Reflection
3/09/09
Today we were all required to help out at the Nashville Mission, here we all split up in groups of seven and were assigned the task of organizing various clothing donations into sizes as well as warm and light clothing. We were surprised to find huge number of boxes stowed away at the back of the large warehouse rooms. The mission running short of volunteers has been unable to sort through their donations for a while. After lunch we were required to help clean out the basement which was packed with donations ranging from many computer monitors scanners to bedding and toiletries. We begun by offloading the bed sheets and pillow cases into large bags for laundry and then moved our way onto towels and blankets. Soon after we began sorting toiletries and baby products, I must admit despite being tiered I realized in the time we spent organizing different items I felt compelled to keep going in appreciation of all the donations and the time, money and effort that were spent donating items. We then came back to the motels for a quick rest and then left around 6 30 to join the participants at the Campus for Human Development for movie night where we spent time playing board games and watching a movie with some of the people at the campus . I appreciated how hospitable and generous they were for sharing their food and accommodating us. I also feel that having been accustomed to spending the night out in the town I was pleasantly surprised to feel at home and comfortable spending the evening with the participants and enjoyed spending time with some of our group members having a relaxing time after a hard days work.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
JenniferHellems
Jennifer Hellems
SOWK 350
Dr. Campbell
Journal Entry 3
Monday March 9, 2009
Today everyone worked at the Nashville Rescue Mission. I worked on several different tasks throughout the day because it takes a lot to keep a big group of people busy.
This morning we split up into smaller groups and my group went to the clothing room and separated a lot of clothes into smalls, mediums, larges, and so on. We completed that task really quick and the guy who usually does it was so happy because he was saying that it would have taken him forever to sort the clothes. He said that he would get some of it sorted, but then they would bring a large shipment everyday at 10:30 right before he left at 11.
I was a little frustrated today when we got so much stuff done and we ended up being bored because we had nothing else to do and the few that were upstairs working in the kitchen couldn’t leave till serving time. We couldn’t go help them because there wasn’t enough room in the kitchen so we just ended up doing odd jobs around the mission.
Today I really enjoyed working with the guys at the mission most of them were really nice, but you could tell that they weren’t suppose to talk to us much. Some of the girls that I was with went out and we swept and cleaned the tables and chairs in the dining area. It turns out that that was some of the resident’s jobs so they were pretty surprised when they walked in and saw us hard at it. We told them that it was their day off and not to worry about it. Of course they were grateful and helped us finish it. One of the guys was talking to us and telling us how much he appreciated everything we have done for them and that we volunteered our time to come down and help them out.
I’m really glad that they appreciate us and realize that we are there to help them. Coming here, I wasn’t sure how some people would react to us volunteering to help them because I know some people can be very stubborn and not want help. I really enjoyed the place we were at today, but I think I liked the one Saturday better. Tomorrow we will be at a new place so we will see how that goes.
SOWK 350
Dr. Campbell
Journal Entry 3
Monday March 9, 2009
Today everyone worked at the Nashville Rescue Mission. I worked on several different tasks throughout the day because it takes a lot to keep a big group of people busy.
This morning we split up into smaller groups and my group went to the clothing room and separated a lot of clothes into smalls, mediums, larges, and so on. We completed that task really quick and the guy who usually does it was so happy because he was saying that it would have taken him forever to sort the clothes. He said that he would get some of it sorted, but then they would bring a large shipment everyday at 10:30 right before he left at 11.
I was a little frustrated today when we got so much stuff done and we ended up being bored because we had nothing else to do and the few that were upstairs working in the kitchen couldn’t leave till serving time. We couldn’t go help them because there wasn’t enough room in the kitchen so we just ended up doing odd jobs around the mission.
Today I really enjoyed working with the guys at the mission most of them were really nice, but you could tell that they weren’t suppose to talk to us much. Some of the girls that I was with went out and we swept and cleaned the tables and chairs in the dining area. It turns out that that was some of the resident’s jobs so they were pretty surprised when they walked in and saw us hard at it. We told them that it was their day off and not to worry about it. Of course they were grateful and helped us finish it. One of the guys was talking to us and telling us how much he appreciated everything we have done for them and that we volunteered our time to come down and help them out.
I’m really glad that they appreciate us and realize that we are there to help them. Coming here, I wasn’t sure how some people would react to us volunteering to help them because I know some people can be very stubborn and not want help. I really enjoyed the place we were at today, but I think I liked the one Saturday better. Tomorrow we will be at a new place so we will see how that goes.
SezinCeliktas
Today we went to Nashville Rescue Machine. One of the people showed us around and gave us some information about the building.
Then some of us went to the basement, some of us went to fold clothes, and some of us went to the kitchen. I was at the basement helping people to move boxes, foods that they will need later, and cleaning. It was not easy but we worked together so it was not as bad as I thought.
We had lunch there. I like eating lunch there just to see what homeless people eat every day. It is sad but it makes me feel better that we are doing something for them. And the guy who was showing us what to do, he told us that he is really proud of what we were doin and we were happy to hear that.
Then we went to watch a movie and play card games. It was fun. Some people watched movie. Some people prefered playing games. It was one of those days that I will not forget.
Then some of us went to the basement, some of us went to fold clothes, and some of us went to the kitchen. I was at the basement helping people to move boxes, foods that they will need later, and cleaning. It was not easy but we worked together so it was not as bad as I thought.
We had lunch there. I like eating lunch there just to see what homeless people eat every day. It is sad but it makes me feel better that we are doing something for them. And the guy who was showing us what to do, he told us that he is really proud of what we were doin and we were happy to hear that.
Then we went to watch a movie and play card games. It was fun. Some people watched movie. Some people prefered playing games. It was one of those days that I will not forget.
BrianCaulkins
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Brian Caulkins
Psychology 350
March 10, 2009
Reflection for Alternative Spring Break – Day #3
Today started out later than normal. We didn’t get on the road until ten till eight. Both groups were working together today. We worked at the Nashville Rescue Mission today. The first project that I worked on was separating different shirts by their sizes. I don’t know how many boxes we went through, but I do know that there were a lot of them. Most of the clothing was dress shirts. I guess a lot of people donate dress clothes because not as many people wear them as much. I worked on sorting clothing until lunch. I told myself that every time that I ate at the rescue mission that I will eat all the food on my plate so that I get the full effect of how eating at the shelter was like. So far I have eaten everything on my tray. Sometimes it has been tuff because the food is not what I am used to.
