Field Notes Three.DHudSmith

I only met with two OPs today.

The first was the man who reads all the large-text books. Today we played dominoes. We played lots of dominoes. I'm not sure how dominoes relates to a literary project. Perhaps it doesn't. It was fun, however, and he was grateful for the company. He can be very funny. When I would score or do well, he would say, "Gee Wiz". He does not care whether he wins or loses. He just likes to play. He says he likes dominoes because you don't have to be involved with the other player. You can be thinking about whatever you like in your mind and still function in the game.

Secondly, I again visited the newspaper lady, and again, I read her the newspaper. We also went outside for a walk. The residents are not allowed to go on walks by themselves, and her doctor told her she needed to walk. So, we walked. I must say (and I usually wouldn't)that she looked adorable. She must be less than five feet tall and, in her hat and sweater, she looked very cute. She is probably the most pleasant OP I have ever met.

Field Notes Five. mbusch

The visit to the retirement home went really well today. I did a devotion on praise and thanksgiving, and finished with "Amazing Grace" and Thanksgiving trivia. I had many resident tell me they enjoyed and appreciated it. So I'm thankful my prayers were answered.

Field Notes Four. mbusch

Today when I went over, I wasn't exactly sure what to do. I arrived at the retirment center and went into the Carlisle Nursing Center, where I usually go. I didn't know quite how I would be recieved because it wasn't my normal time to go over, but the director smiled at me and just asked me to sit with one of the male residents. In all honesty, this is the one person in the center with whom I could talk for hours. This man faught in WWII, and I would love to talk to him about it. I can't talk with him easily because there are times when he is very difficult to understand. Today, I just sat with him, making small talk, when he reached out and just grabbed my hand. It was a simple gesture that people have done before, but I could almost interpret the move. He enjoyed me sitting with him, listening to him, talking with him. It melted my heart.

The music afterward went well. We didn't sing as well as we are capable, but I believe that it was enjoyed by the residents. Dr. Jeffreys asked us to mingle and visit with the residents after we were finished, and I believe they appreciated that as well.

Prior Thoughts Four. mbusch

I'm heading over to the retirment center in a few moments. I'm really excited about this vist because Women's Chorale (which I'm a part of) is going to sing later this afternoon. I'm heading over earlier to visit with the residents a little before we start singing. I'm really glad to get the chance to do this because almost every time I go over, I'm asked to play the piano. (I almost did a few times, but managed to save myself the embarassment at the last minute.) Finally the residents will get to hear some of the music they seem to crave.

Field Notes Three. mbusch

My third visit was almost identical to the first.I arrive there around 10, in time to visit with the residents before their 10:30 bible study. Once again, I conducted the devotion by reading from the Bible, the devoltion booklet they have, praying for any needs they tell me about, and singing a few hymns. What scared me is when I was asked to lead the devotion next Wed. It's a very short, and very simple reading, but it makes me nervous. I'm no longer afraid of what the residents think about having me there, what scares me are the nurses and caretakers who sit in the chairs behind the lobby and listen/talk through the devotion. It makes me think of the DC Talk song, "What if I stumble, what if I fall, what if I loose my step and I make fools of us all". I don't know how to put into words the apprehension I have about the devotion, I can only pray that God takes my fallible words and tranforms them for His glory.

Field Notes Six.edevault

My last day at the retirement center wasn't unusual in the least--just the same old routine.

I read some poetry to the Carlisle residents in their T.V. room/den/dining room. I asked if anyone had a "poet preference"; one woman requested Longfellow. This same woman commented that her mother would read them "The Song of Hiawatha" and even made them memorize parts of it. After each poem I read, this woman would give a generous "thank you! thank you!". Quite endearing.

I then visited the Wylie center--particularly Ms. Co. I continued to read John (we left off on chapter 16). Around chapter 17 Ms. Co.'s daughter called; I could hear her voice on the phone saying, "Hey Mama--how are you?" They talked for some time; the daughter voice sounded kind. I envisioned her face; I imagine she looks like her mother.

I finished John and decided to read both Titus and Philemon (which took little time). After that, I told Ms. Co. that I would not be able to volunteer often due to the late-semester rush. Unfortunately, time is limited.

She seemed receptive, and told how much she has enjoyed my reading. I agreed, and said that reading to her has benefitted me as well. I clasped her hand, bid her good morning, and wished her well.

I pray my volunteering has profited someone and has been a good service.

Elizabeth

Prior Thoughts Six.edevault

Today I will visit the retirement center for the last time (atleast for this project). I mentioned before my thoughts on how I should...well, leave the residents I have been visiting regularly. Especially in regard to Ms. Co., who I've been reading the Bible to for some time now.

I'll be fitting in these last hours in the morning after HS 101--quite a rush, but...I'll live.

Elizabeth