Today (Friday, Oct. 19), I did my second service learning hours in the evening hours at the St. Vincent DePaul Warehouse. I helped a worker sort books by category, take off any existing price tags, and put the books on the shelf in the store for people to purchase. It seemed as if no end in the pile of books existed. I was amazed to see the vast amount of high quality books and many that I would love to read in the piles of donated books.
As an education major who has many elementary education major friends, I was surprised to see so many quality children’s books in good condition. Elementary teachers are always buying tons of books through book orders trying to build their personal libraries that they can use in their classroom. I will be referring my friends to check out the children’s book collection at St. Vincent DePaul because children’s books are only 10 cents for paper back and 15 cents for hard cover. This is an unbelievable deal for books in good condition (I have one friend that just spent over 80 dollars buying 20-25 books from book orders). The woman I worked with said that children’s books are the biggest category of books that are donated, but they are the slowest to sell. This would be an excellent opportunity for teachers to build their book collections, while contributing to a community that helps those in need.
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Books at St. Vincent DePaul First Experience
Today (Friday, Oct. 19), I did my first service learning hours in the late morning hours at the St. Vincent DePaul Warehouse. My feeling going into this assignment was one time: Is this going to be worth my precious time, and will I even have time to do any of this service learning assignment. Coming into this assignment my goal was simple: to get this project done without it interfering with my very busy music life. My goal has now changed to using this as a way to relax and unwind from my busy life.
My life this semester has been constantly running from one thing to any other, and each of those things has been high intensity activities and rehearsals. One of the very first things I noticed when I began volunteering is that everything that goes on at St. Vincent DePaul Warehouse is done at a slow, relaxed pace. The workers use their time there to learn about each other and learn new things from the items they take in. My job was sorting books, and one of the things that the worker I was paired with often would do was look through the books she was sorting and pick out an interesting fact that she did not know before. Since she had not gone to college, sorting books was a way for her to continue learning in life. Something I noticed over all was that there were not strict things that the workers had to get done each day. There were guidelines, but it was not absolutely necessary for each task to be complete by the end of the day. As usual for this semester, my Tri-College Free Day was not a day off, and it was just as busy as a normal Friday with rehearsals and service learning. When I showed up to volunteer, I was again running from one hectic, and actually working in a slow paced, low-challenge environment was extremely relaxing for me, and it relieved a lot of the stress I had coming into it.
~Kristin P.
My life this semester has been constantly running from one thing to any other, and each of those things has been high intensity activities and rehearsals. One of the very first things I noticed when I began volunteering is that everything that goes on at St. Vincent DePaul Warehouse is done at a slow, relaxed pace. The workers use their time there to learn about each other and learn new things from the items they take in. My job was sorting books, and one of the things that the worker I was paired with often would do was look through the books she was sorting and pick out an interesting fact that she did not know before. Since she had not gone to college, sorting books was a way for her to continue learning in life. Something I noticed over all was that there were not strict things that the workers had to get done each day. There were guidelines, but it was not absolutely necessary for each task to be complete by the end of the day. As usual for this semester, my Tri-College Free Day was not a day off, and it was just as busy as a normal Friday with rehearsals and service learning. When I showed up to volunteer, I was again running from one hectic, and actually working in a slow paced, low-challenge environment was extremely relaxing for me, and it relieved a lot of the stress I had coming into it.
~Kristin P.
Friday, October 19, 2007
St Vincent Depaul
I was pretty anxious to start my service learning at St. Vincent Depaul because my work and school schedules finally allotted me some time to do so. From talking to classmates about their experiences, I really wanted to start my service and try to connect with a faith community. When I first got there, I talked with the first employee I saw. I told her who I was and that I was there to meet with Kurt (I believe his title is "director".) A goal of mine was to try to get the first person I came into contact with to open up to me a little bit. So, I started probing her for answers about what exactly they did there, what all occurs in terms of donations, buying of goods, redistribution of money from the goods sold, food vouchers, item vouchers, etc. I immediately found a sense of pride in the fact that items I had donated before were used in two ways, sold to those that can afford to buy them cheaply, and then that money was allotted to people who cannot afford clothes and food so they could have such necessities of life.
