Today was our second day volunteering at Colorado Children's Hospital. We were split into the same types of groups but our participants mixed up so that we got to volunteer with other ASBers. It was incredible to see the children open up as the crafts went on. Each of us wore Mizzou clothes today and it was so neat to see how many people at the hospital have Mizzou connections. From volunteers to families of patients, people at the hospital recognize Mizzou and found it amazing that we would give our spring break to serve others.
One of the things that really struck us today was how important the little things are. Giving positive compliments, coloring with patients, and hearing the appreciation of the families really makes our day. To aid families and patients by taking their situation off of their minds was a powerful experience for us.
One experience that was particularly moving occurred in the Creative Play Center. In the afternoon when our participants were checking children in to the center, a Hispanic woman entered to drop off her three children aged 9, 7, and 10 months old. As we attempted to take down their information we quickly realized that the mother spoke no English. Our fears of a language barrier quickly dissipated as the 9 year old daughter began to translate for the mother. It did not take long to see that the daughter was more than just a daughter in the family. She was also a second mother. During the three hours that the three children spent with us, the 9 year old took full responsibility for the care and nurturing of her 10 month old brother. She was there to hold him when he cried and retrieve his pacifier when it was lost. Her motherly instincts were well beyond her years and it was clear that the baby boy felt completely secure in the arms of his sister. As observers from the outside looking in, we were absolutely amazed at the awareness and maturity of such a sweet, little girl. The love and compassion that she showed for her siblings sets an example for all of us. This just goes to show that although we are here to serve these children, we have so much to learn and receive from these wonderful children.
Throughout today, we realized that this is it. Through both volunteering and hanging out, we have realized that we are surrounded by such amazing people on this trip and it is so cool that we have eleven new friends after this week. This week has been an immersive experience for all of us and we have truly enjoyed our volunteer experience. The hospital has really trusted us and allowed us to have autonomy over our volunteer experience which has aided the experience. We live in the moment so much on this trip-especially when children need comfort and we are the only ones there to provide it. By the time the children had to leave, they were crying because they enjoyed hanging out with us so much that they did not want to leave.
After volunteering, we explored downtown Denver briefly on 16th Street. After downtown Denver, we went to dinner at to Bobby's sister's house. Molly and other Mizzou alums were there and it was great to see all of the Mizzou connections present in Denver. We had delicious pizza and desserts to round out the night.
Thanks for reading!
Love,
ASB Aurora
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