The irony of it all really struck me over our summer break. For five months, I have worked so hard on bringing everyone together, trying to gel eleven strangers into one cohesive group. To my amusement, it just happened on its own, on one of our most physically and emotionally demanding projects. Trivia by the fire, random outbreaks of hearty laughter, hugs and affection, inside jokes . . . I still can't place my finger on just what made us all prevail and endure in such primitive conditions but I am so thankful for it. I'm sure a large part was due to our wonderful sponsors and site supervisors. Bill, John, Carlton, Dean, Lamarr and Preston were all such dynamic souls who inspired us, taught us and made us laugh. They also made us think more about our lives and for me, the philosophy I was discussing earlier. I will never forget the conversations I shared with Dean. The passion he had for the area he grew up in and loved, despite its continuing downfall and painful history, was remarkable. Here before us were people who did not have much but who were completely content with that and still capable of giving you the shirt off their backs if you asked. How remarkable and fortuitous was our connection to these great individuals. I hope we will never forget their stories, their kindness, their advice and the simplicity of life that they so enjoyed.

As for the team, I can't say enough about how integral this experience was to our growth. I think everyone noticed the change but I'm sure no one can explain it or tell me the exact moment when we grew from acquaintances to friends. Maybe it was the fact that our work on Greeter Falls helped make the rescue teams attempts much easier. Maybe it was the pull of the moon in the starry Tennessee sky. Or just maybe, it was the growth of eleven people to see past the familiar faces into the deep chasms or each other's souls and to finally understand how important we really are to each other. Maybe . . .