I worked a lot of the day with a girl about 8 years younger than me, she is a new employee there. She dropped out of high school about two years ago, and this is her first job so that she can "pay some rent." She also wants to save some money for the GED, which I was very happy to hear. For the most part, I opened bags of donated clothes, put shoes in a bin, purses in a bin, and then all the clothes into the bailer and compacted them. I noticed the pace of the other volunteers/employees to be some what slow, kind of like the overnight stocking shift at target, just floating through the shift. I was moving so much faster than everyone, but they appreciated it I think, because I was doing some of their work anyway. Some conversations I had were similar to other classmates, about community service sanctioned by the courts or by school, how many hours, etc. I was kind of distraught that some people made comments like, oh thats not too bad a number of hours, or that will go by real quick. I was hoping they would be more rooted in the community and WANT it to be more hours so that I can be a part of the community more!
In doing this work, I felt a sense of meaning to what I was doing. Someone, somewhere, that needs clothes, might get them a little bit sooner because I was helping sort through all the bags of donations. Cold Iowa winter is approaching, I know it can be bad.
I will be going back to complete my hours next week, and probably go a few times extra after that. I want to be able to talk to some of the people that buy the items on the sales floors, and help them in any way that I can, as well as talk to a few other employees/volunteers and see why they choose to work at St. Vincent Depaul. I also hope to continue to talk with the girl that I worked with, to help her figure her life out in some way possibly, she is a good kid, just needs some guidance. From the start of our work, I thought about my regrets of not continuing to earn my degree in Education, to make a difference in the schools. I Guess my degree that I am earning in Business will have to be used for something meaningful, for me to feel successful with it.
A goal I have is to find out more about the community that exists at St. Vincent Depaul, because everyone does talk to everyone else and they are all there for a reason, I think people will talk to me if I ask questions and share about myself as well.
I worked a lot of the day with a girl about 8 years younger than me, she is a new employee there. She dropped out of high school about two years ago, and this is her first job so that she can "pay some rent." She also wants to save some money for the GED, which I was very happy to hear. For the most part, I opened bags of donated clothes, put shoes in a bin, purses in a bin, and then all the clothes into the bailer and compacted them. I noticed the pace of the other volunteers/employees to be some what slow, kind of like the overnight stocking shift at target, just floating through the shift. I was moving so much faster than everyone, but they appreciated it I think, because I was doing some of their work anyway. Some conversations I had were similar to other classmates, about community service sanctioned by the courts or by school, how many hours, etc. I was kind of distraught that some people made comments like, oh thats not too bad a number of hours, or that will go by real quick. I was hoping they would be more rooted in the community and WANT it to be more hours so that I can be a part of the community more!
In doing this work, I felt a sense of meaning to what I was doing. Someone, somewhere, that needs clothes, might get them a little bit sooner because I was helping sort through all the bags of donations. Cold Iowa winter is approaching, I know it can be bad.
I will be going back to complete my hours next week, and probably go a few times extra after that. I want to be able to talk to some of the people that buy the items on the sales floors, and help them in any way that I can, as well as talk to a few other employees/volunteers and see why they choose to work at St. Vincent Depaul. I also hope to continue to talk with the girl that I worked with, to help her figure her life out in some way possibly, she is a good kid, just needs some guidance. From the start of our work, I thought about my regrets of not continuing to earn my degree in Education, to make a difference in the schools. I Guess my degree that I am earning in Business will have to be used for something meaningful, for me to feel successful with it.
A goal I have is to find out more about the community that exists at St. Vincent Depaul, because everyone does talk to everyone else and they are all there for a reason, I think people will talk to me if I ask questions and share about myself as well.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Bereavement meeting
Today I attended a meeting at the St. Joesph the worker parish for people that are dealing with a loss and are going through the greiving process. We started by reader a the gospel of Luke chapter 17: 11-19 I think it was about the ten lepers and only one came back to thank Jesus for cleansing him. We reflected on its meaning and said that it would be a good thing to think about all the people we have forgotten to thank and give them a call or send them a note thanking them. Then we went on to watch a movie about how the church is like a hospital for our spiritual life. When we are grieving the Church community gives us support. the movie talked about how family can help the individual grieving and so can a church family. It said the church is like a family not an institution. I couldn't stay for the discussion after because I had a class to go to but what I did observe was good I feel like the people there needed to here that the church is a form of a family.
