What a humbling day....

Today I did some volunteer work at one of the shelters that they have set up for Hurricane Gustav evacuees.

I've never done any volunteer work with the red cross before but today will not be the last time.

I've always seen stuff like this on tv and honestly it never crossed my mind. I don't have the time you know? That will NEVER be my outlook. NEVER again.  I don't think I have ever seen people SO thankful to have somewhere to stay. They were at the complete mercy of strangers. People they may never ever see again.

It was a LOT of work. But I loved every minute of it.

The kids got to go for a little while and help (really had to pull some strings and explain why I wanted them to be there) and they GOT IT. They understand how blessed they are.

Aj was looking for the bathtubs.....there aren't any.

Kayla wanted to know why they had garbage bags......to hold the stuff they brought  with them.

Jaelyn cried when one older lady told her how they didn't leave when Katrina hit and all she had was the filthy clothes on her back.

I'm glad I made the decision to take them with me. I'll be looking for more volunteer work to do, and I want the kids to be involved too. They might be small but they can help.

At one point, Aj just started giving people hugs and smiling that toothless grin  lol. He seems to favor older women with grey hair lol and they seemed to like him too ;-)

When we came home, there wasn't any of the usual bickering that I normally hear...they want to go  help tomorrow. Jaelyn and Kayla washed dishes together, no fighting. Aj picked up his toys off his floor and asked me if we could take them to the little boy in the big room (he called the shelter the big room because it didn't have doors I was at the BJCC for those of you local).

My heart is full today. I'm glad they got to go, and I'm glad I was able to help. It may have only  been for a few hours and for one day, but it certainly won't be the last.

Comments

[Jamillah]

It is moments like this that you know that you are teaching your children the true meaning of what being "blessed" is. I pray that I can experience having my heart walking around and doing good in the world. I love reading about you and your family. Be bless, keep sharing your blessings...Big hugs from me to you!!

[Edris]

I am so glad you took your children and they had the opportunity to experience being compassionate to others. Continue to look for these teaching moments so they bless others as they get older. It also shows them that they are not too young to make a difference. I can't wait until mine get older so we can do these things together as a family.

[Christie]

What a great experience for you and your kids. I'm sure the evacuees were thankful for their help and their beautiful shining faces.

[Erica B.]

Great that your kids had the opportunity to do this. We did a lot of volunteering with Katrina evacuees 3 years ago. Actually quite a few settled in our area and attend school with my kids.

[Sheri D. Maple]

Volunteering does put these things in perspective and is very humbling. Gratitude comes into play and realizing that not you life is not as bad as you think. Life does have more meaning.

[Faye Lewis]

You are such a nice person!

[Lisa]

i teared up just reading this! i am so glad you got to do this very important thing with your children!

[T.Kay]

Hey Adrienne! It's really great to hear that you brought your children with you to experience giving back/ paying it forward... Thanks for sharing this... I will re-read this with my boy tomorrow so he can see I'm not the only one who believes kids need to learn early how to appreciate what they have.

[Lisa Laree]

;-) :D

[carlitadee]

Girl, that is wonderful. Today is a day your kids won't forget. Tell AJ I said hugs are an excellent way to help!

[Stacey_CrimsonPurl]

What a humbling and blessed experience. They don't even know it but they blessed you more than you blessed them!

That is why I volunteer so much now, I saw my aunt doing it ALL the time!
And all those who gave poured into me I can't help but to volunteer! It is my reasonable service!!

What a wonderful day!

[Kristi S]

what an incredibly valuable lesson this is for them Adrienne, I applaud you! Those kids have it really good in their lives, its good for them to see how others might have it..they'll appreciate you even more :)
I can just see AJ giving out hugs, little charmer with those handsome eyes!

[Nik]

I was making a list of things to do the other day, and one of them was "volunteer for something". I didn't know what, i just knew that i needed to offer my time. I'm glad that I read your post because it further motivates me.

[Lakisa Muhammad]

I've lurked for a little while, but I had to say this post was so touching and heartwarming. I'm sure your children will never forget this day and will be forever changed in positive way. I enjoy your blog and thanks for the inspiration. BTW, I just started knitting!

[yaiAnn]

Good for you. We were prepping today for Gustav stuff, even though we're on the opposite side of the country. I'm glad your kids were able to get a good experience from it!

[Cassandra]

We are all truly blessed and it was good for the kids to really see it.

I am glad to hear you want to go back. I would do the same.

[Christina]

What a beautiful gift you have handed your children.

[Carolyn]

What a wonderful experience to share with your children! And what a wonderful thing to do for others...

[Keelah]

This is such an AWESOME read! You are such a good mom!

[Ronalyn]

Quite a humbling experience indeed... so glad your children went to.. It's an experience they will always remember with a different outlook on life..

[Noel]

Oh wow....good for you Adrienne! And I bet the kids gained so much from that...they will always remember that feeling. I have been seriously thinking of doing the same when the opportunity comes up.

:) Noel

[Jude]

That is a wonderful thing to hear, and very inspiring. The impact it made sounds like a good one, cause let's face it, kids forget they are blessed just like we do!

[LaNetta]

That's what it all about....brightening up and letting your light make a difference in your small corner of the world. It's never too early to teach children what's really important in life and showing them how blessed they truly are. My son has been volunteering since he was four. We are also a part of a wonderful family group called Jack And Jill that emphasizes serving others. Be Blessed My Child!

LaNetta

[cheryl]

This is why I think it's SO important for kids to get involved in this sort of activity. When Delaney has helped me out at the food pantry at church...and McKenna has gone on mission trips, repairing houses...THAT is when they truly get it. They have always been humbled by it.

Good for you!!! What a great way to spend the day!

[Neecha]

From someone who was at the mercy of strangers three years ago during Katrina THANK YOU! God Bless You and I truly understand the lesson you are teaching the little ones...You will never fully know how your acts of kindness are appreciated but believe me they are. I've been helping as well but I won't turn my comment into a blog, again I say THANKS Adrienne!

[laughalot]

You and your family have humbling hearts full of gold. Very nice and thanks for sharing.

[Marlena]

It's so great that you brought your kids with you. Every fortunate child should get a chance to see the unfortunate. I'm glad you and your family is okay, too.

[robin]

That's so nice. What a great story, and I think it is helpful for kids (and adults!) to get outside of themselves and see how fortunate we really are.

[jillian]

What a wonderful act and great tale. It's groovy that you took your wee ones along.

[Kim Brown]

I admire you. You will be blessed, and I'm sure you were just from the experience. Hugs.

[don]

I truly enjoyed this read, Adrienne. I too think your taking the kids with you allowed them to see how fortunate they are and how to truly appreciate that good fortune.

Thanks for sharing, and I'm proud of your Hurricane relief volunteer work. No matter what Stacey says about you...you're still my friend.

LOL.

*of course, I'm just kidding*

Good post.

[Yolanda]

Absolutely beautiful and priceless to teach your children to truly care for others. Thank you for inspiring me today, I need to look into local opportunities to help those in need from Gustav.

[gold]

You will be blessed for what you did!It is good to teach your kids to give and help others.

[Tearsa]

That is SO wonderful!!

[Tany]

I believe this was a valuable experience for you and your kids (for anybody). They will remember this for their entire lives and it will help them be even better human beings. Giving is so important and more if we are helping those who really need it.

[Nina]

So awesome...can't wait until mine are big enough. In the meantime, I need to get myself back involved. Thanks for sharing this lovely post!

[karenj]

How wonderful you took you took the time to extend a hand to strangers in need. And how wonderful you had the insight to bring your children with you.....these are the things that build character and a memory they will truly cherish