Hi...it's been awhile since I posted on this blog. I continue to persevere and am, as always, 'walking God's way'! Some of you may know my passion for working with and ministering to the elderly. I was very blessed to be part of just one of a local church's many activities planned in conjunction with their annual "Outreach Week". The church is the home church of the family for whom I work, and where the children go to pre-school so it was extra special to share this outreach activity with the children I care for every day!
The agenda for the outing was to visit with the residents of a local 'care center', sharing refreshments and conversation with the residents who gathered for the 'tea'. In addition, any of the children in the group were encouraged to share any talent or special 'gift' with the residents. The girls and I cut some fresh flowers and then decorated a construction paper covered jar with butterfly and flower stickers! The middle child, 3 years old, gleefully ran through her limited repertoire of favorite songs. She was SO CUTE....singing her little heart out without any hesitation or thought of embarrassment or fear. Following the 'tea' with the residents, the children gathered in another room to paint clay pots and then filled each pot with a blooming annual and gave it to a resident.
The entire event was lovely and the this was an excellent opportunity to 'initiate' my charges to nursing home ministry! The youngest daughter, age 3, who is very comfortable making new friends and acclimating to new situations even made a "new friend" (as she calls her)! The new friend was an elderly resident.....probably at least 80 years old, named Glenda. :) CJ has been talking about "Glenda" ever since yesterday's event! As we parted and said goodbye to the residents at the care center, little CJ, without any prodding or suggestion from anyone, walked over to Glenda and asked her if she could have a "play date" with her at her house!!! HOW CUTE!! Glenda was gushing and so very sweetly said, "Honey you can come to my house anytime, that's just what someone like me needs"! WOW...it was very touching and sure warmed my heart. (probably Glenda's also!)
My hope is to begin regular visitation with the children at this local care center. Of course, it may have to wait until our return from Maine, in September, but it is surely an idea to pursue. Intergenerational therapy is SO VALUABLE and needed for the elderly. Eyes brighten, hearts melt and souls are touched in the presense of little children! It was good also to have 'mom' involved in this outreach opportunity. She thanked me for going along and admitted that she is not 'comfortable' in such a situation. (nursing home) I was glad that 'mom' was pleased with the event and encouraged my idea of regularly visiting residents with the girls. "Mom" and I both agree that it is so important to teach children that life isn't always about SELF, but it is about GIVING and SERVING God and others.
I'm looking forward to a new opportunity to serve God!
2 comments:
May God continue to bless you and your "ministry" in the New England states. I so enjoy learning your adventures and activities with the children. Keep looking up while on bended knees. sandy <><
Lovely addition to your blogging. Keep going young lady, the Kingdom is drawing nearer. You can now update your comments about yourself as you no longer are looking forward to being a grandma . . . post a picture of your dear grandson! Hallelujah!!
JP
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