Myers Park Presbyterian Church, Charlotte, NC
Alma students are working during their Winter Term break in several agencies that give direct service to those in need by providing daycare, meals or clothing. In addition to service, the week will include worship and evening devotions.
Saturday-Sunday, Feb. 24-25
Alma College students and Chaplain Carol Gregg pose in the stairwell of the Cornerstone, their residence for the week of service.
First year student Stephanie Bens of Ann Arbor delivers a meal to a Charlotte, N.C. area homebound resident.
Amber Billman says "On Sunday, we explored Charlotte, went to a museum and out to eat, but I am really ready to do what we came to do. I can't wait to start our service tomorrow."
Monday, Feb. 26
Today our group started their work. The agencies we are serving feed the hungry, house the homeless and care for children and the elderly. After a day of work, students were anxious to hear about each others' experiences. Our learning is multiplied when we see not only how one or two agencies operate, but also learn from each other about otheragencies.
One group helped to prepare hundreds of meals to deliver to the homebound in an organization called "Friendship Trays". Hours of work in the kitchen, including some in the walk-in cooler, resulted in two meals systematically, yet individually, prepared for each person.
Stephanie Bens knew most of her work was 'behind the scenes", but did deliver food to several people. In reflecting on the day, Stephanie said "The woman who recieved the food was so happy, she made me smile. She reminded me of why we are doing what we do. I want to keep serving."
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Tuesday, February 27
Have you ever wondered what happens to all the food that you donate to a canned food drive? Seven Alma College students no longer wonder – we handled sorted, moved and packed approximately 10,000 pounds of canned goods. At the Loaves and Fishes warehouse, canned goods are collected from around the city of Charlotte then sorted by type at the warehouse, then repackaged to go to area food banks. Of her work there, Joye Kallgren said “I learned to serve in the background where the results of your labor are not immediately seen…While I did not get to see people’s faces and hear their personal stories, I know my work was just as important.” Indeed, Joye’s work has helped to alleviate hunger.
Wednesday, February 28
Five of our group spent the week at Double Oaks Nursery, a free day care center for low income families. The small facility serves children from infants and preschoolers in a day care program and older children up to 12 years old in an after school program. The students enjoyed reading to the children, singing songs and giving hugs. Erika Fitzgerald claims “I had an incredible, life-changing experience at Double Oaks Nursery. It was a great opportunity for me to learn what it is like to be a minority. I also learned a lot about the African American culture…This trip helped me to solidify the fact that I want to work with children in the future."
Thursday, March 1
While some of our group works with vulnerable people who are the youngest members of society, others worked with the oldest. The Haven, a home for seniors with Alzheimer’s, was the service site for three members of our group. The volunteers talked with the adults, played bingo and other games, and took them on walks in the beautiful North Carolina sunshine. It is hard to say who enjoyed the walks more, the seniors or the sun-deprived Michigan students! Jung Ah Park, one of three exchange students from Korea who traveled with the group, reflected “This alternative break was really a good opportunity to visit another area in the U.S. and learn different cultures… Also I learned much more about elderly people by my participation at The Haven."
Friday, March 2
Jim Allen, one of the student leaders for the trip, spent his mornings sorting clothing at the Charlotte Rescue Mission, a rehabilitation site for men struggling with additions, many of whom had been previously homeless. The Mission’s structured 90-day program, which is overtly Christian in its focus, enables the men to develop skills and new habits for healthy living. The Mission maintains an extensive clothing closet so that it can provide the men sufficient clothing at no cost. While sorting jeans from dress pants seems like a mundane task, Jim saw much more in the experience. He said, “My alternative break trip to Charlotte has genuinely strengthened me physically, mentally and spiritually. It deepened my understanding of God’s will for my life which includes continuing to serve others in both the local and international arena.”
Saturday, March 3
Before leaving Charlotte, this alternative break group took time once again for reflection and prayer. Sitting in the North Carolina sun outside “The Cornerstone”, their home for the past week, the group reflected on their experience. Johanna Thompson said, “This trip was a wonderful opportunity for spiritual growth and healing. It’s an amazing experience to be away from home, with a group of your peers who share the same faith, and are all supportive of each other, eager to serve, and have a good time. I felt God’s presence among our group, and the trip has helped me to grow as an individual.” Without a doubt, the other 14 members of the trip concurred with Johanna’s summary. The group concluded their time together with prayer thanking God for their week of service.
