During the Philadelphia mission trip I learned many things. I learned how to do simple tasks such as mowing and painting walls. I also learned about the people going through homelessness. A few people helped me learn that I should not judge people by the way they look.
On Monday, we were able to eat breakfast and socialize with people who were either homeless or couldn’t afford food. During this time a guy, named Billy, sat down with Chasity, Caroline Smith, and me. He didn’t have the nicest clothes on and he carried around a bag with him. We later learned that he traveled by foot from Philadelphia to Virginia. He likes to do art and music. He was homeless and went to breaking bread often. Billy was easy to talk to and had many stories to tell during our time together
Later in the week, we had a tour guide come in. His name was Andre and he went through homelessness twice. The first time he was laid off his job and the second time was by choice. He told us his story then went over some reasons why someone would be going through homelessness. A few examples are by choice, growing out of foster care, and being laid off of their job. Andre was very nice and had a sense of humor. A lot of people from Philly knew him. While we walked around, I learned many things about homelessness. He showed us where some would go to sleep, the way they communicate, and the history of it all. I learned that if it was below thirty-five degrees or higher than hundred degrees then the homeless would be allowed to go into any public building to rest.
On Thursday, it was my turn to serve in breaking bread. I was told that Thursday was the busiest, but I was more than ready to help serve. I was waitress along with Caroline Smith. We were assigned section five and while the food was being prepared, we had a little time to talk to the guests. All of them were very polite and not one person said anything rude. There was one guy who stuck out to me the most. His appearance was different and would probably throw some people off. He has a lot of tattoos and two of them were tear drops under his eye. He talked to me first and we had a normal conversation. He was very nice and very polite to me. Every time I gave him food he would say thank you and one time he even called me ma’am. Although his appearance might give off the wrong vibe, does not mean one should judge him because of it.
I learned so much during my week at Broadstreet Ministries. All of these people helped me open my eyes and notice that money and appearances don’t make up a person. To know a person, one has to make an effort and talk, instead of just judging and deciding who they are.
Saturday, August 1, 2015
Kaitlyn Dickson Reflection of BSM
During the Philadelphia mission trip I learned many things. I learned how to do simple tasks such as mowing and painting walls. I also learned about the people going through homelessness. A few people helped me learn that I should not judge people by the way they look.
On Monday, we were able to eat breakfast and socialize with people who were either homeless or couldn’t afford food. During this time a guy, named Billy, sat down with Chasity, Caroline Smith, and me. He didn’t have the nicest clothes on and he carried around a bag with him. We later learned that he traveled by foot from Philadelphia to Virginia. He likes to do art and music. He was homeless and went to breaking bread often. Billy was easy to talk to and had many stories to tell during our time together
Later in the week, we had a tour guide come in. His name was Andre and he went through homelessness twice. The first time he was laid off his job and the second time was by choice. He told us his story then went over some reasons why someone would be going through homelessness. A few examples are by choice, growing out of foster care, and being laid off of their job. Andre was very nice and had a sense of humor. A lot of people from Philly knew him. While we walked around, I learned many things about homelessness. He showed us where some would go to sleep, the way they communicate, and the history of it all. I learned that if it was below thirty-five degrees or higher than hundred degrees then the homeless would be allowed to go into any public building to rest.
On Thursday, it was my turn to serve in breaking bread. I was told that Thursday was the busiest, but I was more than ready to help serve. I was waitress along with Caroline Smith. We were assigned section five and while the food was being prepared, we had a little time to talk to the guests. All of them were very polite and not one person said anything rude. There was one guy who stuck out to me the most. His appearance was different and would probably throw some people off. He has a lot of tattoos and two of them were tear drops under his eye. He talked to me first and we had a normal conversation. He was very nice and very polite to me. Every time I gave him food he would say thank you and one time he even called me ma’am. Although his appearance might give off the wrong vibe, does not mean one should judge him because of it.
I learned so much during my week at Broadstreet Ministries. All of these people helped me open my eyes and notice that money and appearances don’t make up a person. To know a person, one has to make an effort and talk, instead of just judging and deciding who they are.
During the Philadelphia mission trip I learned many things. I learned how to do simple tasks such as mowing and painting walls. I also learned about the people going through homelessness. A few people helped me learn that I should not judge people by the way they look.