Service Learning RELS 204 Fall 2007: Homebound visit
Service Learning RELS 204 Fall 2007: Maria House
Last night I went to the Maria House, (October 17, 2008) I sat in on the House meeting which gave me more insight into the women's lives. They talked about how during the holidays alot of people from the community will be donating and even sponsoring families at the Maria House. I am really proud of Dubuque for being so active in helping these homeless women. It is a great amount of Charity. I think the community could improve with a more hands on aspect though. I think you really get a feel for what these women and children are going through by meeting and talking to them instead of just dropping off donations.
They also talked about the rules and made sure that everyone was aware and following them like it is expected of them. There have been alot of staff going to the Theresa Shelter now that it is open during the night and day and some of the rules have been forgotten about so it was just a reminder. I see so much empowerment when I go to the Maria House, all of the women are required to work and/or go to school while they are living there. They all have chores that must be done and at the same time they work together if someone will not make it home on time to get their chores done.
Last night I went to the Maria House, (October 17, 2008) I sat in on the House meeting which gave me more insight into the women's lives. They talked about how during the holidays alot of people from the community will be donating and even sponsoring families at the Maria House. I am really proud of Dubuque for being so active in helping these homeless women. It is a great amount of Charity. I think the community could improve with a more hands on aspect though. I think you really get a feel for what these women and children are going through by meeting and talking to them instead of just dropping off donations.
They also talked about the rules and made sure that everyone was aware and following them like it is expected of them. There have been alot of staff going to the Theresa Shelter now that it is open during the night and day and some of the rules have been forgotten about so it was just a reminder. I see so much empowerment when I go to the Maria House, all of the women are required to work and/or go to school while they are living there. They all have chores that must be done and at the same time they work together if someone will not make it home on time to get their chores done.
Homebound visit
Today I visited a woman that is homebound and lives alone. It was a joy talking to her and learning about her life growing up in Dubuque. She is around 80 years old, when she was growing up in Dubuque, she talked about how there was no julien dubuque bridge. The only way to get across to the other side was a wooden bridge by eagle point park. It the top deck was for cars and the bottom trains went underneath. I thought that would have be cool to see.
She also talked about how when she was young and married to her childhood sweet heart that she followed out to California. He was in the service and they were married on treasure Island. After world war two they came back to Dubuque and started a family. For a getaway on the weekend, her parents would watch the kids and they would ride the trains from Dubuque all the way to chicago. I also asked her how Dubuque has changed from when she was a kid. She responded by telling me that Dodge street, highway 20... used to be all houses along the road. As a kid she lived along that road. So that area has completely changed. She also told me when the Mississippi river flooded the down town area was all under water because there was no dike or flood walls.
She told me about her family. She thinks about her husband and daugther everyday. Some days are better than others when it comes to being able to talk about it. Her daughter used to live with her and her husband, and one morning her husband told her to come into the kitchen. They found her daugther dead on the kitchen floor. She had suffered a massive heartache at the age of 51. A year later her husband did the same thing. Her son lives in a near by town but she lives alone which she is ok with she gives alot of visitor from St. Joepsh the worker parisher, where I am volenteering. As we were sitting there she had two people stop by. One was a person from the parish bringing her supper. and the other was the neighbor across the street that mows her lawn and takes out the garbage for her every week.
Comparing this experience to the other visits with elderly of the parish. It was probably one of the more sad ones that affected me. She is such a sweet lady, living alone with her dog. all the other places I have visited had other people like themselves living all around them in nursing homes and apartment buildings. I think the fact that the parish cares enough to come visit and caught up with the person for a few hours is great.
She also talked about how when she was young and married to her childhood sweet heart that she followed out to California. He was in the service and they were married on treasure Island. After world war two they came back to Dubuque and started a family. For a getaway on the weekend, her parents would watch the kids and they would ride the trains from Dubuque all the way to chicago. I also asked her how Dubuque has changed from when she was a kid. She responded by telling me that Dodge street, highway 20... used to be all houses along the road. As a kid she lived along that road. So that area has completely changed. She also told me when the Mississippi river flooded the down town area was all under water because there was no dike or flood walls.
She told me about her family. She thinks about her husband and daugther everyday. Some days are better than others when it comes to being able to talk about it. Her daughter used to live with her and her husband, and one morning her husband told her to come into the kitchen. They found her daugther dead on the kitchen floor. She had suffered a massive heartache at the age of 51. A year later her husband did the same thing. Her son lives in a near by town but she lives alone which she is ok with she gives alot of visitor from St. Joepsh the worker parisher, where I am volenteering. As we were sitting there she had two people stop by. One was a person from the parish bringing her supper. and the other was the neighbor across the street that mows her lawn and takes out the garbage for her every week.
