Shoes, shoes, and more shoes

There are many aspects of AmeriCorps that make the year so worth it. The two main parts of the service year that I've enjoyed most are crossing paths with such interesting people and having the chance to participate in a wide variety of service projects.

I got into the office this morning, ready for a busy day. This week has been a crazy one between having wonderful family in town, battling a terrible cold, and helping out at a hectic office. Today was certainly no exception.

I sat down for my 8:30 appointment, wondering if I would be able to connect with my customer. The young man was about my age, and he looked like he had had quite a few disappointments in his recent past. He seemed aloof in his gray hoodie with the hood thrown over his head. Working together for an hour and half, I tried to lift his spirit with every part of the resume process. He had some charges on his criminal record, but his skills were strong and something to be proud of. By the end of the meeting, my customer was describing his childhood, growing up on a farm in Iowa with 5000 hogs. I have no doubt that I never would have crossed paths with him had I not participated in AmeriCorps today. I'm so glad that I did!

By 10:15, I was standing before a mountain of shoes. Giving the remainder of my day's hours to Shoes-4-Souls (https://www.myoldshoes.org/), I organized pairs upon pairs of shoes for Haiti with other AmeriCorps members. Although I feel like the mountain was still tremendous when we left the office, I'm glad that I gave a small part of my volunteer year to a country that is in such tragic condition.

There are downfalls to AmeriCorps; I don't deny that. Days like today, however, make me certain that I will always look back on this year of service fondly.

Cajun Shrimp and Rice
1 28-oz. can diced tomatoes
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup chopped onions
1 cup chopped green bell pepper
1 cup rice
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1/2 tsp. Cajun seasoning
1 lb. cooked, shelled and deveined shrimp
Hot pepper sauce (optional)
1 Tbsp. olive oil

Cook onions, garlic, and bell pepper in olive oil for about 5 minutes in a pot over medium heat, until onions start to become translucent. Add broth, tomatoes, rice, and Cajun seasoning to the pot. Increase heat and bring to a boil. Stir once, cover and cook on low heat without opening the pot for 20 minutes. Add shrimp, stir, and serve.