Memphis, TN 2 - Children's Health (Post 1)

While the first couple of nights spent in Memphis have not gone entirely according to plan, it has already been a memorable experience that has brought our already friendly (and clique-free) group even closer together.  After our eight hour trek, we arrived at the beautiful home of Nick and Pam Lake and their shy but friendly dog Mary, who generously agreed to host us for our first couple of nights and provided us with a comfortable environment, delicious food and an abundance of ideas for how to spend our free time.  The Lakes embody everything we've ever heard about Southern hospitality.

After a weekend settling in and walking down the culturally vibrant and unique Beale Street, the group finally got to work today at Le Bonheur Children Hospital, which is easily one of the most optimistic, colorful and upbeat hospitals we have ever seen, that handles much of the region's surgery and that boasts one of the largest children's hospital public art collections in the world.  The professional staff there is outstanding: The volunteer director left a lucrative law career to help the hospital, in which his daughter is a patient; the volunteer coordinator Allison provided us all the support and knowledge we needed to be effective team members that can make a real difference. 

It only took a few hours for our group to come away with memories: Luke met a young patient who reaffirmed his desire to become a doctor and showed him how great an impact Mizzou Alternative Breaks can have; Quinn spent much of his time comforting an infant; and Emilie made crafts and read to various children who rely on these types of interactions to keep them strong and motivated. 

Tonight, we made it to our next destination: St. Columba, a cabin deep in the woods that frightened some at first but that we've all quickly warmed up to. We're looking forward to interacting with the other Memphis MAB group, and cannot wait to return to Le Bonheur tomorrow to work with these talented professionals to brighten the days of those in need, even if only temporarily.