We've passed the midpoint of our time here in Pontotoc and the days have been filled with so many memorable moments. It seems as though everywhere we turn we are faced with the sad examples of times when we as humans fail to live up to all that we can be, yet the next moment we experience wonderful examples of the power of hope.

The home we are rehabbing once belonged to a family that had to be evicted. The mother, sadly, wasn’t able to make the transition to a healthy life for herself and her children – at least not yet. It was difficult to go through a shed filled with mementos of this family that had just been left behind for the junk pile. But at the same time, we’re surrounded by other families in this subdivision who have seized the opportunity offered by Habitat to build a better life. Seeing a child laughing and playing with the family pet while dad is making dinner on the grill is a definite sign of hope.

Wednesday was our day off and we headed into Memphis. We went through the AAA books the night before and 2 spots caught our attention. The Civil Rights Museum that has been built across the street from the Lorraine Motel (the sight where Martin Luther King, Jr was slain) and an Underground Railroad House/Museum. At the Civil Rights Museum I was struck by two videos: In one, a woman recalled that so many of those who participated in the struggles of the 60s were just ordinary men and women who were tired of watching their children being deprived of the opportunity to get an education and live a decent life. Often it was this simple determination that kept them going when they were confronted with violence and hatred. In another video, a gentleman reminded us that, too often, we idealize the social movements of the 60s as a time when everyone was having a great time laughing and bonding with one another. We’ve forgotten the fear, the tragic loss of life, and the courage that it took for people to face down weapons and insults.

At the end of the museum, a wall of photos reminded us of contemporary men and women throughout the world who serve as reminders of those willing to speak out and stand as models for the next generation. It was great watching our group “pose” with different images on the wall and picture them as future additions.

- Sr. Barb