After lunch I started working down in the basement of the rescue mission. The basement of this place is huge. It has to be as big as Lowes, but not as tall. It was filled with items that varied from food to pianos. The basement was the storage area for the building. What we did the rest of the day was basically cleaning and sorting the items in the basement. Since there are not very many guys on this trip, most of the more strenuous work is handed to us. Eric and I emptied the cardboard bins and carried old books out to the dumpsters. There were a ton of books and cardboard. During this time a person in the program was helping us. I didn’t really know if he appreciated our help or not, but as the day went along I started to see the gratitude of the help. Derrick was his name. I started asking questions about how long he had been in the program and how he liked it. I wouldn’t say he opened up but he did tell me what I asked him. This was his second time through the program. He was 16 when he went through the first program. He told me that the first program didn’t work and that he had been with Nashville Rescue Mission since December 11.
I liked working with him and all the other people in the program. You would be surprised how many people are so grateful for the help. There was this one guy that would always be very gracious that we were helping the organization. He jokingly would say that he was going to come to West Virginia to bring us back.
One of the frustrating things I went through today was the basement. The basement was so big and it felt like the team and I would never get any of it done. It took me a while to understand that this was a long term project. All the projects we are working on are going to take it while. One of the positive things that I went through today was towards the end of the day. Right before we were ready to wrap things up and head back, Derrick made it his mission to say bye and thank us for the help. I feel that it would take a lot for somebody in his situation to take the time to make sure that we were thanked. I felt like I made a connection with him and was able to help the rescue mission and be a positive influence in Derrick’s life.
Brian Caulkins
Psychology 350
March 10, 2009
Reflection for Alternative Spring Break – Day #3
Today started out later than normal. We didn’t get on the road until ten till eight. Both groups were working together today. We worked at the Nashville Rescue Mission today. The first project that I worked on was separating different shirts by their sizes. I don’t know how many boxes we went through, but I do know that there were a lot of them. Most of the clothing was dress shirts. I guess a lot of people donate dress clothes because not as many people wear them as much. I worked on sorting clothing until lunch. I told myself that every time that I ate at the rescue mission that I will eat all the food on my plate so that I get the full effect of how eating at the shelter was like. So far I have eaten everything on my tray. Sometimes it has been tuff because the food is not what I am used to.
After lunch I started working down in the basement of the rescue mission. The basement of this place is huge. It has to be as big as Lowes, but not as tall. It was filled with items that varied from food to pianos. The basement was the storage area for the building. What we did the rest of the day was basically cleaning and sorting the items in the basement. Since there are not very many guys on this trip, most of the more strenuous work is handed to us. Eric and I emptied the cardboard bins and carried old books out to the dumpsters. There were a ton of books and cardboard. During this time a person in the program was helping us. I didn’t really know if he appreciated our help or not, but as the day went along I started to see the gratitude of the help. Derrick was his name. I started asking questions about how long he had been in the program and how he liked it. I wouldn’t say he opened up but he did tell me what I asked him. This was his second time through the program. He was 16 when he went through the first program. He told me that the first program didn’t work and that he had been with Nashville Rescue Mission since December 11.
I liked working with him and all the other people in the program. You would be surprised how many people are so grateful for the help. There was this one guy that would always be very gracious that we were helping the organization. He jokingly would say that he was going to come to West Virginia to bring us back.
One of the frustrating things I went through today was the basement. The basement was so big and it felt like the team and I would never get any of it done. It took me a while to understand that this was a long term project. All the projects we are working on are going to take it while. One of the positive things that I went through today was towards the end of the day. Right before we were ready to wrap things up and head back, Derrick made it his mission to say bye and thank us for the help. I feel that it would take a lot for somebody in his situation to take the time to make sure that we were thanked. I felt like I made a connection with him and was able to help the rescue mission and be a positive influence in Derrick’s life.
TreskaDunbar
Treska Dunbar
SOWK 350
March 9, 2009
Today was a long day filled with a wide variety of events and emotions. During the tour of the Nashville Rescue Mission, our tour guide told us that all the homeless individuals are required to stay outside during the day if the temperature is between 40 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. I don’t know how they decided that these were comfortable conditions for someone to be outside all day, but I know that if it is 45 degrees outside I am still cold and if it is 75 degrees I am miserably hot. This fact reminded me of how lucky I am to not only have a home but adequate heating and air conditioning.
At the mission, I feel as though the homeless are treated so negatively by the people who claim to be helping them. There are security guards monitoring their every move. The place reminds me of a prison. Volunteers do not really get the opportunity to interact with the homeless. However, at the Campus there are no security guards or a VIP treatment for volunteers. We had to use the same doors and restrooms as the participants. The homeless were near us during the entire time and free to communicate with us if they so desired. The staff seemed to have a good positive relationship with the homeless individuals. It was interesting to me to see the differences in the two agencies and how they serve the homeless individuals.
Tonight we went back to the Campus for Human Development to watch movies, play games, and eat pizza with the participants and workers at their facility. Not only did this opportunity provide the group with the ability to interact with the homeless, but it also allowed us to relax and hang out with one another. When we get free time, we each get in our little group and go hang out and we don’t rejoin the group until it is required. So, this gave us the opportunity to get to know the other students serving with us this week on a more personal level.
The most frustrating and irritating aspect of today was getting lost in Nashville on the way back to the hotel. One of my biggest fears in driving for this trip was getting lost in this town. As I mentioned earlier this week, driving in Nashville made me uncomfortable. Today I was beginning to feel comfortable driving in this crazy big city traffic and then I got lost which increased my discomfort and lowered my self confidence in driving through Nashville.
Overall, today was a good day. I worked in the kitchen at the mission; this made me feel like I was helping provide them with the meal that would help suspend their hunger for a couple of hours. I worked with different people at different times so I got to talk to a lot of our team members and it was good to get to know some of them better.
SOWK 350
March 9, 2009
Today was a long day filled with a wide variety of events and emotions. During the tour of the Nashville Rescue Mission, our tour guide told us that all the homeless individuals are required to stay outside during the day if the temperature is between 40 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. I don’t know how they decided that these were comfortable conditions for someone to be outside all day, but I know that if it is 45 degrees outside I am still cold and if it is 75 degrees I am miserably hot. This fact reminded me of how lucky I am to not only have a home but adequate heating and air conditioning.
At the mission, I feel as though the homeless are treated so negatively by the people who claim to be helping them. There are security guards monitoring their every move. The place reminds me of a prison. Volunteers do not really get the opportunity to interact with the homeless. However, at the Campus there are no security guards or a VIP treatment for volunteers. We had to use the same doors and restrooms as the participants. The homeless were near us during the entire time and free to communicate with us if they so desired. The staff seemed to have a good positive relationship with the homeless individuals. It was interesting to me to see the differences in the two agencies and how they serve the homeless individuals.
