Good morning. My name is Margaret Carr and I went to The city itself is divided into two parts: the suburbs and the downtown metropolis. The opposite of south
Our YouthWorks location was in the suburbs. Which had a small-town feel. It was composed of little cottages and duplexes, cafes, restaurants, ice cream parlors, and thrift stores.
Downtown
And all these different ethnicities live together peacefully.
But my trip wasn't memorable because of the place; it was memorable because of the people.
My worksite all week was St.Jude's Academy of the Arts, a daycare-type facility for mentally and physically handicapped adults between the ages of
18 and 56. Each day the clients participate in different activities: dance, drama, crafts, and music. We played a variety of games: jeopardy, musical chairs, charades, bowling, so you think you can dance, even a water balloon fight.
But most importantly, we formed relationships with these amazing people.
Somehow, prior to this trip, I had formulated the idea that I wanted to become a teacher for the mentally handicapped. So when I first heard that we would be working at St.Judes I was ecstatic. Others looked skeptical or nervous. But somehow I knew it would be a good experience. I felt God was placing me somewhere where I could love and learn.
Of course, St.Judes exceeded all my best expectations. The people there were filled with so much joy. They cherished simplicity and routine. They appreciated the little things. They had some of the biggest hearts I’ve ever known.
It was so easy to look into their eyes and see God.
One of the clients, probably my favorite, was a twenty-something named Jogee.
Jogee is a short, curly-haired, Indian man with the cutest and most contagious laugh ever. He doesn't understand a great deal of English, so Jogee mainly agrees with an enthusiastic "yeah!" and laughs. At absolutely everything. His constant happiness rubs off on everyone he runs into.
Jogee taught me to lighten up and laugh.
Another client was a woman named Ritu. Ritu is very smart. She can read and spell and remember. Ritu always wears a helmet. And while eating lunch on our first afternoon I must have looked at it quizzically because she explained. "I had an accident. I used to be normal. That’s why I wear a helmet. Because I don't want to get hurt again." she said.
It was heartbreaking and eye-opening all at the same time. They are people.
They are just like me. And God loves them exactly the same as he loves me.
They are people. And while I had known this previously, it suddenly sunk in.
Like never before.
Ritu taught me everyone has similarities. And everyone has a story.
Finally there was a client named Lisa. Lisa intimidated me the first time I encountered her. She in non-verbal, exceptionally strong, a little hunched over, with a facial deformity. on the final day we went bowling with the St. Jude’s clients. And I buddied up with Lisa. I couldn't help but notice after one bowl that Lisa had tears running down her face. Wiping them off, I felt helpless. What could I do for her? So I sat, holding her hand and giving her attention. Trying to silently communicate that she wasn't alone.
Lisa taught me not to judge prematurely.
After working with these unforgettable adults everyday, for a short four days, I learned so much.
I feel like my thoughts about becoming a teacher for the handicapped, or at least working with them in some fashion, have been confirmed.
I can't think of a more rewarding career.
Before
And now the questions don't seem so hard to answer.
Because God is pulling me in a direction.
He is calling me to help others.
He is showing me opportunities.
He is teaching me to truly love.
- Margaret Carr, Plant High School, Mission Testimony, Youth Sunday 2007
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