Before the official action began we were more than happy to serve the caring individuals at Calvary Lutheran Church for our stay. Without these gracious individuals, another MAB team would not have been able to have a trip at the last minute. Sunday was full of power tools, it also didn't take us long to realize that it is strangely therapeutic using a sledge hammer to take down an entire wall.
After the demolition there was one thing on our minds, BEACH. Sulivan's Island was the perfect spot to reflect and gather as we embarked on an incredible and unpredictable week.
Day one began with a rush of chaos and excitement. We underwent our first experience at the Children's Museum in Charleston, South Carolina interacting with "campers" who came to the museum. We served as volunteers to assist in anything these awesome kids needed. We also quickly learned that rubber pigs and fish can be your worst nightmare. Also, playing the "dragon" or "going to jail" was an expected role by all campers.
Up next was an afternoon at North Charleston Elementary school, where we began our adventure with WINGS. WINGS is an incredible organization that since 1996 has served over 5,000 elementary students in Charleston, South Carolina for underprivileged children. WINGS gives these students the chance to behave well, build healthy friendships, while also making good decisions. One thing that was mutually understood as a group. Each member faced a different experience with the children they came into contact with. No child's situation or background is exactly the same. Emotions were running high while exchanging stories during reflection, trying to understand this foreign world that we're just getting a glimpse of for a small portion of time. Sara Krachmalnick explained that a young girl she talked to had an unusual insight for her age, speaking out about facts of expressing love and not hate. Pretty powerful subject for an eight year old. Sara also challenged our group as a whole to reach out to the "quiet one" and embrace every moment of this unique experience we're so blessed to be apart of.
Listed below is the Creed of WINGS. This is essentially the guidebook for all things WINGS and it's purposes. The kids are extremely passionate about this and have actions to go along with the saying, which is impressively memorized by every member.
The WINGS Creed
I soar with WINGS. Let me tell you why.
I learn lots of skills that help me reach the sky.
I love and accept who I am on the inside,
and known my emotions are nothing to hide.
Life's full of surprises that make me feel different ways.
If I can control myself I will have much better days.
I understand the choices I make should be what's best for me to do,
and what happens is on me and not on any of you.
I understand others are unique. I was to learn more about everyone I meet.
I want to step into their shoes and see what they are going through.
I am a friend I support and trust.
Working together is a must.
Kind and caring I will be.
I will listen to you. You will listen to me.
I soar with WINGS. I just told you why.
All of these things are why I fly high.
The Children's Museum was thriving Tuesday as we arrived for the second day with much more children, and even some parents. The kids were now becoming more and more familiar with our group, but the "dragon" roles commenced. By the end of the shift it was difficult to tell who was having more fun, the volunteers or the campers.
Before venturing across town we enjoyed a nice lunch in Hampton's Park near downtown Charleston where we climbed some incredible trees and also escaped many angry geese.
The second day of WINGS held a variety of situations as relationships started to form even deeper with the kids. Obviously the change of ambiance was an extreme difference from the museum. Many MAB members focused on creating a lasting relationship with their WINGSLeaders. WINGSLeaders dedicate so much of their time, as does the entire staff, for these kids. Each "nest" has one WINGSLeader for the entire year who follows through with the rules and creed of WINGS. The group faced several different scenarios that involved critical thinking with the help of guidance and advice from other MAB members. What do you say? How do you say it? Can you say it?
Please note that reflection took place in an SUV as we found ourselves locked out again, is this becoming a pattern?
The evening was spent strolling and exploring Charleston, while also getting lost. Oh well, because who can actually say they walked through a film set in downtown Charleston? Oh yeah, we can.
The group took in every second as we realized that the close of the week was near. The Children's Museum was bittersweet as many campers were asking if we would be back next week. We embraced the craziness of the kids and enjoyed every second of it.
The WINGS experiences were all over the place. Some had several amazing conversations, while others had extremely difficult ones. We could see ourselves growing into roles with each of the kids we were working with while developing a sense of acceptance. Many of these situations we were put into were subjects we had no understanding of. The group focused on expressing love and giving encouraging insight to the WINGS kids. We listened to them, laughed with them, and helped them.
That evening the "MAB family" had an amazing dinner full of laughs in downtown Charleston. Many embraced the southern culture, ordering a cheeseburger with fried mac n cheese on the top. We're not joking.
No one knew exactly what to expect coming into these situations. Waking up Thursday morning was a strange feeling for everyone. Today was the day that we leave the kids. It truly is incredible how close you can come to someone in just a matter of days. Take our MAB group for example. Three months ago we were strangers and even last weekend we didn't exactly know each other and now we were comfortable enough to sit around a kitchen sharing a tub of ice cream like it was second nature.
The group can agree that the person with the hardest goodbye was our site leader Stephen Smith. Stephen's new friend was only about two feet tall and when asked what he wanted to be when he was older, his response was "A dad!". His red Toms shoes were his favorite subject to talk about. Although, when he wasn't talking he was singing "Let It Go" from Frozen. They were so, excuse my use of the cliché word, cute together! If these pictures don't melt your heart while also making you want to cry, please reevaluate your life.
Because of this emotional situation, and the kind staff at the Children's Museum for the gift card, we indulged in some delicious cupcakes!
For many others Stephen's reaction was very similar to many other experiences with the children at WINGS. The realization that you most likely will never see these individuals again were settling in. All you can do is know that you did your best with the time you were handed and hope that these kids beat the odds. The group was lucky enough to participate in "Wild WINGS" which is a day full of games and fun. We were overwhelmed from Day One with the acceptance and hospitality of WINGS. You could imagine that a few of us were at a loss for words when we were presented with hand made posters and cards from each of our "nest" groups. One thing to take away from the experience as a whole is that you really have no idea what type of an impact you will leave on someone, it just might shock you.
Later that evening we took a mini road trip to Angel Oak Park to see the historic tree Cheyenne had been raving about all week. Sadly, the park was closed so you could not go into the park, but we still came across a great view, even though Cheyenne left slightly unsatisfied. Up next was a historical tour through The Battery, just blocks away from downtown Charleston with a perfect view of Fort Sumter. Reflection went on Thursday night about the emotional but rewarding day, also with the excited anticipation of tomorrow to fully experience Charleston on our day off.
First off, Charleston 2 would like to formally apologize for the late updates pertaining to the blog. We misplaced our laptop that stored our stories and photos from the previous few days! Transitioning right along, we started the trip off being locked out of our very first stop point in Paducah, Kentucky. This took "Be Gumby" to a whole new level. These experiences have been severely unexpected. Serving an incredible community while also growing to love those around us was another unexpected addition.
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