Tonight we went back to the Campus for Human Development to watch movies, play games, and eat pizza with the participants and workers at their facility. Not only did this opportunity provide the group with the ability to interact with the homeless, but it also allowed us to relax and hang out with one another. When we get free time, we each get in our little group and go hang out and we don’t rejoin the group until it is required. So, this gave us the opportunity to get to know the other students serving with us this week on a more personal level.
The most frustrating and irritating aspect of today was getting lost in Nashville on the way back to the hotel. One of my biggest fears in driving for this trip was getting lost in this town. As I mentioned earlier this week, driving in Nashville made me uncomfortable. Today I was beginning to feel comfortable driving in this crazy big city traffic and then I got lost which increased my discomfort and lowered my self confidence in driving through Nashville.
Overall, today was a good day. I worked in the kitchen at the mission; this made me feel like I was helping provide them with the meal that would help suspend their hunger for a couple of hours. I worked with different people at different times so I got to talk to a lot of our team members and it was good to get to know some of them better.
KristinaChampe
Kristina Champe
Alternative Spring Break
Reflection Day 3
3-9-2009
Today we all went to the Nashville Rescue Mission. Today was different than the last time we were there. This time all the groups went and it was different than before. We took a tour of the facility and then split up into different groups and did different things. My group went into the emergency clothing area, where the people can come and get clothes, shoes and socks that people have donated. It was very fun and the guys we worked with were very enjoyable to work with.
Backing up, before we even took the tour and split up in the smaller groups some of the girls that were with us were complaining about doing work before we even started! This group had worked at the Campus for Human Development before and was complaining about the work they had done in the past days. This made me extremely upset. This is a service trip, we sign up for a free service trip, not a free spring break trip to Nashville. I was extremely offended and ticked off. I never said anything but it was really disrespectful.
Later this evening all the groups went back to the Campus for Human Development to watch movies and play games with the residents. This was so fun and it gave the groups that hadn’t been there and glimpse of what the facility was like before we go there tomorrow. The people there were really nice, except when we first got there, when we were talking in an alley way to the campus and there was man walking toward us, he took a look at us and as he walked by he said, “Man ya’ll eating real good, there ain’t not thin people in this group at all.” I believe everyone mouth touched the ground when we heard this. Afterward when we got inside everyone was having a good time, but of course people from our groups couldn’t be satisfied. We let one of the residents pick out a movie and everyone around at that time was fine with that movie, then a girl came up and asked what we were watching and when we told her she scrunched her nose up at us like “ewww, why?” and the people that were sitting around were like what’s the problem.
After we left the Campus for Human Development, people on our van were all talking about the work that we were going to be doing tomorrow. We asked some of the other people on our van what they did and they said that had very hard labor and it was a workout. I think that tomorrow is going to be an awakening experience. I guess we’re just going to have to wait and see.
Alternative Spring Break
Reflection Day 3
3-9-2009
Today we all went to the Nashville Rescue Mission. Today was different than the last time we were there. This time all the groups went and it was different than before. We took a tour of the facility and then split up into different groups and did different things. My group went into the emergency clothing area, where the people can come and get clothes, shoes and socks that people have donated. It was very fun and the guys we worked with were very enjoyable to work with.
Backing up, before we even took the tour and split up in the smaller groups some of the girls that were with us were complaining about doing work before we even started! This group had worked at the Campus for Human Development before and was complaining about the work they had done in the past days. This made me extremely upset. This is a service trip, we sign up for a free service trip, not a free spring break trip to Nashville. I was extremely offended and ticked off. I never said anything but it was really disrespectful.
Later this evening all the groups went back to the Campus for Human Development to watch movies and play games with the residents. This was so fun and it gave the groups that hadn’t been there and glimpse of what the facility was like before we go there tomorrow. The people there were really nice, except when we first got there, when we were talking in an alley way to the campus and there was man walking toward us, he took a look at us and as he walked by he said, “Man ya’ll eating real good, there ain’t not thin people in this group at all.” I believe everyone mouth touched the ground when we heard this. Afterward when we got inside everyone was having a good time, but of course people from our groups couldn’t be satisfied. We let one of the residents pick out a movie and everyone around at that time was fine with that movie, then a girl came up and asked what we were watching and when we told her she scrunched her nose up at us like “ewww, why?” and the people that were sitting around were like what’s the problem.
After we left the Campus for Human Development, people on our van were all talking about the work that we were going to be doing tomorrow. We asked some of the other people on our van what they did and they said that had very hard labor and it was a workout. I think that tomorrow is going to be an awakening experience. I guess we’re just going to have to wait and see.
EricThomas
Eric Thomas
March 8, 2009
Spring Break Reflection
Sally Campbell
Refelction-3/8/09
Today I met a young man by the name of Derrick and I worked most of the day with him. This was the second time that Derrick had been in a rehabilitation program since he was 16. All Derrick said was that he wanted a chance to straighten up and start living his life right. Although Derrick was homeless, he was a well mannered young man and a good work ethic. At the young age of 21 he was already homeless. One thing that struck me about him was that he told his leader that he had never road a bike because he never had a father figure in his life that would teach him. It was something that he really wanted to learn and wished that he could have learned when he was younger.
Another man told me that he was having a really good day because he had just got a job with Wendy’s. Where I live getting a job at Wendy’s is an easy thing to do, but here in Nashville where the homeless population is sky rocketing due to the economic problems and the recession of the United States economy. These people don’t take things for granted and anything that they get or receive is a blessing because it is an opportunity to make their lives better.
Also, people today were really thankful that people would take their spring break off to come help them. Throughout doing this, it has further convinced me to pursue community service opportunities more because we have a privilege and I believe a right to help other in need.
Tomorrow hopefully will be a better day than I had today and I will have the opportunity to speak to more people and have the opportunity to help them.
March 8, 2009
Spring Break Reflection
Sally Campbell
Refelction-3/8/09
Today I met a young man by the name of Derrick and I worked most of the day with him. This was the second time that Derrick had been in a rehabilitation program since he was 16. All Derrick said was that he wanted a chance to straighten up and start living his life right. Although Derrick was homeless, he was a well mannered young man and a good work ethic. At the young age of 21 he was already homeless. One thing that struck me about him was that he told his leader that he had never road a bike because he never had a father figure in his life that would teach him. It was something that he really wanted to learn and wished that he could have learned when he was younger.
