. The morning of hard work tuckered us all out so we took an afternoon nap before getting ready for out big evening in the city. The night was a blast, and our first time downtown during the trip. We ate some great food and got do to a little exploring! The night ended with a run to Steak n' Shake for some milkshakes with the gang. 

Our time here seems to only be getting more exciting. We're all ready for sleep for our early wake up call tomorrow to volunteer for the Horizon House. We also heard Greeks from the University of Iowa are coming into town for their Alternative Break as well. We may have to challenge them to a game of Gaga ball (yes you read that right, Gaga ball)! Don't worry, we'll keep you posted. 

All our best, 

The Greek Alternative Spring Break Crew