CASA in Alabama, Day 5.

Team CASA woke up for another early morning in the garden.  After a super long, full day in the garden on Tuesday, none of us were really looking forward to another eight hours of hard labor.  However, as Jenny and Lisa tried to keep spirits up with an "I don't think it will be so bad, it should be a lot of decorating, since the party is tonight," it turned out they were right.  We spent the day putting Christmas lights on trees and assisting with flower arrangements.  Of course a day in the garden wouldn't be complete without pulling a few weeds, so we did a little bit of that as well.  The whole day Karen, our lovely garden-woman, and Lee, our fearless garden leader, spent every moment they could talking about their appreciation for us and how much they wanted us to come to the party.  Being a fundraising event for some of CASA's major donors, we were, of course, not invited...originally.  However, Lee was determined and worked a little magic to get us in, and before you know it, like Cinderella we were headed home to get cleaned up and ready for night in the garden.
We arrived back at the garden fairly early--Leelee (the Reese Witherspoon look-a-like in charge of planning the event) wanted us there to help with the last finishing touches, and so soon each of us was setting out food, putting up flower arrangements, or (my personal favorite) lighting torches like the pyros we actually are. As evening fell and the sunlight disappeared beneath the horizon the garden light up like a million fireflies as all of the well placed candle jars and Christmas lights began to shine.  It was truly beautiful, and to know that part of the result came from the work of our hands was absolutely satisfying.  The food was also amazing, and I got to try my first cup of southern sweet tea (absolutely delicious)!
The evening was so magical, most especially because of the wonderful people we met.  Jenny met a man whose daughter runs one of the most prestigious theater companies in America, and Meghan and I met a woman, Dianne, who offered to buy our entire group lunch at Lynn's (Leelee's mother's restaurant, who actually served us lunch for free early this same day (their sandwiches and desserts are delicious)). Our whole group was introduced to the Huntsville Botanical Gardens' CEO, who is giving us free passes to get into the gardens, as well.  The whole night I think Team CASA kind of stole the show.  We wore our matching KU Alternative Breaks shirts, and everyone thought we were adorable.  Lee and Karen spent the whole night talking about how much we had done for them, and everyone was just so grateful.
Overall the night has been the highlight of Team CASA's week thus far, and only further convinced me of the incredible kindness these people hold in their hearts.  #smileonourfaces/loveinourhearts

-Tasha Cerny, CASA Summer Alternative Break, 2012