Another man told me that he was having a really good day because he had just got a job with Wendy’s. Where I live getting a job at Wendy’s is an easy thing to do, but here in Nashville where the homeless population is sky rocketing due to the economic problems and the recession of the United States economy. These people don’t take things for granted and anything that they get or receive is a blessing because it is an opportunity to make their lives better.
Also, people today were really thankful that people would take their spring break off to come help them. Throughout doing this, it has further convinced me to pursue community service opportunities more because we have a privilege and I believe a right to help other in need.
Tomorrow hopefully will be a better day than I had today and I will have the opportunity to speak to more people and have the opportunity to help them.
TacyPyles
Tacy Pyles
Dr. Campbell
TN Alternative Spring Break
Journal Entry 3
09 March 09
Tired, broken faces - everything they own on their backs - just looking for a place of rest at a picnic table. Eyes of resentment that understandably say, “You will never comprehend where I come from.” Rooms built for two people, yet housing four to six people. Working at the Nashville homeless shelter today brought about a lot of frustrating feelings, but one must take the good with the bad.
Though today was hard in many ways, it was also beautiful in many ways. Today we were able to work in the kitchen (not going to lie - it was significantly better than working in the basement). We did everything from talking with the residents to cutting up garlic to scrubbing tables. Everyone expressed so much appreciation - making it a very humbling experience.
James (not the one we worked with on Saturday) came up to me and said, “So, I want to know why you really came on this trip. What is your personal reason for being here?”
After thinking for a minute, I told him, “I guess I realize how blessed I am. I feel like God has blessed me, enabling me to serve and love others. It’s not me - it’s him. I love being here and I love being given this opportunity to serve.”
Very moved by my response, we entered into a wonderful conversation about community, faith and the fact that “nothing separates you from me. Not a dollar sign. Not skin color. We are no different.”
As we were getting ready to leave, a man named Willy said, “I have a personal favor to ask of you guys. Would you please pray for me? My daughter has been missing since Friday and we have an Amber Alert out for her.”
I was so inspired. We walk around Nashville and we listen to people telling us how wonderful we are for being here and though we try to shrug it off, that self-centered part wants to believe them. Then, I look at people like Willy and I realize what a joke my “sacrifices” tend to be. I don’t like to stay up late with my friends when they are upset because I have homework. I don’t like to help other people with their homework when I have to study for a test.
Willy on the other hand, is going through a living hell and yet he puts a smile of his face and gives of his time, energy and love to the homeless and downtrodden of Nashville. What kind of testimony is that? What kind of faith? What kind of love?
Dr. Campbell
TN Alternative Spring Break
Journal Entry 3
09 March 09
Tired, broken faces - everything they own on their backs - just looking for a place of rest at a picnic table. Eyes of resentment that understandably say, “You will never comprehend where I come from.” Rooms built for two people, yet housing four to six people. Working at the Nashville homeless shelter today brought about a lot of frustrating feelings, but one must take the good with the bad.
Though today was hard in many ways, it was also beautiful in many ways. Today we were able to work in the kitchen (not going to lie - it was significantly better than working in the basement). We did everything from talking with the residents to cutting up garlic to scrubbing tables. Everyone expressed so much appreciation - making it a very humbling experience.
James (not the one we worked with on Saturday) came up to me and said, “So, I want to know why you really came on this trip. What is your personal reason for being here?”
After thinking for a minute, I told him, “I guess I realize how blessed I am. I feel like God has blessed me, enabling me to serve and love others. It’s not me - it’s him. I love being here and I love being given this opportunity to serve.”
Very moved by my response, we entered into a wonderful conversation about community, faith and the fact that “nothing separates you from me. Not a dollar sign. Not skin color. We are no different.”
As we were getting ready to leave, a man named Willy said, “I have a personal favor to ask of you guys. Would you please pray for me? My daughter has been missing since Friday and we have an Amber Alert out for her.”
I was so inspired. We walk around Nashville and we listen to people telling us how wonderful we are for being here and though we try to shrug it off, that self-centered part wants to believe them. Then, I look at people like Willy and I realize what a joke my “sacrifices” tend to be. I don’t like to stay up late with my friends when they are upset because I have homework. I don’t like to help other people with their homework when I have to study for a test.
Willy on the other hand, is going through a living hell and yet he puts a smile of his face and gives of his time, energy and love to the homeless and downtrodden of Nashville. What kind of testimony is that? What kind of faith? What kind of love?
GraceHurney
Grace Hurney
Civic Engagement
10 March 2009
Reflections: Day 3
Today both groups volunteered at the Nashville Rescue Mission, where teams worked to organize donated clothing, prepare food, help with classes, and organize donations.
I worked mainly organizing donations in the basement. This was, overall, a fairly positive experience. We laughed and sorted and bagged clothing for the duration of the morning. There were a fair amount of very unsuitable donations- i.e. mildew towels, stained sheets, etc. I wish people would pay attention to guidelines before donating…regardless, the work was rewarding after we saw all the space we created with the packaging of the clothing. The shelter for women down the street is being renovated, so the Mission will have to house the displaced women for a few months. Thus, the men will be moved to basement, so we had to work hard to help clear out some of what must be hundreds of boxes of miscellaneous items. The second half of the day, part of my group went and cleaned the tables and chairs in the dining room. It turns out, we were doing the job of the men that lived there- they were very grateful for us that day! The men were very nice to us, thanking us for helping out and one man even knew where Concord was (just West Virginia, nothing really specific), which was a welcome surprise. My only negative moment for the day was when one of the men that lived in the Mission told us in the Dining Room that, while we were cleaning, to get over it because they cleaned the room “8 hours a day, 7 days a week, for 3 months”. If there is one thing that truly bothers me, it is being antagonized. Just because I’m of a different economic status does that mean that my heart isn’t in it nor that I don’t care- I hate it when I’m made to feel like a privileged little princess (I know I’ve said this before, but it makes me pretty angry). I understand that I am privileged, and that I have opportunities that some will never have. But that doesn’t mean that the man in the Dining Room can treat me poorly for it. I never asked to be born to the parents I have, it just happened. It doesn’t matter to me, so why should it matter to anyone else?
My random moment for the day was at the end of the day, which also doubles as a good moment (or a good series of hours). The movie/game/pizza night at the Center for Human Development was truly a blast. We ate pizza, watched Stomp the Yard, and played board games. I played Trivial Pursuit and enjoyed interacting with the participants that were in attendance- not many showed up, but the ones that did were extremely nice and very welcoming.