On Monday, we were able to eat breakfast and socialize with people who were either homeless or couldn’t afford food. During this time a guy, named Billy, sat down with Chasity, Caroline Smith, and me. He didn’t have the nicest clothes on and he carried around a bag with him. We later learned that he traveled by foot from Philadelphia to Virginia. He likes to do art and music. He was homeless and went to breaking bread often. Billy was easy to talk to and had many stories to tell during our time together
Later in the week, we had a tour guide come in. His name was Andre and he went through homelessness twice. The first time he was laid off his job and the second time was by choice. He told us his story then went over some reasons why someone would be going through homelessness. A few examples are by choice, growing out of foster care, and being laid off of their job. Andre was very nice and had a sense of humor. A lot of people from Philly knew him. While we walked around, I learned many things about homelessness. He showed us where some would go to sleep, the way they communicate, and the history of it all. I learned that if it was below thirty-five degrees or higher than hundred degrees then the homeless would be allowed to go into any public building to rest.
On Thursday, it was my turn to serve in breaking bread. I was told that Thursday was the busiest, but I was more than ready to help serve. I was waitress along with Caroline Smith. We were assigned section five and while the food was being prepared, we had a little time to talk to the guests. All of them were very polite and not one person said anything rude. There was one guy who stuck out to me the most. His appearance was different and would probably throw some people off. He has a lot of tattoos and two of them were tear drops under his eye. He talked to me first and we had a normal conversation. He was very nice and very polite to me. Every time I gave him food he would say thank you and one time he even called me ma’am. Although his appearance might give off the wrong vibe, does not mean one should judge him because of it.
I learned so much during my week at Broadstreet Ministries. All of these people helped me open my eyes and notice that money and appearances don’t make up a person. To know a person, one has to make an effort and talk, instead of just judging and deciding who they are.
Caroline Smith’s Reflection
This year was my first mission trip, which also happened to be our church’s first trip to Broad Street Ministry in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. We arrived on Sunday afternoon and were immediately welcomed by the church community into their worship service. The sanctuary was beautiful, filled with many colors, including origami birds and windmills hanging from the ceiling. There was another group there with us from Bradley Hills Presbyterian Church in Bethesda, MD. Throughout the week we all became great friends, mostly through playing cards. We were split into groups and given a different activity every day of the week. My group consisted of Aubree from BSM, Kaitlyn, Ali, Chasity, and me. We were given the chance to help out in 5 different communities. Monday was Beacon Church, Tuesday was a tour and Manna, Wednesday was sorting mail at BSM, Thursday was Breaking Bread, and Friday was Teens for Good. From painting walls to serving food to people experiencing homelessness, there was never a boring moment. At night we had lessons from stories in the Bible taught by members of the staff at BSM. I learned to forget all of society’s stereotypes, especially about people experiencing homelessness, and just talk to people to learn their stories. Above all, I will never forget all the great memories I made and the amazing people I met.
This year was my first mission trip, which also happened to be our church’s first trip to Broad Street Ministry in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. We arrived on Sunday afternoon and were immediately welcomed by the church community into their worship service. The sanctuary was beautiful, filled with many colors, including origami birds and windmills hanging from the ceiling. There was another group there with us from Bradley Hills Presbyterian Church in Bethesda, MD. Throughout the week we all became great friends, mostly through playing cards. We were split into groups and given a different activity every day of the week. My group consisted of Aubree from BSM, Kaitlyn, Ali, Chasity, and me. We were given the chance to help out in 5 different communities. Monday was Beacon Church, Tuesday was a tour and Manna, Wednesday was sorting mail at BSM, Thursday was Breaking Bread, and Friday was Teens for Good. From painting walls to serving food to people experiencing homelessness, there was never a boring moment. At night we had lessons from stories in the Bible taught by members of the staff at BSM. I learned to forget all of society’s stereotypes, especially about people experiencing homelessness, and just talk to people to learn their stories. Above all, I will never forget all the great memories I made and the amazing people I met.
