August
2, 2013 My
Story Matters-Community Project
Jake,
Cierra, Lauren, Carri and I (along with 30 other volunteers) took part in a
wonderful, carefully planned day at The Roadhome shelter in Salt Lake City
today. It was a day filled with all kinds
of feelings and experiences.
As
we arrived we drove up to an area that made us a bit uncomfortable. We searched for the entrance to the building. While searching we walked through rows and
rows of people. Some were playing in the
streets, some asleep on the sidewalks, many were just sitting and watching the
world go by. Our group walked quickly
and quietly to the double doors and breathed a sigh of relief as we recognized familiar faces.
As
we entered the doors we saw children, moms, dads and the Roadhome staff waiting
for us. It was very apparent that this
building saw a lot of activity with a lot of people benefiting from the
programs there. We were a bit unsure of
what would come next.
The
people in charge gave us some on-site training and then we began to check
families/children in at the front table.
Those of us that hosted families were able to follow them to 7-9
different stations where each of our photographers would take as many pictures
the children would allow. The volunteers,
both photographers and interviewers were great people to work with.
One
of the most memorable moments at the Roadhome for me was watching a mother
carefully prepare herself and her family for the pictures that would be taken. This family was dressed in their Sunday best
and were excited for what was to come.
The husband held a very small mirror up to the sweet face of his wife
while she painstakingly applied her make up.
She then worked on her hair, wanting it to be just right. This went on for about 20 minutes all the
while her husband stood quietly holding the mirror, not wanting to move a
single inch. Once satisfied with her
appearance the mother moved on to her children.
The father continued to quietly help where needed. They were ready! Just before their host called them to start I
watched as another lady walked by, glanced quickly and then stopped and looked
for a few seconds, then cried out, "You look BEAUTIFUL!" And then I saw it...the sweet mother broke
out into a HUGE grin. A smile that was so
big and so beautiful and so meaningful to me.
My heart felt a little tug and I realized then that this woman and her
family lived in a tight little community of people that needed and wanted the
same things in life that we all look for. To feel noticed, to feel beautiful and to feel loved.
Once all of the children were interviewed and
photographed we took a little time to unwind and think about what we had just
been a part of. Some of the children returned
asking when their storybooks would arrive.
We would patiently tell them in about a month and that we could hardly
wait to see them as well.
As we opened the doors of the Roadhome to leave, we
walked out with a much different feeling than upon arrival. We saw many of the same people on the
sidewalks and streets but instead of “homeless people” we saw children and
families that we now knew, that we now had sweet memories of and wishes for a bright
future.
It's now been several days since that Saturday and
my heart and my head are still full of thoughts from the Roadhome. A full day of sharing, caring and taking time
to get to know these beautiful families was unforgettable. I realized that this is what fills my soul,
this is what I long to feel in a busy, somewhat uncaring, get the job done kind
of life.
Thank you to the MSM Board members and especially
Amy Chandler for having the vision to DO GOOD and then having the will and
energies to make things happen. To all our
wonderful volunteers…Thanks
For Giving!
Delivery of the storybooks was well worth the wait. Each child received "their story" in a book and a blanket to snuggle up with while reading. Many families that were new residents of Roadhome came to us and requested another event like this. The children were showing their friends
We've scheduled one for October!
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