Civic Engagement
10 March 2009
Reflections: Day 3
Today both groups volunteered at the Nashville Rescue Mission, where teams worked to organize donated clothing, prepare food, help with classes, and organize donations.
I worked mainly organizing donations in the basement. This was, overall, a fairly positive experience. We laughed and sorted and bagged clothing for the duration of the morning. There were a fair amount of very unsuitable donations- i.e. mildew towels, stained sheets, etc. I wish people would pay attention to guidelines before donating…regardless, the work was rewarding after we saw all the space we created with the packaging of the clothing. The shelter for women down the street is being renovated, so the Mission will have to house the displaced women for a few months. Thus, the men will be moved to basement, so we had to work hard to help clear out some of what must be hundreds of boxes of miscellaneous items. The second half of the day, part of my group went and cleaned the tables and chairs in the dining room. It turns out, we were doing the job of the men that lived there- they were very grateful for us that day! The men were very nice to us, thanking us for helping out and one man even knew where Concord was (just West Virginia, nothing really specific), which was a welcome surprise. My only negative moment for the day was when one of the men that lived in the Mission told us in the Dining Room that, while we were cleaning, to get over it because they cleaned the room “8 hours a day, 7 days a week, for 3 months”. If there is one thing that truly bothers me, it is being antagonized. Just because I’m of a different economic status does that mean that my heart isn’t in it nor that I don’t care- I hate it when I’m made to feel like a privileged little princess (I know I’ve said this before, but it makes me pretty angry). I understand that I am privileged, and that I have opportunities that some will never have. But that doesn’t mean that the man in the Dining Room can treat me poorly for it. I never asked to be born to the parents I have, it just happened. It doesn’t matter to me, so why should it matter to anyone else?
My random moment for the day was at the end of the day, which also doubles as a good moment (or a good series of hours). The movie/game/pizza night at the Center for Human Development was truly a blast. We ate pizza, watched Stomp the Yard, and played board games. I played Trivial Pursuit and enjoyed interacting with the participants that were in attendance- not many showed up, but the ones that did were extremely nice and very welcoming.
JenniferParsons
Jenny Parsons
Journal Entry #3
Alternative Spring Break
Monday, March 9, 2009
Today we went to the Nashville Rescue Mission. There we were given a tour of the building. There they have classes as well and recovery programs for the Participants. They have a lot of success according to their wall of graduates, which is a good sign that something is going right.
We were split into groups. I was in the group that was sent to sort through the clothes. We were told to sort them according to sizes. It is nice to see so many things are donated rather than trashed. We sorted clothes for three hours… that is a lot of clothes.
After lunch, everyone went to the basement, aside from the volunteers that were placed to help in the kitchen. There we broke down boxes, gathered blankets and put them together in bags and sorted through the pantry to organize the foods. Therefore, it is easier for the people cooking to find what to make that day when everything is together.
There was a lot more interaction with the Participants at the Nashville Rescue Mission in comparison to the Campus for Human Development.
After break and dinner, we returned to the Campus for Human Development to interact with the men in the different programs. We watched a movie and played games. Others sat and talked to the Participants. It was nice getting to hang out with them and give them some interaction with others who are really willing to help them.
It was rewarding to see and help do the work they do everyday. It makes me appreciate those who do those chores every day for me. I can honestly say that I have not set down and really thought about those who do those things every day and I take that for granted. I have come to really appreciate the things I have been so fortunate to have with each day on this trip.
An aggravating aspect of the day is that there was not enough work for the amount of people there to help. Down time makes it boring and the time goes by a lot slower. I will admit that I was tired today, but as long as I was given something to do, I was fine.
Journal Entry #3
Alternative Spring Break
Monday, March 9, 2009
Today we went to the Nashville Rescue Mission. There we were given a tour of the building. There they have classes as well and recovery programs for the Participants. They have a lot of success according to their wall of graduates, which is a good sign that something is going right.
We were split into groups. I was in the group that was sent to sort through the clothes. We were told to sort them according to sizes. It is nice to see so many things are donated rather than trashed. We sorted clothes for three hours… that is a lot of clothes.
After lunch, everyone went to the basement, aside from the volunteers that were placed to help in the kitchen. There we broke down boxes, gathered blankets and put them together in bags and sorted through the pantry to organize the foods. Therefore, it is easier for the people cooking to find what to make that day when everything is together.
There was a lot more interaction with the Participants at the Nashville Rescue Mission in comparison to the Campus for Human Development.
After break and dinner, we returned to the Campus for Human Development to interact with the men in the different programs. We watched a movie and played games. Others sat and talked to the Participants. It was nice getting to hang out with them and give them some interaction with others who are really willing to help them.
It was rewarding to see and help do the work they do everyday. It makes me appreciate those who do those chores every day for me. I can honestly say that I have not set down and really thought about those who do those things every day and I take that for granted. I have come to really appreciate the things I have been so fortunate to have with each day on this trip.
An aggravating aspect of the day is that there was not enough work for the amount of people there to help. Down time makes it boring and the time goes by a lot slower. I will admit that I was tired today, but as long as I was given something to do, I was fine.
MaiLy
Entry for 03/09/ 2009
Today is the busiest day. I must to wake up at 7 o’clock while I went to sleep at 4 o’clock. I felt so tired when I woke up. Firstly, we had a short breakfast; I ate a little bit food. After that, I went to the Nashville Rescue Mission. I’m so glad to meet the staff in here again. They’re so nice and friendly. Today, I worked in the basement again; the basement is so messed up and so dirty. It has a lot of dust. My nose felt bad, and my eye did too. It had a lot of funny today. Some guys played the ball, and the ball hit the light on the ceiling. Everyone looked at them and laughed. Today, I continued to recognize the clothes. I need to separate among coats, T-shirts, long sleeves, pants. After separating, I need to put all of them into the trash bags or the boxes. It’s not a easy work for me because there are a lot of clothes. After that, we separated blankets , sheets, pillow cover. Some sheets were so nasty, and dirty. I wanted to threw out when I smelt them. There were a lot of blankets in the stock. It’s necessary to help the homeless people and the hazardous people. It’s unfortunate for them. We worked about 2 hours, all of us felt so tired and sleepy. We ate lunch in the cafeteria, the food in here is not good. The food in here is worse many times than in the cafeteria in our university. I can’t believe that it has a place where the food is better than in our cafeteria. I couldn’t eat anything. At 1 o’clock, we started to work again, the work are the same in the morning. We finished at 3 o’clock and go back the motel. We had a short nap, after sleeping, I felt better and relax. After 2 days, we worked together, I have more and more friends, I felt like a family. I had a experiment, it’s difficult to earn money, there’re a lot of people poorer than me. I need to save money, and spend with the right way. At 6.30 o’clock, we started to go to Nashville Rescue Mission. We had a dinner and watch movie in here. I didn’t watch movie because I watched to my friends play chess. It’s so funny. My friend played three times and he was a loser all 3 times. He was so angry and wanted to play again. But the time was up. We need to go back the motel because it’s too late. I think, today is a tired day, we worked a lot and ate a little bit. However, I felt happy because I could help for the homeless people and the hazardous people. It made me feel happy.
