A local nonprofit organization, Washington Parks and People (WPP), had been planning and working on transforming the park for a number of years. The DC YAs learned about this effort and contacted them to volunteer in helping to transform the park. A small group of us gathered at the park bright and early one Saturday morning, and we commenced the service project with half-an-hour of bhajans.

Invigorated, we began the task of cleaning up and beautifying the park. Forming small groups of two or three we spread out over the park. Each one of us felt Swami's tremendous love and energy flowing, guiding and motivating us. We were excited to have this challenging project before us and wanted to do our best. As we cut down branches and picked up litter, we envisioned what the park would look like at the end. With every needle picked up and thrown away, we prayed that Swami help this community come out of its plight.

We worked from morning until late evening, but none of us felt even an ounce of tiredness throughout the day. We were amazed at our energy levels, and particularly amazed at the amount of hard physical labor we were able to put in, considering none of us are very athletic! The coordinator of WPP and some local residents also noticed the high energy level amongst our group. They all commented, "There is something very different about your group. Do you guys meditate before coming here?" That remark confirmed that Swami was there, and was working through all of us, replenishing our energy levels on an ongoing basis.

We managed to clear up a lot by the end of that day, but soon realized that there was a lot more to be done. Although we had initially thought this would be a one-day service project, we began making plans for coming back. We decided to come to the park every Saturday until the entire park was cleaned up. Although some members of our group suffered from poison ivy reactions, their urge to contribute was so strong that they forgot their own pain and inconveniences and still came every Saturday. Soon many of the adults from our Center also began to serve at the park! Apparently, they noticed a transformation in the way the young adult group interacted, which inspired them to help in this effort. Swami's presence was unmistakable every day that we went to the park. We continued our work for about five weeks in a row, until the park was transformed to look clean, green, and airy. The park is no longer known as Needle Park and has now taken on the name of Heritage Park.

This project was a unique experience for all of us, and it forged very strong bonds amongst the group. We learned that service does not end at the end of the day; rather, we should make a commitment until the goal is achieved. More importantly, we should try to make service an integral part of our lives, and constantly try to find ways in which we can help. Cleaning up the park until its natural beauty was revealed showed us the Divinity in nature, and in the people living around the park. They were always smiling and seemed content with life, despite their difficult circumstances. This taught us to be content with our own lives, and to curb our desire for unnecessary things.

Now that the park is clean, the next phase that is currently underway is revitalizing it so that it once again becomes a recreational and cultural focal point in the community. During the cleanup effort, we learned that there are no grocery stores in the area, and that the closest one is quite far, even by bus. Working with WPP we hope to set up a farmers market that will help make fresh produce available to the residents, so that they can have a nutritious and well-balanced diet. We are so inspired by how Swami used us as instruments in cleaning up the park that we have no doubt He will come through for us in this new undertaking as well. We have full faith in Him, and know that if we have the will, He will provide the way.