ChristineFernandes

Our first day for the Alternate Spring Break began March 7th 2009. We were split into two teams I was in the team headed by Jesse, we were taken to the Campus for human development. On our way there we were slightly misdirected and ended up in the wrong alley. Although this would not seem unusual, having taken a turn into a homeless alley , all of us experienced a sudden panic not knowing where we were and suddenly surrounded by the strange places. When we finally got to the campus we all experienced a sort of culture shock having suddenly been immersed in a place that is so very different and non compatible with the lives we lead,. Looking around us we saw homeless individuals scattered all over the campus some talking in oblivion others talking at us and also starring at us. This made us very uncomfortable however what we failed to realize was it was our group that was attracting attention as we looked petrified. Our perspective on the homeless situation and the various scenarios made us stereotypical in view of the homeless and afraid. We realized that we needed to let go of our predispositions and attempt to blend in. The site coordinator Wendy took us into the campus and told us about the history of the campus and the aim. All the rules f the campus in my opinion boiled down to respect for one another, between volunteers, as well as individuals. Being able to see the homeless as people with problems instead of a categorized group of displaced people helped us see where volunteers like Wendy derive their motivation and hope to help the homeless. I noticed that many of the people that stayed on the campus treated the place like home and the people around them like friends in a community. The campus seeks to teach and strongly urges their guest to get involved and try to turn their lies around. The art work portrayed on the walls showed the depth that these individuals carried and their outlook on life we were shocked to know that some of the residents of this campus were actually degree holders and doctorates. This showed us that no one was above poverty, sickness and deprivation. Our first task was to cut down the shrubbery over the barbed fence, initially looking at the overgrowth our group thought it would be impossible to clean up, but undertaking the tasks and allotting different roles the job got done almost effortlessly, other jobs on the site were paining of bathrooms and cleaning out of a shed that had been partially burnt. Taking down and building the cubbyholes for storage was one of the jobs as well. At around 12noon we headed over to the Nashville Rescue Mission for lunch we had he opportunity to eat the food that people in shelters eat. I found that the food was well above my expectations and the portions given to us were filling. Our new task was to help sort out bags that had been donated to the Campus containg food and various toiletries. Here again we saw a good example of teamwork where in all of us got together opening cleaning out and storing the bags that were received. Carrying in and painting of the cubby holes was next. I found that when the people residing at the campus saw us struggling to carry a heavy plank they stepped forward and insisted on carrying it for us this act touched me sincerely as I saw the dedication they had for their home and appreciation they expressed for our efforts. While we were working a number of residents went out of their way to thank us and show us how much they valued our help. Our last trip to the Nashville Rescue Mission for dinner we met volunteers who help there on a regular basis I must admit a lot of us including me were tiered fussy. But seeing these volunteers with genuine warmth in their smiles and joy in the singing lifted our sprits and reminded us that works of charity are not about us but who we help. On the way out we were adiosed with smiles and questions on when we would return to se them. This was all in all an eye opening and very satisfying day