Today is the busiest day. I must to wake up at 7 o’clock while I went to sleep at 4 o’clock. I felt so tired when I woke up. Firstly, we had a short breakfast; I ate a little bit food. After that, I went to the Nashville Rescue Mission. I’m so glad to meet the staff in here again. They’re so nice and friendly. Today, I worked in the basement again; the basement is so messed up and so dirty. It has a lot of dust. My nose felt bad, and my eye did too. It had a lot of funny today. Some guys played the ball, and the ball hit the light on the ceiling. Everyone looked at them and laughed. Today, I continued to recognize the clothes. I need to separate among coats, T-shirts, long sleeves, pants. After separating, I need to put all of them into the trash bags or the boxes. It’s not a easy work for me because there are a lot of clothes. After that, we separated blankets , sheets, pillow cover. Some sheets were so nasty, and dirty. I wanted to threw out when I smelt them. There were a lot of blankets in the stock. It’s necessary to help the homeless people and the hazardous people. It’s unfortunate for them. We worked about 2 hours, all of us felt so tired and sleepy. We ate lunch in the cafeteria, the food in here is not good. The food in here is worse many times than in the cafeteria in our university. I can’t believe that it has a place where the food is better than in our cafeteria. I couldn’t eat anything. At 1 o’clock, we started to work again, the work are the same in the morning. We finished at 3 o’clock and go back the motel. We had a short nap, after sleeping, I felt better and relax. After 2 days, we worked together, I have more and more friends, I felt like a family. I had a experiment, it’s difficult to earn money, there’re a lot of people poorer than me. I need to save money, and spend with the right way. At 6.30 o’clock, we started to go to Nashville Rescue Mission. We had a dinner and watch movie in here. I didn’t watch movie because I watched to my friends play chess. It’s so funny. My friend played three times and he was a loser all 3 times. He was so angry and wanted to play again. But the time was up. We need to go back the motel because it’s too late. I think, today is a tired day, we worked a lot and ate a little bit. However, I felt happy because I could help for the homeless people and the hazardous people. It made me feel happy.
BrittanyRothausen
Brittany Rothausen
Homeless Service Reflection 3
March 9, 2009 – Day 3
Today I worked at the Nashville Rescue Mission for the first time. We went on a brief tour and got the see a wall filled with pictures of men who have graduated from the program they run there. I worked in the kitchen for most of the day, preparing food and returning trays. It was really hot in the kitchen and kind of tiring to be on my feet so long, but it was actually pretty rewarding work because I felt like we were accomplishing something and we got to actually interact with some of the homeless people, which we hadn’t really done before. After a while I switched places with someone and went to work downstairs in the basement sorting toiletries. This was one of the more frustrating parts of the day because I didn’t feel like we were accomplishing anything. The warehouse was so huge and there were so many boxes. There wasn’t a system to what we were doing and I got the feeling that it was just busy work.
In the evening we went back to the Campus for Human Development where my group worked on Saturday. As we were walking over from the Mission parking lot, a homeless man came up to us and made some offensive comments. It took a lot of self-control for me to not talk back to him. I’m still somewhat heated about the incident, but I realize that I can’t really understand what life is like for him so it’s not exactly fair to judge him. Perhaps if I was homeless, I’d resent a bunch of college students with their nice clothes, cell phones, and educations. In reality, the majority of people we have interacted with have been really nice and appreciative of our work. However, it only takes one negative experience to change the way you view everything and unfortunately that seems to be the case tonight.
When we got to the Campus, we watched a movie and played some board games with a few of the participants. Unfortunately there weren’t a lot of them around. I’m not sure if they had other commitments or just weren’t too keen on the idea of spending their evening with us. Still, we had a good time and I’m glad I got to see Wendy again. I have a huge amount of respect for her.
Homeless Service Reflection 3
March 9, 2009 – Day 3
Today I worked at the Nashville Rescue Mission for the first time. We went on a brief tour and got the see a wall filled with pictures of men who have graduated from the program they run there. I worked in the kitchen for most of the day, preparing food and returning trays. It was really hot in the kitchen and kind of tiring to be on my feet so long, but it was actually pretty rewarding work because I felt like we were accomplishing something and we got to actually interact with some of the homeless people, which we hadn’t really done before. After a while I switched places with someone and went to work downstairs in the basement sorting toiletries. This was one of the more frustrating parts of the day because I didn’t feel like we were accomplishing anything. The warehouse was so huge and there were so many boxes. There wasn’t a system to what we were doing and I got the feeling that it was just busy work.
In the evening we went back to the Campus for Human Development where my group worked on Saturday. As we were walking over from the Mission parking lot, a homeless man came up to us and made some offensive comments. It took a lot of self-control for me to not talk back to him. I’m still somewhat heated about the incident, but I realize that I can’t really understand what life is like for him so it’s not exactly fair to judge him. Perhaps if I was homeless, I’d resent a bunch of college students with their nice clothes, cell phones, and educations. In reality, the majority of people we have interacted with have been really nice and appreciative of our work. However, it only takes one negative experience to change the way you view everything and unfortunately that seems to be the case tonight.
When we got to the Campus, we watched a movie and played some board games with a few of the participants. Unfortunately there weren’t a lot of them around. I’m not sure if they had other commitments or just weren’t too keen on the idea of spending their evening with us. Still, we had a good time and I’m glad I got to see Wendy again. I have a huge amount of respect for her.
PradipAdhikari
Journal
3rd Day
Pradip Adhikari
09/03/09
Sally Campbell
Nashville Rescue Mission.
