Last day in DC

Today was bitter sweet because it was our last day in DC. We have had such a wonderful time, and it was nice to tour the city and see some of the things our country was founded on. Our tour of the Capitol building was extremely informational and was a great experience.
The weather was a little chilly but I got some great souvenirs, and now were ending the night at Union Pub. I would say it was a successful day.

Nearing the end of our journey

It has been quite the bittersweet day in Washington D.C and I think it's safe to say we have all been impacted by many different experiences.

Today, I was able to realize how much the volunteers really contribute at food and friends. It is incredible to see how much work they do behind the scenes, which we do not usually see. We also met the director today who came out and told us how much he appreciated our help. We worked alongside regular volunteers who don't work all the time but are still treated as employees. It was so nice to see how people take time out of their lives to help and donate to a great cause.

It was bittersweet to leave the little sisters of the poor and st. Anthony's today. We have been able to meet so many nice people over the last few days and it was tough to leave after feeling like you've made a difference in someone's life. Even though we didn't do much, just being there talking to the elderly residents or playing with the kids created an impact of its own. I am grateful to have shared this experience with my fellow ASBers, and hope to do these types of services again in the near future!

I have shared so many laughs today with my new friends and hope to continue these friendships even after we return to Bryant.

Last day at charities

I won't post everything that happenned today, but there were deffinately some up points. First off, I was on delivery at Food and Friends, which ended up taking a little longer than we thought because we were heading out towards Maryland. Anyway,it was lucky we were late because during lunch back at the retreat house Nicole got a text from here sister that there was white smoke and a new Pope had been chosen! A sister walked by and was so happy when we told her,it was adorable!  Then we headed over to Little Sisters and on the way heard bells ringing and when we got there we saw the cutest sisters jumping up and down ringing bells. It was the happiest I had seen them-- it was the best place to be other than the Vadican!

So in the nursing home I met the most adorable resident named Joey. He used to be in a band and had played for George w. Bush and the head sister of the Little Sisters-- he had pictures in his room for anyone that wanted to doubt him. We talked the entire time and he told me to think of him the next time I'm in Providence. Will do Joey!

Nicole's Reflection Day 3

Today was a really good day. Something special happened to me that words cannot even begin to express, but I am going to try my best to share it with you guys.

At Little Sisters of the Poor, one of the patients, Paul, smiled for the first time in who knows how long. I know this because right after I discussed him with a nurse, she couldn't believe her ears that it was Paul. She obviously has worked with him much longer than I have, and knowing that my actions could have possibly done a simple thing for him as smile, I'd say that I feel pretty accomplished. Something we take for granted everyday, such as smiling and laughter, may not come as easy to the elderly especially when they are not fully satisfied with their life. When I said goodbye, I handed him the card that I made and he took my hand, kissed me on the cheek and said "I will pray for you." At that moment it took so much in me not to start balling, but I knew I had to keep it together. Paul may not remember me in a couple of weeks or even days, but ill always remember him and the impact he made on my life.

Did you hear?

On the way to Little Sisters of the Poor today, I was confused as to why the bells were ringing but news is in - White smoke, there is a new Pope! We are just waiting for the name to be released now.

Time to deliver.

This morning is where things will come full circle for me after being in the kitchen for the last two days at Food and Friends. My van of six Bryant individuals are delivering to the greater D.C. area today! We are in charge of 11 routes. All deliveries total to about 3000 packages which was crazy to think about. I can't wait to meet the clients that we packaged foods for on Monday and Tuesday.

Smile and say cheese!

The past two days, I have been able to find my inner "kid at heart" and share that with children at St. Anthony's Catholic School pre-K to K after school care. Sometimes, playtime or snack time or just being there can make such a difference. The ability for students to remember my name after one day or willingness to let me into their lives was a honor for me. Leaving tomorrow at 5:30 is going to be one of the hardest things to do all ASB trip!