Day 3
Again, the day began early in order to clear out of the high school library before the first bell. We first drove to Target House, a housing facility for patients and families of St. Jude where we started the morning by getting our hands a little dirty.
We leaned on one-another as a team as we worked together to take down Christmas decorations around the first floor, organize storage space in the basement, and disinfect an entire children's playroom. While this work didn't involve spending one-on-one time with members within the St. Jude community, these jobs are necessary to keep a large facility like St. Jude running, and we were more than happy to help. Such services don't go unnoticed. We have all developed quite a relationship with those working at the Target House, and it is easy to see each time we enter the doors that they have welcomed us into their family.
Later on in the day, a few members of the group made the decision to donate platelets at the hospital's Blood Donation Center. When we called to make an appointment for the end of the week the receptionist asked if we were available that afternoon. The hospital hadn't reached their quota for the day, and with our help the hospital could reach that goal. No one in the group had ever given platelets before, but when we were told that our donation could save the life of a child at St. Jude, our own fears diminished. Within three days, a child would receive our donations from that day. Four more members of our group planned to donate platelets on Friday.
The day ended in the arts and crafts room of the Target House. We planned a craft called a "marble painting" in which kids would drop a marble into paint, then roll it around on a piece of paper to make a unique design. While only a small number of children came to the event, our group was excited about the opportunity to witness the strength of those facing an ultimate battle first hand. Tonight, we were able to spend quality time with kids living at the Target House and get to know their families on a more personal level. Again, it is all about cherishing the little things: like a child mixing paint together to see what colors it will produce or creating a 'marble-maze' rather than the planned painting activity.
Throughout the week, regardless of the work we are doing at the hospital, our MAB family will constantly be reminded to remain humble. St. Jude is an unbelievable place, which allows the children being treated the opportunity to grow. That is exactly what our groups is doing this week. We are growing as individuals, growing as a group, but most importantly we are growing as believers.
Keep It Beale
Memphis 3
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