Our day started at 7:30 in the morning today. Both of the groups were to work with the same agency for today. We went to the Nashville Rescue Mission. We got to meet a very good gentleman named Billy, who gave us the tour around the Nashville rescue mission. He talked about the number of homeless people living over there in the Nashville rescue Mission. He also went on talking about the different kinds of the services provided to the homeless people over there. We got to know that peoples over there were allowed to take some classes so that they can get a GED degree. There were pictures of people who had graduated from there. We got to know that almost 75 to 85 percent of the homeless people in the Nashville were provided some kind of service by the Nashville Rescue Mission. As we went on to the tour around the Nashville Rescue Mission we got to see the way homeless people lived there, we saw the rooms for those people. Rooms over there were very good and managed. We also saw the recreation places for the homeless people; they had game room, computer room, TV lounge for the homeless people. They also had some rules set up in those places. We also got to meet the head coordinator of the Nashville Rescue Mission. He was very good person and he thanked all of us for coming over there to help homeless people. After that we were divided into different groups to work on different places. I was on the group were we organized different kinds of donation from other peoples. We sorted out different clothing, it was fun working together. We had a good time over there as we were working on a group. Actually we were learning something over there, we were learning to work on team and got to learn how even hard works could be easier if it was done with a team effort. We were also learning to be responsible for the society. We did also meet different peoples over there who were very good who always thanked us for our help. All of us were pretty happy that we were doing something for those homeless people as even a small effort from us meant something for them. We worked there till 3:30 over there and came back to our motel.
We went to the Campus for the Human Development at 7:00 PM. We watched a movie “Stomp the Yard” over there. It was a very good movie and we had fun watching that movie. We did also meet some more homeless people over there. Every one of us had a very good time over there. It was a good experience spending some good time with homeless people. We got back to our motel as 9:00 PM. Overall it was a very good day with some great time with the homeless people.
3rd Day
Pradip Adhikari
09/03/09
Sally Campbell
Nashville Rescue Mission.
Our day started at 7:30 in the morning today. Both of the groups were to work with the same agency for today. We went to the Nashville Rescue Mission. We got to meet a very good gentleman named Billy, who gave us the tour around the Nashville rescue mission. He talked about the number of homeless people living over there in the Nashville rescue Mission. He also went on talking about the different kinds of the services provided to the homeless people over there. We got to know that peoples over there were allowed to take some classes so that they can get a GED degree. There were pictures of people who had graduated from there. We got to know that almost 75 to 85 percent of the homeless people in the Nashville were provided some kind of service by the Nashville Rescue Mission. As we went on to the tour around the Nashville Rescue Mission we got to see the way homeless people lived there, we saw the rooms for those people. Rooms over there were very good and managed. We also saw the recreation places for the homeless people; they had game room, computer room, TV lounge for the homeless people. They also had some rules set up in those places. We also got to meet the head coordinator of the Nashville Rescue Mission. He was very good person and he thanked all of us for coming over there to help homeless people. After that we were divided into different groups to work on different places. I was on the group were we organized different kinds of donation from other peoples. We sorted out different clothing, it was fun working together. We had a good time over there as we were working on a group. Actually we were learning something over there, we were learning to work on team and got to learn how even hard works could be easier if it was done with a team effort. We were also learning to be responsible for the society. We did also meet different peoples over there who were very good who always thanked us for our help. All of us were pretty happy that we were doing something for those homeless people as even a small effort from us meant something for them. We worked there till 3:30 over there and came back to our motel.
We went to the Campus for the Human Development at 7:00 PM. We watched a movie “Stomp the Yard” over there. It was a very good movie and we had fun watching that movie. We did also meet some more homeless people over there. Every one of us had a very good time over there. It was a good experience spending some good time with homeless people. We got back to our motel as 9:00 PM. Overall it was a very good day with some great time with the homeless people.
VanessaAustin
Today we went back to the National Rescue Mission. We got a tour of the building and the classrooms that the men go to. The men that don’t have a GED are able to get one there. They have a wall that displays the pictures of the men that have graduated and made it through the rehab program. After the tour, we separated off into groups. A few of us went to help teach the men for their GED classes. Some more of us went to the kitchen and helped and some more of us went to help sort through the clothes that they hand out to the men who need them. My group went back down to the basement to finish sorting through the donated items.
I was kind of disappointed and angered when some of our volunteers didn’t want to participate in straightening up the basement. I guess they felt as if it were dirty work or something. I think that if you come on a volunteer service trip, then you should do what is asked of you no matter how much you really want to do it. No matter what you are doing, you are still contributing in some way. I just didn’t appreciate the fact that they were refusing to do some work.
But it felt good to look at the work that we had done. It was good to see all of the progress that we had made. The basement looks so different and I helped do that. We have cleared out so much of that stuff and helped them so much in getting rid of that stuff. I am really proud to say that I have had a part in that. It is personally rewarding to be able to say that I have helped the mission and that I have made a difference. That is what makes the service trip such a worthwhile activity. I am really glad that I decided to participate.
I was kind of disappointed and angered when some of our volunteers didn’t want to participate in straightening up the basement. I guess they felt as if it were dirty work or something. I think that if you come on a volunteer service trip, then you should do what is asked of you no matter how much you really want to do it. No matter what you are doing, you are still contributing in some way. I just didn’t appreciate the fact that they were refusing to do some work.
But it felt good to look at the work that we had done. It was good to see all of the progress that we had made. The basement looks so different and I helped do that. We have cleared out so much of that stuff and helped them so much in getting rid of that stuff. I am really proud to say that I have had a part in that. It is personally rewarding to be able to say that I have helped the mission and that I have made a difference. That is what makes the service trip such a worthwhile activity. I am really glad that I decided to participate.
JessicaKIrk
Kirk, Jessica
3-9-09
Alternative Spring Break in Nashville
Day Three
Today we went to the Nashville Rescue Mission as our service project for the day. The Nashville Rescue Mission is huge and almost feels like a maze trying to navigate your way through it can be overwhelming. It is amazing how it shelters and feeds 600 homeless men each night, and everything is through donations from money to pay the bills to the food that they serve.
Today I chose to work in the kitchen because it was the best opportunity to have contact with the homeless people that live, work, and visit the Nashville Rescue Mission. Although unfortunately I didn't have as much contact as I would have liked to have had with them. We had been slaving away all day in the kitchen and when it finally comes time to serve the food a Baptist Church arrives and stills or thunder so to speak. We was looking forward serving then the food, but instead got stuck chopping up garlic which was a little disappointing and frustration.
Overall the experience was very rewarding and interesting. I got met a lot of interesting people at the mission one man who was very funny, upfront, and honest. He told us the true ins and outs of the mission, and not just the tourist version. He graduated from the program two years ago and stayed to help contribute back to the mission that had helped save his life. There was quite a few people I met at the mission who all had really interesting stories that would make some cry and others laugh. Laughing is something that you would think would be a rare commodity in that type of situation, but in actuality everyone is laughing and joking which made me more comfortable with them.
