TUESDAY MAY 18, 2010

Today, our seniors had the opportunity to minister to the residents of Thorn Nursing Home. When we walked into the annex, we were greeted with a round of applause. Immediately, some students jumped right in with residents sharing pictures from yearbooks and listening to the residents while others waited to see what was going to happen. But within a few minutes, all of our students were engaged with the residents and were listening and laughing.Preston and Daniel listened and listened and listened to one resident who wouldn't let them get a word in. Logan listened to a lady who had nephews at DCS. All the guys, at one time or another, hung out with Billy who had a huge smile on his face the entire time. Miss Kim and Miss Lucille jumped right in the midst and set a great example for us. After a while, we (chaperones) sat back and watched the huge smiles on the faces of the people as our students mingled with the residents. I can't describe the joy that we saw in the residents and students and the pride that we felt for our students.We finished our visit by singing and listening to a devotional with the residents. What an awesome and amazing day! Picture will be posted later!Then we had a "working lunch" with C.J. Webb of Helping Hands at B & C Steak House. She shared stories of children, and families in need in Dillon County. We were unaware of how large the homeless population in Dillon County is. We learned about the foster care system and that in Dillon County there are more children in need than there are foster families. So families are split apart between not only houses but counties as well. She told us several instances of children who have nothing. One little boy was picked up by DSS to go to foster care. They asked him if he wanted anything. He said "I just want my own toothbrush, because at my house we all have to share". A toothbrush! Can you imagine? We learned that there is a population of hungry people in Dillon County. Not just the homeless and poor, but people who "fall through the cracks" they don't qualify for assistance, but need the food bank at Helping Hands to make it through the month. We all finished the lunch with Mr. Davis leading us in prayer for all those in need. It was a humbling experience to learn we have so much while others who live near us have so little.