Today, we went to a local horse
farm in South Carolina and this day was probably my favorite of the week. At
the farm, we met up with some of the kids from the Children’s Shelter and the
fun began! First, all of us were given a grand tour of the horse and became
acquainted with owners, the horses and the history of the farm. Afterwards, we
all split up into groups with the kids so some of us rode the horses, or
assisted with the horse riding, or did some crafting. Since we had met some of
the kids the day before when we made them dinner, there was already a bond
between all of us. After hearing some of their stories, I realized that these
individuals were some of the strongest I have ever met. However, they also were
open and so full of life and joy that it truly gave me a new perspective on
life. I was able to learn so much from them. I hope we were able to make an
impact on their lives, but I know they made an impact on mine.
Next up on our agenda was taking a
shower! After a morning spent at the farm, we all needed to feel fresh and
clean. Especially considering we had our alumni dinner in the evening and
should be presentable. So, it was just our luck that the showers at the South
Carolina University were closed on Saturdays. This resulted in a frenzy to find
a solution to our shower situation. The solution was to take three-minute
showers at the campus ministry. We were on a mission! Now at least I know that
it is possible to shampoo in that time. After getting back, quickly changing,
we were off to our alumni dinner. There,
we had good food with good company and were able to reminisce about how College
Park used to be with Kirk.
This AB trip was a wonderful trip
and I’m so glad I was able to be a part of it. In addition to making new
friends and memories, I was able to really gain a new perspective on healthcare
and realize just how much of a difference some individuals who decide to do
service over spring break can really make. #SCAB14 -Mehnaz
Today, on our last day in South Carolina, the sun shone down to give us the best weather all week for my personal favorite activity of the entire trip: horseback riding with the Palmetto House kids. We arrived early, giving us enough time to play with the three farm dogs and watch the rising sun glint off the shimmering coats of the stallions that stood in the open fields.
When the children arrived, I was reminded of the family bonds that we had been so surprised to see just the night before. It seemed so natural to them that they should all treat each other as brothers and sisters. The younger children flocked to the older ones, holding their hands or asking for piggy back rides. Even the two girls who had just arrived the night before seemed right at home. The children were taken with the horses, except for the youngest, who held her nose and said "stinky stinky" while we carried her around the farm. After we had introduced them to the horses, a few were brought to an enclosed ring for riding. Most of the children had never ridden before; there were many wide eyes as we offered up the first horse which quickly turned to smiling eyes as they experienced their first ride. I had the pleasure of guiding Baby, a 25-year-old horse just about to reitre and clearly looking forward to it. The dogs tongues and tails wagged happily as they ran laps around the steadily tromping horses. In what seemed like no time at all, the children had gone, leaving only a few drawings behind.
It was only then that we learned from the director of the house the real story behind each child. One had been in and out of homelessness with his family and finally decided to leave so that he might one day go to college. A brother and sister had been taken from their burning house when their drug addicted parents didn't realize they had left their children inside. And yet, such trying origins led them to the new and beautiful beginnings at Palmetto House. It was an experience I will truly never forget, and a wonderful note to end our trip on. -Emily
When the children arrived, I was reminded of the family bonds that we had been so surprised to see just the night before. It seemed so natural to them that they should all treat each other as brothers and sisters. The younger children flocked to the older ones, holding their hands or asking for piggy back rides. Even the two girls who had just arrived the night before seemed right at home. The children were taken with the horses, except for the youngest, who held her nose and said "stinky stinky" while we carried her around the farm. After we had introduced them to the horses, a few were brought to an enclosed ring for riding. Most of the children had never ridden before; there were many wide eyes as we offered up the first horse which quickly turned to smiling eyes as they experienced their first ride. I had the pleasure of guiding Baby, a 25-year-old horse just about to reitre and clearly looking forward to it. The dogs tongues and tails wagged happily as they ran laps around the steadily tromping horses. In what seemed like no time at all, the children had gone, leaving only a few drawings behind.
It was only then that we learned from the director of the house the real story behind each child. One had been in and out of homelessness with his family and finally decided to leave so that he might one day go to college. A brother and sister had been taken from their burning house when their drug addicted parents didn't realize they had left their children inside. And yet, such trying origins led them to the new and beautiful beginnings at Palmetto House. It was an experience I will truly never forget, and a wonderful note to end our trip on. -Emily
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