Comparing this experience to the other visits with elderly of the parish. It was probably one of the more sad ones that affected me. She is such a sweet lady, living alone with her dog. all the other places I have visited had other people like themselves living all around them in nursing homes and apartment buildings. I think the fact that the parish cares enough to come visit and caught up with the person for a few hours is great.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Rescue Mission
Tonight I continued with my service at the Dubuque Rescue Mission. Not much changed this week we still helped serve dinner to all of the people who showed up. One thing I love to see every week is how everyone interacts with each other and their relationships with one another. They pretty much act like one big family and they all seem genuinely interested in each other. Also I've noticed recently since we've been going there for a little while now how everyone is just kind of used to seeing us and I think they almost expect us to be there. They are always so nice to us and seem genuinely glad when we walk in. I also noticed how grateful people are for the help and how some of them always make sure they come and thank us before they leave. Overall my experience is continuing to be a very rewarding and enriching one.
St. Vincent De Paul experience by Paul
I didn't know what to do for this service project at the start and thought that I would have a hard time finding one to do that involved a Christian community and one that would be flexible with my actual job. It turned out that Dustin would mention the idea about working at St. Vincent De Paul and when I called St. Vincent De Paul up, I found out that their schedule was very flexible. Later, Aaron asked if he could join us too, so there was three of us on this first day.
When I first got there I didn't know what to expect. I usually frequent both St. Vincent De Paul and Goodwill to search for things I like to collect, but had really never known how the store ran in the background. We walked into the back room and I found it to be surprisingly large. There were two big shop floor rooms with items organized into categories. The first room had an electronic area, a child toy area, a bed parts area and a clothing area with a big compactor that was used to compress unwanted clothing. The second room had an office for one of our supervisors, tables, computer electronics, other random furniture, and a truck loading dock.
I was surprised that when we first walked into the place, a guy that I think was named 'Tom' asked us if we were there by court order. I actually laughed in response and he told us that a lot of the help that they get there is court ordered. We started off the day by taking a table out onto the display floor in the St. Vincent Store, and then proceeded to dust all of the furniture that was in the second room. Dusting the furniture didn't seem to take us that long. Our second task was to sweep the two shop room floors. We took a while to do this, and while I was still doing it, our supervisor gave Dustin the task of breaking down boxes and Aaron the task of sorting bed parts. Eventually we all helped Aaron sort out the bed parts because this was the longest job. We then moved all the bed parts that didn't match to a place where they would be picked up and taken to the dump.
Another supervisor at the store room asked us what our majors were at Clarke and when he asked me, I told him that I was a CS major and that I dealt with computers. When he heard that, he told me that he wanted me to fix a computer problem for him. I then told him to ask Dustin instead because Dustin is better at normal computer problems and I don't like to fix computer issues. Dustin helped him with his computer while I watched what he was doing and Aaron talked to the computers owner. Dustin seemed to fix all the computer issues so the guy bought us lunch.
After that, we did a little more furniture set up on the show room and went home.
I think that this was a good experience. It somehow reminded me of what it is like to work at a grocery store, where I stock things on the shelf on the display floor. I thought that everyone there was easy to deal with, we didn't run into any bad situations from my experience. The only bad thing about this deal is that I didn't get paid for my work, which is why it's called community service...
When I first got there I didn't know what to expect. I usually frequent both St. Vincent De Paul and Goodwill to search for things I like to collect, but had really never known how the store ran in the background. We walked into the back room and I found it to be surprisingly large. There were two big shop floor rooms with items organized into categories. The first room had an electronic area, a child toy area, a bed parts area and a clothing area with a big compactor that was used to compress unwanted clothing. The second room had an office for one of our supervisors, tables, computer electronics, other random furniture, and a truck loading dock.
