Today was the first day that we actually went to the town of Bland and got a chance to work with the community! The community atmosphere that you feel when you come to a small town like Bland, Virginia is unbelievable. Everyone is very friendly and concerned about each others well being!
Yesterday when we went to the Blooming Idiots farm we were trying to find the right place to park our van, when all of a sudden the couple in the car behind us pulled up next to us because we may have looked a little lost and they asked "Do you guys know where you are going? We can help." The willingness that people here have to help their family, friends, and even strangers amazes me!
Before first arriving to Bland on Saturday I had heard that small communities were always very friendly and close knit! But to experience this was completly different. On Sunday we went to church with the Bollings and everyone in the church knew who everyone was and everyone cared for each others well being! This certain characteristic of a community is hard to find in a group of people that are always concerned about their individual lives and problems! It is refreshing to meet a community that is genuinely happy to help and accommodate everyone!
Today we went to Mrs. Pat Nelson's house to paint the ceilings and walls in her home! While we were painting we were rewarded with stories of Mrs. Nelson's family and childhood! She was a very sweet lady who was very happy to have us there helping her! She also told us a story about how there was a big mamma bear and her three little cubs outside across the street from her house!
It's personal stories like these about families and childhoods that I hear from the community that make me realize how truly lucky I am to be here in a community like Bland helping the people I am this week!
-Manpreet
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