I met someone who is really inspiring. His name is Willie and he works at the
Nashville Rescue Mission. Just by looking and talking to him you would never know that his daughter has been missing since last Friday. He was just so strong and had so much Faith in God that he was able to keep himself composed in a time of hardship that many people would fall apart, but you could see the pain in his eyes and heat it in his voice as he told us the story of his missing daughter. As he told us about her I started to cry because he was so strong and had so much faith in God, and just asked us to pray for her.
3-9-09
Alternative Spring Break in Nashville
Day Three
Today we went to the Nashville Rescue Mission as our service project for the day. The Nashville Rescue Mission is huge and almost feels like a maze trying to navigate your way through it can be overwhelming. It is amazing how it shelters and feeds 600 homeless men each night, and everything is through donations from money to pay the bills to the food that they serve.
Today I chose to work in the kitchen because it was the best opportunity to have contact with the homeless people that live, work, and visit the Nashville Rescue Mission. Although unfortunately I didn't have as much contact as I would have liked to have had with them. We had been slaving away all day in the kitchen and when it finally comes time to serve the food a Baptist Church arrives and stills or thunder so to speak. We was looking forward serving then the food, but instead got stuck chopping up garlic which was a little disappointing and frustration.
Overall the experience was very rewarding and interesting. I got met a lot of interesting people at the mission one man who was very funny, upfront, and honest. He told us the true ins and outs of the mission, and not just the tourist version. He graduated from the program two years ago and stayed to help contribute back to the mission that had helped save his life. There was quite a few people I met at the mission who all had really interesting stories that would make some cry and others laugh. Laughing is something that you would think would be a rare commodity in that type of situation, but in actuality everyone is laughing and joking which made me more comfortable with them.
I met someone who is really inspiring. His name is Willie and he works at the
Nashville Rescue Mission. Just by looking and talking to him you would never know that his daughter has been missing since last Friday. He was just so strong and had so much Faith in God that he was able to keep himself composed in a time of hardship that many people would fall apart, but you could see the pain in his eyes and heat it in his voice as he told us the story of his missing daughter. As he told us about her I started to cry because he was so strong and had so much faith in God, and just asked us to pray for her.
JenniferBowman
Jennifer Bowman
3-9-09
Nashville Day 3
For our work today everyone headed to the Nashville Rescue Mission. When we all arrived they took us on a tour of the facility and gave us some background information which was really interesting. It was really a good experience because we all got to see the huge rooms where the homeless come into sleep every night. It never really hit me how many people that they house there until I saw the rooms with the massive amounts of bunk beds. It made me realize that there is a much greater homeless population than I thought, but it also made me realize that I have so much to be thankful for that I tend to take for granted.
Once we went on the tour they gave us options as to where we wanted to work for the morning. The options were working in the basement, kitchen work, helping in the coat closet where they hand out free clothes, or going to a classroom to help teach. I am an education major so I was very excited that I could help work in a classroom. The classes that the participants in the rehab program take are to help them earn their G.E.D. so that they can find a job. I was able to help in the level two math class which was the best experience of the day for me. I really enjoyed being able to help one on one with the men and help explain the math problems to them. The men were so appreciative of our help and they were so genuine and kind to us. I had a lot of fun getting to know them and help them learn at the same time. It made me feel like I had accomplished something that was a big deal and I felt pretty great about myself until the end of class. When it was time for them to go a man named Albert stood up to pray. It was one of the most humbling times of the week because he just thanked God for us and asked God to bless us. This really made me reconsider a bunch of things in my life because I feel like we should be praying for them because they have so little and have had such rough lives, but they were more concerned about praying for us. This was definitely an awesome morning for me and I formed some good relationships while getting life experience in a classroom.
After class, we ate lunch at the mission and then the majority of us went down to the basement to get back to work sorting and organizing. This was kind of frustrating to me just because I enjoyed the work with the men so much and I felt like the basement was a place of confinement away from human interaction. It was good to go through some stuff and try to help it look better, but at the same time that basement is just so huge that it feels like not much is getting done. I was getting tired down there along with everyone else and it seemed like we were really starting to drag. So we tried to make the best of things and keep going, but it was difficult at times. I have decided that when we return on Wednesday I would like to find more work with the residents and homeless because that is where I feel like I am really doing service and getting to talk to new people is something that I really enjoy.
3-9-09
Nashville Day 3
For our work today everyone headed to the Nashville Rescue Mission. When we all arrived they took us on a tour of the facility and gave us some background information which was really interesting. It was really a good experience because we all got to see the huge rooms where the homeless come into sleep every night. It never really hit me how many people that they house there until I saw the rooms with the massive amounts of bunk beds. It made me realize that there is a much greater homeless population than I thought, but it also made me realize that I have so much to be thankful for that I tend to take for granted.
Once we went on the tour they gave us options as to where we wanted to work for the morning. The options were working in the basement, kitchen work, helping in the coat closet where they hand out free clothes, or going to a classroom to help teach. I am an education major so I was very excited that I could help work in a classroom. The classes that the participants in the rehab program take are to help them earn their G.E.D. so that they can find a job. I was able to help in the level two math class which was the best experience of the day for me. I really enjoyed being able to help one on one with the men and help explain the math problems to them. The men were so appreciative of our help and they were so genuine and kind to us. I had a lot of fun getting to know them and help them learn at the same time. It made me feel like I had accomplished something that was a big deal and I felt pretty great about myself until the end of class. When it was time for them to go a man named Albert stood up to pray. It was one of the most humbling times of the week because he just thanked God for us and asked God to bless us. This really made me reconsider a bunch of things in my life because I feel like we should be praying for them because they have so little and have had such rough lives, but they were more concerned about praying for us. This was definitely an awesome morning for me and I formed some good relationships while getting life experience in a classroom.
After class, we ate lunch at the mission and then the majority of us went down to the basement to get back to work sorting and organizing. This was kind of frustrating to me just because I enjoyed the work with the men so much and I felt like the basement was a place of confinement away from human interaction. It was good to go through some stuff and try to help it look better, but at the same time that basement is just so huge that it feels like not much is getting done. I was getting tired down there along with everyone else and it seemed like we were really starting to drag. So we tried to make the best of things and keep going, but it was difficult at times. I have decided that when we return on Wednesday I would like to find more work with the residents and homeless because that is where I feel like I am really doing service and getting to talk to new people is something that I really enjoy.
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