Olivia Smith BSM Reflection
This year’s mission trip to Philadelphia to work with Broad Street Ministry was an amazing experience. During just one week of work with Broad Street I was able to package food for people with diseases who have a hard time buying their own food, sell newspapers to raise awareness about homelessness, serve food to people needing a warm meal, weed an urban garden that helps provide fresh fruits and vegetables to people in the neighborhood, and package boxes of food that were sent to elderly people who are unable to buy or afford food from grocery stores. While I was in Philadelphia I worked with many organizations including Manna, Philabundance, One Step Away, an urban garden organization, and Breaking Bread with Broad Street Ministry. After a week at Broad Street my perspective of homelessness and people who are experiencing homelessness has significantly changed. I learned a lot about why people are experiencing homeless and how people who are experiencing homelessness have become homeless. I am so thankful I was able to grow closer to God and see His work while I was at Broad Street and I am thankful that I was able to have this experience with my sister and my friends. My mission trip experience with Broad Street Ministry was extremely eye-opening and impactful and I hope that I am able to return to Broad Street to work with them again.
This year’s mission trip to Philadelphia to work with Broad Street Ministry was an amazing experience. During just one week of work with Broad Street I was able to package food for people with diseases who have a hard time buying their own food, sell newspapers to raise awareness about homelessness, serve food to people needing a warm meal, weed an urban garden that helps provide fresh fruits and vegetables to people in the neighborhood, and package boxes of food that were sent to elderly people who are unable to buy or afford food from grocery stores. While I was in Philadelphia I worked with many organizations including Manna, Philabundance, One Step Away, an urban garden organization, and Breaking Bread with Broad Street Ministry. After a week at Broad Street my perspective of homelessness and people who are experiencing homelessness has significantly changed. I learned a lot about why people are experiencing homeless and how people who are experiencing homelessness have become homeless. I am so thankful I was able to grow closer to God and see His work while I was at Broad Street and I am thankful that I was able to have this experience with my sister and my friends. My mission trip experience with Broad Street Ministry was extremely eye-opening and impactful and I hope that I am able to return to Broad Street to work with them again.
Reflection by Ali Sharpe, rising Senior.
The trip to Broad Street Ministry in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania will always be one of my most treasured memories. Before the trip I would have never imagined how much it would change my perspective and attitude towards issues in society. Our week was loaded with new experiences and eye opening moments. When we arrived at Broad Street we were split into neighborhood groups and with those groups we traveled to different locations over the course of a week. Aubree, part of the youth initiative staff, was our leader and Chasity, Caroline Smith, and Kaitlyn were also in my group! On Monday our group traveled to Beacon, a church devoted to caring for the community around it. Beacon serves as a light for people going through dark times and gives them hope for the future. They also are very involved with the children in the community and have many after school programs for children to create art in a safe environment. While we were there we painted, mowed the lawn, and helped prepare for the upcoming art show. On Tuesday we went a tour around the city with Andre, a man devoted to helping the homeless community because he too has been homeless. He broke the wall of stereotypes we each had regarding people in the homeless community and opened our eyes to a side we have never tried to look for. He took us to different murals around the city and different locations people experiencing homelessness can get help. That afternoon we went to Manna, an organization that prepares hot meals for people with life threatening diseases such as cancer and aids. In just two hours we helped prepared 750 meals! We left feeling tired yet accomplished! On Wednesday we got the opportunity to help sort mail in Broad Street's mail system. Broad Street allows anyone to use their address if they do not have one so they can obtain the crucial benefits they need to survive and get a job. Broad Street has over 2,800 individuals using their address!! We worked all morning sorting and filing mail. That afternoon was our free day and we enjoyed walking around the city! We went to a food court type place for dinner and got ice cream for dessert! Thursday our group got to serve in the daily Breaking Bread meal hosted at Broad Street. The unique part of Breaking Bread is that anyone can attend the meal and they are treated like guests. We served them as if they were seated in a restaurant! This was probably my favorite experience of the week because I didn't feel as if I were giving out a handout, and I got to connect and listen to amazing stories! On our final day we traveled to the Carousel House and helped garden in their urban garden. Each summer they allow teens to come and garden and learn life skills through a program called Teens 4 Good. We weeded, and sprayed plants. At the end we got to harvest various vegetables and pick fresh raspberries! I am so thankful for the wonderful opportunity I had and I hope I can go back next year!!