I was surprised that when we first walked into the place, a guy that I think was named 'Tom' asked us if we were there by court order. I actually laughed in response and he told us that a lot of the help that they get there is court ordered. We started off the day by taking a table out onto the display floor in the St. Vincent Store, and then proceeded to dust all of the furniture that was in the second room. Dusting the furniture didn't seem to take us that long. Our second task was to sweep the two shop room floors. We took a while to do this, and while I was still doing it, our supervisor gave Dustin the task of breaking down boxes and Aaron the task of sorting bed parts. Eventually we all helped Aaron sort out the bed parts because this was the longest job. We then moved all the bed parts that didn't match to a place where they would be picked up and taken to the dump.
Another supervisor at the store room asked us what our majors were at Clarke and when he asked me, I told him that I was a CS major and that I dealt with computers. When he heard that, he told me that he wanted me to fix a computer problem for him. I then told him to ask Dustin instead because Dustin is better at normal computer problems and I don't like to fix computer issues. Dustin helped him with his computer while I watched what he was doing and Aaron talked to the computers owner. Dustin seemed to fix all the computer issues so the guy bought us lunch.
After that, we did a little more furniture set up on the show room and went home.
I think that this was a good experience. It somehow reminded me of what it is like to work at a grocery store, where I stock things on the shelf on the display floor. I thought that everyone there was easy to deal with, we didn't run into any bad situations from my experience. The only bad thing about this deal is that I didn't get paid for my work, which is why it's called community service...
Dubuque Rescue Mission
I went to the Dubuque Rescue Mission again today to continue me service project. I helped serve the dinner meal like I normally do. The people who come to get meals there still amaze me at how grateful they are for our help. Everyone is so nice. Serving food there and seeing all the people who come through makes me realize how good I have it in life. The rescue mission is like a family for the people who work there and the people who come to get meals from them.
First Time at St. Vincent De Paul
Last Saturday was the first time I went to St. Vincent De Paul to help out. Before going, I was a bit nervous about what I would be doing and who I would meet. Since I went with a couple other students, I wasn't as nervous as I could have been. I also tried to think of a few good questions to ask while I was there. The main thing I wanted to know is their exact mission. I knew they helped the poor, I just didn't know exactly how.
When we arrived there, we were greeted by one of the guys in charge (sorry, I can't think of his name off the top of my head). The first thing he asked us is if we were there by court order. This surprised me at first, but after some time I realized the court uses this place as a spot for people to perform their terms of community service. In a sense, those serving a court order here can be thought of as helping the poor. They may not necessarily be lacking money, but they can be lacking guidance of what's right and wrong.
When we went into the back room, our first task was to clean off the wooden furniture, which was no small task. Thanks to the generosity of others in the community, there was a mountain of tables, chairs, and cupboards waiting to be sold.
As we were cleaning, I asked the guy who assigned us this task about what they do with the money from all the sales. He explained that they give out vouchers to those who need a little help with such things as paying their bills. They also obtain food from the food bank and give it to families in need. He also mentioned that unlike Goodwill, all the money stays in the community and the CEOs of St. Vincent don't get paid a cent; they work purely on a volunteer basis. This struck me as a surprise because I thought that someone in charge like a CEO would be getting some monetary compensation for their efforts.
As the day went on, we were given more tasks, such as sweeping the back room, sorting different items, and carrying furniture to the display area. One of the furniture sets that we cleaned and set up for display was sold that day, which gives me a sense of accomplishment. It is a good feeling knowing that something I took part in went toward helping out someone less fortunate.
After about 5 hours, we decided it was time to call it a day. It would be best for us to come on a separate occasion so we can meet more of the other volunteers. I plan on going back this Saturday to help out some more, and possibly make a difference.
When we arrived there, we were greeted by one of the guys in charge (sorry, I can't think of his name off the top of my head). The first thing he asked us is if we were there by court order. This surprised me at first, but after some time I realized the court uses this place as a spot for people to perform their terms of community service. In a sense, those serving a court order here can be thought of as helping the poor. They may not necessarily be lacking money, but they can be lacking guidance of what's right and wrong.
When we went into the back room, our first task was to clean off the wooden furniture, which was no small task. Thanks to the generosity of others in the community, there was a mountain of tables, chairs, and cupboards waiting to be sold.
As we were cleaning, I asked the guy who assigned us this task about what they do with the money from all the sales. He explained that they give out vouchers to those who need a little help with such things as paying their bills. They also obtain food from the food bank and give it to families in need. He also mentioned that unlike Goodwill, all the money stays in the community and the CEOs of St. Vincent don't get paid a cent; they work purely on a volunteer basis. This struck me as a surprise because I thought that someone in charge like a CEO would be getting some monetary compensation for their efforts.
