Van 2: Day 3

Van #2:  Rebeca K.; Gabe P.; Clare M.; Jackie P.; Lillie P.; Matt C.; PJ C.; Alex L.; Christin B.
So far this week has been an eye opening experience.  The first day when we were pulling weeds we all complained, but then we found out that there was only one volunteer that was in charge of the yard work.  She works 30-40 hours a week and that changed our whole perspective of the value of our work.  The next day, we went to Gleaners food bank.  At the end of the unloading 13,204 pounds of food we found out that would feed around 2,000 families from just one days work.  Then today, we went to Joy's House and found out we had to do yard work again in the mornng, but we had a more positive attitude.  We worked inside in the afternoon and saw the guests which then made us appreciative of the work that Joy's House does.

Fatima Retreat House and Other Fun Activities

Day 2

·         We went to Fatama retreat house and painted a whole room in 2 hours…. Beat that!!!!!

·         We swam at a neighborhood pool and played mafia in the park.

·         We had a discussion about vocations with representatives of each vocation (the Priestly, Married, and Religious Vocations).  

·         We ended with adoration, which was a very calming and spiritual experience.

“We really felt the appreciation in the environment that we worked in.” –Maggie G.

“Some of the speeches during our discussion were so moving; it really touched a deep chord.” –Katie C.

“During the discussion, we found that God can speak to us in many ways, some even unlikely.” –Rose M.

“I love painting, but painting in a space that others are using to become closer to God is even better. Today was really fun with all of the bonding….. and the ice cream machine at the retreat house didn’t hurt either!”- Suzy G.

“loved painting and helping the refugee center and really appreciated the priest that took time out of their schedules to share how they knew they were called to the priesthood”-Brice M.

Today Van #4 (AKA “George the Party Van”), led by Marcia Lane-McGee and Tim De Crane and our special guest Sister Loretto (!), went to the Lord’s Pantry at Anna’s House located in the Stringtown neighborhood of Indianapolis. Our youth had the privilege of serving the needs of those that serve others. At the Lord’s Pantry, they were in need of assistance for facilities maintenance, an area that is sometimes forgotten when the poor are knocking at your door. We definitely gave Christ hands and feet by completing ALL of their needs…one day ahead of schedule!  It was a blessing for all of us to take a part in such a longstanding Indianapolis mission, here is what our youth had to say:

“I shoveled gravel, hacked limbs off trees and tore out stumps. I could feel Jesus in every stone I moved.”

-Mason

“While we worked outside shoveling heavy gravel, I realized why people go through everyday when they don’t have air conditioning. At the Lord’s Pantry, they serve the guests that come and today our group worked to make it look better”

-Bradley B.

“We went to the Lord’s Pantry and helped clean up. Before we started working, Julie told us her story and about how this pantry started and what she does. She talked about all the great families she works with and how at the Lord’s Pantry, they take note of everyone’s birthday so they can give them a little gift and sing to them.”

-Sarah C.

“When we went to the Lord’s Pantry, I realized how much God works through people after hearing how Julie worked here and how everyone is so invested. I pulled weeds in the playground and I stacked books so kids can take them home to read and I realized how much of a blessing this place is to the people in the neighborhood.”

-Sarah G.

“Today I worked at the food pantry. It was a wonderful experience and I was so glad that I could help so many people. I painted, pulled weeds and moved rocks. The experience really opened my eyes to the hardships that people face and showed me how easy it is to help others.”

-Matthew K.

“Today was so fun and it made me see how helping people can make a big difference in their lives. It makes me want to help people more.”

-Kalee E.

“We pulled weeds, shoveled rocks, packed lunches and painted walls. It was great to get to know my group better and hear zero complaints throughout the day. Today made me realize how blessed I truly am and motivated me to participate in more service opportunities when I return home.”

-Savannah B.

“It made me realize how blessed we truly are. We helped clean the facility and clean up the landscaping. We are so blessed to have the luxury of buying what we want, but there are people that aren’t able to do the same. It was very eye opening.

-Delaney W.

“It opened my eyes to a truly remarkable community. I was shocked by the number of activities and services provided. It was an amazing experience to help out this organization.”

-Annie F.