The trip to Broad Street Ministry in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania will always be one of my most treasured memories. Before the trip I would have never imagined how much it would change my perspective and attitude towards issues in society. Our week was loaded with new experiences and eye opening moments. When we arrived at Broad Street we were split into neighborhood groups and with those groups we traveled to different locations over the course of a week. Aubree, part of the youth initiative staff, was our leader and Chasity, Caroline Smith, and Kaitlyn were also in my group! On Monday our group traveled to Beacon, a church devoted to caring for the community around it. Beacon serves as a light for people going through dark times and gives them hope for the future. They also are very involved with the children in the community and have many after school programs for children to create art in a safe environment. While we were there we painted, mowed the lawn, and helped prepare for the upcoming art show. On Tuesday we went a tour around the city with Andre, a man devoted to helping the homeless community because he too has been homeless. He broke the wall of stereotypes we each had regarding people in the homeless community and opened our eyes to a side we have never tried to look for. He took us to different murals around the city and different locations people experiencing homelessness can get help. That afternoon we went to Manna, an organization that prepares hot meals for people with life threatening diseases such as cancer and aids. In just two hours we helped prepared 750 meals! We left feeling tired yet accomplished! On Wednesday we got the opportunity to help sort mail in Broad Street's mail system. Broad Street allows anyone to use their address if they do not have one so they can obtain the crucial benefits they need to survive and get a job. Broad Street has over 2,800 individuals using their address!! We worked all morning sorting and filing mail. That afternoon was our free day and we enjoyed walking around the city! We went to a food court type place for dinner and got ice cream for dessert! Thursday our group got to serve in the daily Breaking Bread meal hosted at Broad Street. The unique part of Breaking Bread is that anyone can attend the meal and they are treated like guests. We served them as if they were seated in a restaurant! This was probably my favorite experience of the week because I didn't feel as if I were giving out a handout, and I got to connect and listen to amazing stories! On our final day we traveled to the Carousel House and helped garden in their urban garden. Each summer they allow teens to come and garden and learn life skills through a program called Teens 4 Good. We weeded, and sprayed plants. At the end we got to harvest various vegetables and pick fresh raspberries! I am so thankful for the wonderful opportunity I had and I hope I can go back next year!!
Thursday, July 16, 2015
Thursday wrap up
Chubby little kids always want to be held. However, children at VBS are the most devoted, adorable, children who are all about getting attention and love from the "Americanos". The neighborhoods are very poor, but the residents are always keeping a positive attitude when we would visit. The children were always excited to see us, and the parents were always excited to talk to us, despite them not speaking English. Overall, the trip was worth remembering forever. The happy faces and the laughs were so enlightening to see, and it feels good to feel like you were the reason they were so happy. Holden Johnsen ...........................................................................
Our last day of construction was a very successful one. We were able to nearly finish the first side of the concrete wall. Our team finished the rebar for the entire side and poured concrete to fill the majority of it. Our day was highlighted by Edwin's fall into the creek. I really enjoyed working and bonding with people who I had not known before the trip, including the Dominican workers. Our team really enjoyed working together and we were able to have fun and get to know each other well working as a team. I am thankful to have had the opportunity to be a part of something that will help many people in need in the future. Max Revercomb
Wednesday, July 15, 2015
Miercoles in the Dominican
Today on the construction site we laid out forms to pour concrete in as the foundation for the wall. Afterwards we laid down rebar supports inside the frame and manually twist tied them together. once that was done the concrete was made and poured into the forms.
Jack Irons ..................................................................................
Today we participated in VBS and visited the barrios. Throughout the day at the church we met many new faces and reconnected with others we had met in the previous days. Playing many outdoor games, singing and dancing, and constructing arts and crafts we had not only a tiring day but the experience of a lifetime. Connecting with all of these children has not only been an amazing experience but has made a huge impact on my life. In addition, walking throughout the barrios was a fun experience. We played with kids of all ages and played many different activities. We had an awesome but tiring day.
Katherine Douthat .............................................................................
Throughout the week I have been working in the VBS portion of "Bibles And Bricks". The experience has been unbelievable with all of the children jumping all over you wanting to take pictures, hold your hand, or get on your back. I've learned that the most important phrases with these children are "Hola", "Como estas", "Como se llamas?" or "Tomas un foto" meaning do you want to take a picture. That's all these kids want to do. They just want to enjoy your presence and have fun with new friends. I'm glad to be able to join these great people that are also working in Bibles and Bricks.
