Today was our last day Iowa! The group split into three groups and went different ways. One of the groups  returned to the motel, which serves as low-income housing in Cedar Falls. We had the pleasure of meeting another AmeriCorps group that consisted of members from Iowa and Indiana. Together, we worked on sanding and mudding the walls as well as installing windows. As a special treat, the property owners and project coordinators organized a delicious lunch, which consisted of hot dogs and hamburgers. Yum. Despite the tedious hours of sanding, the experience was well worth it. We were able to talk to the other AmeriCorps members and discuss preconceived notions about the differences in state cultures. At the end of the day, we discovered that the weenie dog had a tick. So Sara calmed the dog while Jordan played doctor and removed the parasite. By the time we left, the appreciation for all our hard work shone from the faces of the residents and that in itself made the trip worth the mileage.

John applying mud (spackle) and tape to the dry wall.	Nicole doing some much needed sanding on the walls.
Erik helping the motel owner by fixing his car so he can drive it on the road.	Our group - including some AmeriCorps members from Iowa and Indiana - taking a picture after a long day of mudding and sanding.

      Another group went to Shell Rock to help remove debris and overgrown plants from Janet, a local resident’s yard.  After a nice drive around the town (we were pretty lost), we removed rotting wood, played in the rain, weeded the garden, cut down trees, drove tractors, raked debris, cleaned the old garage, and caught a few snakes!!! Patrick and Kelly also rode around in the wheel barrel while waiting for lunch.  We shared a delicious lunch of pizza, sandwiches, cookies, soda, carrots and WATERMELON!   It once again was a rewarding experience. 

The group in Shell Rock with some debris.

      Other groups went to the Habitat for Humanity House in Clarksville to finish some work there, while another small group went back to Codner Creek to remove flood and tornado debris.  It was a great way to finish our work here in Iowa—we worked in multiple areas of the county and did valuable work.

      Every single person we have encountered on our journey through Butler County has shared stories, their homes and their love.  Souvenirs cannot compare to the experience of this trip.  The entire group was grateful for every meal, presentation, smile, wave and good night’s sleep.  This trip is unlike anything we have ever experienced and would not change it for anything. Thank you to those of you who supported us from home and here in Butler County, Iowa.  We could not have done it without you! THANK YOU! Now all we need to do is survive the two-day drive home!