Pathway to Eagle=Fulfillment

I am ashamed to admit that if either Bracken or myself wrote this blog even just 3 months ago, it would be completely different.  A different perspective, a different attitude, and a probably a whole different outcome. The pathway to Eagle Scout is a multi-year, long, drawn out process that only recently after watching my first son complete his Eagle project,  helped me as a mother of 4 boys realize that boy scouts is definitely more than just learning to cook over an open campfire, or learning to tie a few gnarly knots.  In contrast, after watching Bracken work through the different steps of his Eagle project, I realized how many life lessons were learned through boy scouts, and how especially fulfilling it was for Bracken to plan, execute, and complete a very successful eagle project that not only rewarded him, but several very special recipients.....

The Eagle Scout Project Inspiration

John's uncle Merwin (Bracken's great uncle) was the inspiration behind the idea for Bracken's project. Merwin was born with cerebral palsy, and a smile and laughter that was contagious to anyone in the room!  For the last seven years that we have lived abroad and summer vacationed in the states, our family has become one of Merwin's greatest fans.  Thanks to John's parents for their amazing example of love, service, and devotion to Merwin.  Every single Sunday, Grandpa Wilde would pick Merwin up from his group home and take him to do by far Merwin's most favorite thing in the world......spend the day at the Wilde home attending church, eating dinner, and playing checkers, marbles and puzzles.  Because of Grandma and Grandpa Wilde's devotion to Merwin, our family was also able to benefit from his presence, and sweet spirit. He loved to ask the boys to challenge him in his favorite board games, constantly telling them how much smarter he was than them (:, and hearing the laughter amongst them.  We loved hearing about his weekly adventure at his "job", and hearing his enthusiasm when he proudly exclaimed how many boxes he assembled each day at the warehouse.

Recently (October 25, 2010) Merwin passed away from a quick spreading, devastating form of cancer, that had completely overtaken his frail body.  We were soooo saddened when we heard of the news, but we were also excited to know he now had the healthy body to run and jump that he had never experienced in this lifetime.  Shortly after Merwin's death, Bracken decided he wanted to dedicate his Eagle project to helping others who were physically and mentally handicapped like Merwin.

HOME SWEET HOME


With Merwin in mind, Bracken began his search for his project, and in no time came upon a Chinese organization called "Home Sweet Home."  Volunteers from Home Sweet Home search for handicapped individuals living on the streets in downtown Shanghai--most of whom have been orphaned their entire life.   The volunteers offer these individuals they find living on the streets,  a room and board at their boarding home, as well as opportunities to take classes such as computers, Chinese and English lessons, as well as teach them simple day to day living skills.  Not only do they provide them with classes, they also offer them a job (with remedial pay)  regardless of their handicap.  The mission of Home Sweet Home is to train the individuals to be active members of society.  After two years of successful work and training at Home Sweet Home, the volunteers help the individuals find jobs within the community.

Our first visit at the Home Sweet Home facility, we were given a tour including the warehouse where the individuals worked, as well as different rooms for teaching and instruction, and their own "Home Sweet Home Boutique" where the worker's handmade items made in the warehouse are sold

 

 

 

Home Sweet Home "Boutique"

ASSESSING THE PROJECT

There were handfuls of projects throughout the facility that were in need of  renovations, makeovers, or updates.  Bracken decided the library was a perfect project for renovation, and came up with his own plan of how he would execute.  He began sending out e-mails explaining his project to his boy scout troop, our neighborhood, and church groups asking for entry level English books, flash cards, and other learning materials.  It was amazing to see how many people were willing to help, as our garage began to be filled with bagfuls of donations.

 

EXECUTING THE PROJECT

The first week, Bracken organized a group of scouts to move out the existing bookshelves, and other items from the room.  The scouts then sanded the walls, and applied a fresh coat of white paint to the room which was very badly needed!!

The following week, Bracken instructed a second group of scouts how the new bookshelves he had chosen were to be assembled, and where they were to be placed in the room.

  

The donated books were then separated into English and Chinese, and arranged in the bookshelves.

And last but not least, a colorful alphabet poster and a few decorative items were added to make the library a little more comfy and cheerful.

 

Before and After........

A couple weeks after the project was complete,  Bracken was asked to return to Home Sweet Home where he was met by the directors of the organization who explained......

......we have prayed for some way to receive new library books and book shelves for a long time.  However,  we knew we could not afford to do it ourselves.  We knew the Lord would provide, and then Bracken came..........

Graciously, they presented him with a couple of heartfelt homemade items from the HSH workers themselves....a beaded dragon fly magnet, and a  shirt designed and embroidered by two of the sweet workers---a sweet token Bracken will always remember.

Yes, three months ago when this project first started it was just enough to "fulfill" the eagle requirement.  Ironically, both Bracken as well as any other person involved would agree.....the true fulfillment was found as Bracken entered the warehouse and received smiles and applause from each  and every worker.  Talking with Bracken on the way home, we agreed,  the happiness the workers had for their new library was beyond any plaque, medal, or title.  A fulfillment that will be treasured forever!