-- By Zoey
After our first full week of work, we happily celebrated Saturday by rafting down the Eno River. It is located at the west point of Durham, flowing from northwest Orange County into Durham County for 33 miles where it joins the Flat River and flows into Falls Lake. Most of us didn't have any rafting experience. I was both excited and worried at the same time. The fear of capsizing was real, even though it was made clear to us that it was highly unlikely.
As soon as we got into the water, all the worries faded away. Beautiful sunshine, clear sky, glittering water, trees in their prime ... everything was simply stunning. Archaeology tells us that men first walked along the Eno River long before recorded history. Lots of thing have changed since then. But the Eno is still here, witnessing, flowing.
As soon as we got into the water, all the worries faded away. Beautiful sunshine, clear sky, glittering water, trees in their prime ... everything was simply stunning. Archaeology tells us that men first walked along the Eno River long before recorded history. Lots of thing have changed since then. But the Eno is still here, witnessing, flowing.
We are fortunate enough to be able to have a glance into the past, because the past is unchangeable. In this ever-changing present, the past serves as an explanation, an affirmation and reassurance. It reminds us of who we are and why we are here. Durham is a place rich in history. Many things we observe today are directly influenced by the past, such as the economic condition, the class segregation ect. Working with Community Empowerment Fund (CEF) further fosters my understanding with the past. We work with members, typically homeless, who struggle financially to achieve their financial goals. Quoting from a member preparing to spend his first night at the shelter, " I swear I'm not a bad person, I'm just going through a hard time." As I gradually get to know them, I start to empathize with their dreams and aspiration, and realize that homelessness is not a choice, nor is it an indicator of any kind. It simply suggests a harsh time, possible influenced by the past. Yet, they are strong and resilient, grateful and optimistic, trying their best to live the present, and change the future.
What are you thinking, Turtle?
Hope the river can continue flowing like this, linking the past and the future, telling us to remember and respect, and to look forward to tomorrow.