CSM D.C.: Day Two

Today while the first group was awakened at 5 AM we were blessed with sleeping in until 8:30. Group one was sent to S.O.M.E. (so others may eat.) Group two was sent to “Joe’s House” where we were faced with the challenge from moving him from one apartment to another. Although we did not get the entire job done, we did accomplish moving the largest couch any of us have ever seen; finding two dead mice without screaming; and doing more cleaning than any of our parents could have ever imagined.

The group that went to S.O.M.E. got to cook, serve, and clean-up breakfast to the homeless and needy. They were blessed with smiling faces and even in some cases serenading. During the afternoon everyone, once again, traveled to the VBS location. Although this VBS was more chaotic than any of us could have planned, we can all agree that the smiling faces of the children, the jumping onto our backs and even the screaming was one of the best parts of our day.

For dinner we were expecting a sit down restaurant like any other evening, but both groups were challenged with a “plunge”. Group one had a buffet of Vietnamese foods. This was they’re cultural plunge. Group two was faced with a totally different challenge. They were given two dollars a person to feed the entire group and one other in need. They were encouraged to walk around D.C. to local restaurants asking for food and donations for the homeless. At the end of our experience, we were able to spend our leftover money to buy McDonald’s meals for everyone, including our new friend Robert. We were able to leave him with leftover chips and salsa, a loaf of bread, and at least 10 scones. He was very grateful and interesting to talk with. He has left a mark on all of us.

We ended our day at the Lincoln memorial with debriefing. We thank our parents for letting us come on this trip.

Love,
Marie Meador and Hannah Berlin