Alexa Cannon
Tuesday, July 14, 2015
Martes Update from the DR
Today at the construction site we had a fun day full of hard work. At first we bent rebar into squares using this metal nail contraption that probably the DR only uses. Then next we put a ton of rebar into the wooden holder for cement that we made yesterday. Doing that was very time consuming and a lot harder to do than it looks. We had to tie these small metal pieces around the rebar over and over again until we did it right. After we set up all the rebar we were ready to cement. Half of us made the cement and the other spread it out evenly. It was an awesome but tiring day. Edwin Saunders
Today at VBS the number of kids almost doubled and extra benches had to be brought out so that all the kids had a place to sit. The puppet show was the story of Joseph interpreting the Pharaoh's dreams and the craft involved the kids decorating Joseph's colorful coat. Although the original plan of gluing pipe cleaners to the jackets failed, we were able to come up with another solution for the second group of kids. For the rec portion of VBS we played a game where the kids threw bouncy balls into buckets. The kids loved singing songs as always and were full of energy and excitement. At the end the kids learned a memory verse and many had the one from yesterday and today memorized, which was very impressive! We then danced and gave piggy back rides until lunch. Needless to say it was a successful second day! Madison Bloomfield
Monday, July 13, 2015
Dia dos
About the first day of work from the perspectives of Anne Johnson, Kate Robertson, and Cathy Shoulders.
Today was a busy day for both the VBS and construction teams as we were put in new territory. The VBS took place at Pastor Enol's church who is Solid Rock's pastor. This church allowed for more organization than our previous location over the years. We had about 100 kids which is fantastic for the first day! As a normal day at VBS here goes, we started off with songs to energize the kids, a puppet show with a new stage handmade by the Potter family from a large box they had around the house. After the puppet show the kids were split into groups based on age where they rotated between crafts, games, and a snack. At the end we brought the kids all back together and sang a few more of the kids' favorite songs and learning the memory verse of the day (Daniel 3:28). After the kids left we cleaned up, ate lunch then headed out to explore the town. We were hoping to venture through the Cathedral but at that time the guard was not there to let us in so we will try again later. Back at the guest house we prepped for tomorrow and spent time in the Barrios with the kids.
I, Cathy, have been privileged to have been on 5 mission trips. On each one, I have jokingly said, "We need t-shirts that say 'Volunteer - you get what you pay for.'" Each trip has been a joy, but, coming to the DR with this wonderful group of adults and youth has changed my slogan. After a day of working to build part of the wall that will be around the new clinic, I sat in the courtyard deepening friendships. I have eaten like royalty! And tonight had the privilege of playing softball with local Dominicans. So I found my new slogan "Volunteer - this day was priceless."
As Cathy mentioned, we were lucky enough to get to play softball with the locals under the lights at a local field. This is always a fun and entertaining experience as their skill level magically increases when the Dominicans are up to bat. When us Americanos get up to hit, they love to help us out and pitch softer and kiddingly miss the ball when it lands. We managed to end the day with only a few minor mishaps, unlike our travel experience, a few more sunburns, and many memories already.
We all have been blessed with this opportunity and trip already and all look forward to the rest of the week! Thanks for your support, love, and prayers!
Anne, Kate, and Cathy
Sunday, July 12, 2015
First Day in San Juan
WE ARRIVED!!!
After a long day of rescheduled flights we arrived in Santo Domingo at different times! The majority of the group arrived around midnight and a few stragglers arriving at 2:30 am. We enjoyed breakfast at the Fiesta hotel before we departed for San Juan around 9am. We arrived at Solid Rock in time for a delicious lunch including fresh mango, watermelon, and pineapple. After lunch, Dan and Kari, the Solid Rock administrators, laid down the rules and explained Solid Rock's mission which is to help the poor physically, mentally, and emotionally. We then visited the construction site where the future clinic will sit in the next few years. Next we learned some new songs and prepared for tomorrow's VBS. After this we had about an hour of free time which some people used to rest while others played with some kids in the local neighborhoods called barrios. After a little bit of free time we enjoyed a tasty dinner before heading off to an evening church service. We can't wait to work on the construction site and with VBS tomorrow!!
Adios from the DR,
Madison G, Olivia, and Ali
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
