San Antonio - Homeless and poverty

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Begin forwarded message:

From: Lauren McDermott <lemmcdermott@me.com>
Date: January 16, 2015 at 10:08:51 PM CST
To: "tr2m5@mail.missouri.edu" <tr2m5@mail.missouri.edu>
Subject: Blog!

The children's shelter is a truly unique place. Every morning we began our service doing a variety of activities or chores that would help move the organization forward. We took the kids shopping, organized toys and clothes, and played with the children. I was fortunate enough to work with the babies for two days. The first day I walked into the room, I saw a plethora of smiling faces and loving volunteers. However, there were two faces that did stand out. (In order to protect the children's identities their names have been changed.) Mel was old enough to walk but wasn't quite talking yet. She refused company in any activity that she was doing. She had a scowl on her face and would suddenly throw herself on the floor, thrashing around and screaming. Sandra wasn't able to walk yet and was inconsolable. This beautiful baby wailed from the moment I walked in the door at 9 until I left at Noon. I learned from the workers that the girls had just arrived that week and we're having a bad time adjusting. I made it my goal to work with these two giving them extra love and attention. No matter what I tried, the two could not be distracted. You could tell that these two were overwhelmingly tormented by their situation. The only reprieve Sandra and Mel seemed to get was when they fell asleep for a nap after lunch. The most rewarding part of the day was when Mel fell asleep while I was holding her. I left the shelter feeling overwhelmed and heavy hearted. Those two angels stole my heart. 

Two days later I was fortunate to return to the baby room and spend more time withe Sandra and Mel. I walked in and almost didn't recognize Sandra because she was smiling. In two days she had been transformed into a smiling happy baby! I can't describe the joy that filled my heart. Sandra's brothers had just arrived at the shelter and it was incredible to see their family reunited. When talking to the oldest brother about what he wanted to do when he was older, he became really excited and told me that he wanted to become a teacher so he could come back and work at the shelter because he loved it some much. 

Even little Mel had become more social and her tantrums had subsided. It was incredible to see the progress that the staff had made with these two children in just two days! I was able once again to rock Mel to sleep and I almost cried when I had to let her go. The second day working with the babies gave me the closure I needed and allowed me to see the massive strides the children are making with the guidance of the staff. Never have I seen staff at a children's organization that loves and treats the children as if they are their own. I would move to San Antonio just to work with the Children's Shelter every week. I hope that no matter where the world takes little Sandra and Mel that they know they have changed someone's life and will forever be loved. 

Best thoughts from San Antonio,

Lauren McDermott

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