As the day went on, we were given more tasks, such as sweeping the back room, sorting different items, and carrying furniture to the display area. One of the furniture sets that we cleaned and set up for display was sold that day, which gives me a sense of accomplishment. It is a good feeling knowing that something I took part in went toward helping out someone less fortunate.
After about 5 hours, we decided it was time to call it a day. It would be best for us to come on a separate occasion so we can meet more of the other volunteers. I plan on going back this Saturday to help out some more, and possibly make a difference.
Second Day at Catholic Worker Farm
On Friday October 12th I went to the farm again. This time I knew what to expect so I wasn't nervous. I was actually excited becasue I got to see Mary and the kids again. Jessica came along with me this time. When we first arrived we were sent outside to the garden to weed. I also picked peppers and eggplant. As we worked outside I had fun talking to Mary's two boys Francis and Patrick and her little girl Ester. I asked them if the had to work on the farm like we were doing. Of course they said yes. I also talked to them about what they liked to do and what they were doind at school. Mary informed us later that she homeschooled her children. I myself have mixed feelings about homeschooling becasue I can see it as a positive and a negative. It is a positive because children get to be with thier families and in MAry's case the boys are around to help her with the farm chores. The negative is that kids that are homeschooled don't get as much of a chance to go out and socialize and experience new things.
After we worked for about an hour we wnet back inside and I asked Mary some questions. I learned what their mission statement was first. Second I had her describe to me what her spirituality was. I lved her basic answer. She said her spirtuality was that of a radical christian- to go back to christs teachings of serving, loving, and bringing peace especially to the poor.I thought this was interesting because it ties right in to what we are learning in class. Jesus' main goal is to serve the poor as is theirs at the farm.
I went on to ask her what others form the outside society did for them. She replied that many individual contribute things such as money or food for Hope House. Also a church took out a second collection for this purpose. Also in order for the family to pay for thier home the BVM's from sisters of the chairity gave them a $60,000 no intrest loan. I think that it is amazing about how generous people are. It really doesnt matter how much you give, as long as your giving. Even the smallest amount can truley help people out there that are starving and hame no clothing or shelter.
After my questions were asked I went back outside to weed a strawberry bed. Then once all the weds were out I mulched around the plants. MAry really didn't have much for me to do after that so I called it a day. Before I left I overheard one of the residents from Hope House say that her parents were not religious. This just made me think that you don't have to be born into a religious family in order to have a religion. You are the one that chooses your own spirituality and you can be the one to decide which faith based community, if any you want to join.
After we worked for about an hour we wnet back inside and I asked Mary some questions. I learned what their mission statement was first. Second I had her describe to me what her spirituality was. I lved her basic answer. She said her spirtuality was that of a radical christian- to go back to christs teachings of serving, loving, and bringing peace especially to the poor.I thought this was interesting because it ties right in to what we are learning in class. Jesus' main goal is to serve the poor as is theirs at the farm.
I went on to ask her what others form the outside society did for them. She replied that many individual contribute things such as money or food for Hope House. Also a church took out a second collection for this purpose. Also in order for the family to pay for thier home the BVM's from sisters of the chairity gave them a $60,000 no intrest loan. I think that it is amazing about how generous people are. It really doesnt matter how much you give, as long as your giving. Even the smallest amount can truley help people out there that are starving and hame no clothing or shelter.
After my questions were asked I went back outside to weed a strawberry bed. Then once all the weds were out I mulched around the plants. MAry really didn't have much for me to do after that so I called it a day. Before I left I overheard one of the residents from Hope House say that her parents were not religious. This just made me think that you don't have to be born into a religious family in order to have a religion. You are the one that chooses your own spirituality and you can be the one to decide which faith based community, if any you want to join.
Monday, October 15, 2007
My Experience at St. Vincent Depaul
Over the past four weeks I have been experiencing "hands on" what it is like to serve the needy. I have been engaged in several activities, whether it was sorting clothes, hanging them on hangers, or bring the clothes to the main floor at St. Vincent Depaul. I was very welcomed by many of the employees when first starting my service hours. As time continued, I learned a lot about this community that I became a part of in such a sort time. I observed that all the employees are unique in their own ways but in the end everyone worked together for the same common goal, serving those in need. I truly feel each individual there values what they do everyday and are there for good reason, to help anyway they can. Yes, some of it was for the money, but when I talked to one lady, she said she really gets personal satisfaction out of working at St. Vincent Depaul knowing she is helping/working for the needy. All and all, I would say the most positive part of this service was working in a multicultural community and learning from all of them in a unique way. Its good to finally realize that many small deeds can have such a big impact in the community of the poor. In a short period of time I have discovered a journey towards self-awareness and I am in hopes to continue in supporting the needs of surrounding community.
