sometimes in our lives...

first, before you read this, check out this song.

i prefer it to the older version.

gotta love the eighties.

: )

in general, although it's cheesy and cliche, we really all need to know that we can depend upon each other. i sometimes struggle with trusting others to help keep up their end of bargains, but we need to have faith in each other in order to keep communication clear and problems solved. each of us is a bonner, but altogether, we make a bonner community- and communities are the foundation of every successful project. two days ago, i was on the phone with my site leader, jen at the uscri, and in regards to having both meghan and i working with her she said, "i remember when i heard about your program and i thought, 'wow! having one would be great! but i want more!'" i smiled when she said this, because not only was it a compliment to our reputation as bonners, but also that it highlighted one important fact: one cannot do it alone. it is inevitable that at some point there will be a conflict amongst the group, either because someone doesn't show up at a meeting, forgot to log their hours, didn't respond to e-mails, didn't report to their site, etc. everyone will mess up, everyone will get caught up in work, friends, and family, everyone will feel that heavy burden and hear that doubt within their head, "i can't do this." but we can guys, as long as we can depend upon each other for support and understanding. already this has happened. bernadette and ananda have gone to amanda for bio help, wes gave rides to the aids walk, hannah helped break down the background of bonner congress for me, and countless other instances have occurred that signals that our accountability has been at use. the perfect way to continue this is to be honest and talk to one another. have a problem with someone? address it. problems or issues that get bottled up inside of us only lead to an explosion of anger and frustration, and we don't need that to mess up our euphoric, peaceful, bonner lovee.

so here are two quotes that i felt fit this topic:

(i love quotes :) )

There can be no vulnerability without risk; there can be no community without vulnerability; there can be no peace, and ultimately no life, without community. 

-M. Scott Peck

Never doubt that a small, group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. 

-Margaret Mead