First Day
This last Wednesday was my first day at my service learning site. I am doing my service learning at Mt. Carmel where I am working with elderly sisters who can no longer manage to get themselves to their physical therapy appointments. This is my second time working at Mt. Carmel and I was welcomed back with open arms. I was shocked at how many of the sisters not only remembered me, but remembered that I am an elementary education major from Clarke College.
I love working with these nuns because they take a personal interest as me and I feel that they really appreciate all that I am trying to do for them. Even though, to me, it doesn't seem like I'm doing all that much, to them it means the world. All too often we take for granted the fact that if we want to go somewhere there isn’t much holding us back. Sure some of us may not have say a car to get to the grocery store, but at least we are able to get up and walk down to the kitchen or dining hall to get some breakfast. Working with these sisters has helped to show me that we must not take for granted the little things in our lives.
It is these people who we consider to be poor, but they are certainty not poor in spirit. Even though one of the sisters has a very progressive form of Parkinson’s disease, she still has a smile on her face and greets everyone she sees with a “Good Morning!” and when asked how she is doing she replies with “Wonderful!”. She doesn’t try to burden others with her problems, but tries to lift people up by displaying her courage and her ability to triumph over adversity.
I am looking forward to spending more time with these sisters.
I love working with these nuns because they take a personal interest as me and I feel that they really appreciate all that I am trying to do for them. Even though, to me, it doesn't seem like I'm doing all that much, to them it means the world. All too often we take for granted the fact that if we want to go somewhere there isn’t much holding us back. Sure some of us may not have say a car to get to the grocery store, but at least we are able to get up and walk down to the kitchen or dining hall to get some breakfast. Working with these sisters has helped to show me that we must not take for granted the little things in our lives.
It is these people who we consider to be poor, but they are certainty not poor in spirit. Even though one of the sisters has a very progressive form of Parkinson’s disease, she still has a smile on her face and greets everyone she sees with a “Good Morning!” and when asked how she is doing she replies with “Wonderful!”. She doesn’t try to burden others with her problems, but tries to lift people up by displaying her courage and her ability to triumph over adversity.
I am looking forward to spending more time with these sisters.
First Day
I am at Mt. Carmel helping the nuns get from their rooms to their wellness appointments. The first day there I was with Annie W and she had been there before so she showed me the ropes. Some of the nuns are really funny and will tell you if you are going the wrong way down to their appointments. They also want you to "park" them in the correct spots by the wellness department. Another thing we will be doing is helping the nuns move back into the Mother house. I believe their was some remodeling and also some were sick and had to be moved. So Annie and I will be moving all of their boxes back into their other rooms.
St. Vincent Depaul 10/13/07- " I had to learn that I was not special"
I went to St Vincent Depaul on saturday with paul and dustin. we got there at 9:30am and was greeted my a rather chipper mid 20's man that was going to be leading us through the day. We first began with cleaning off tables and moved them to the sales floor. Then, we swept the entire back room warehouse-like building. Following this, it was my job to go through stacks of bedposts, find ones that are alike, and tape them together with a tape gun. I had trouble with the gun. and when a worker assisted me, I was upset because I felt the ignorance I cameto abolish. Here I was a college student almost ready to graduate being instructed how to do something by someone that I felt was not as educated as me. Thankfully, I cast aside this thought and accepted her help pleasently and was polite. This was the one incident that stuck out in my mind. I had to learn that I was not special, or any different than anyone becasue Ive almost completed a college degree. I got tired and began wishing we could leave. However, I forced this to the back of my head. then, we were called to the office to fix a computer. While Paul and Dustin were working, I conversed with the coordinator and observed my surroundings. I was thankful for the opportunity to do relational service in addition to work. We concluded our time at approximately 1:30 after moving more tables and setting chairs in the front of the store. This was a good step on my journey of self -understanding and competency.
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