Community Service Every Tuesday

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On Tuesday I had my first day of community service. I added a class to my schedule where I spend 2.5 or more hours a week serving the community. I work at Misión Urbana Evangelica. The site helps the community by giving out food and clothing. I work in “el ropero” by distributing clothes. A person stands at the door and asks for whatever item they need. I hopefully understand them and go search for something that will please them. Usually the person asks for clothes for their different family members so I have to guess on a size when someone says “grande.” I’m almost like a personal shopper! The donated clothes are far from what I would recommend though.

When the doors open to the public everyone gathers in the main room to hear a lesson from the Bible. After a 10 minute talk and prayer, I go into the oversized closet and wait for people to come. I work with two other Spanish women and one other student from my program.

I am excited to work because I will learn more vocabulary, but I was really discouraged after my first time. I wasn’t prepared to feel so useless. I wasn’t familiar with where different types of clothing were kept and I had a hard time asking the other volunteers and understanding their directions. I know each time will get easier as I figure out the routine and actually learn more words. It is just hard to be patient. I try to cram new words into my brain but the process is slow. I’m determined to work hard so I can help out more, because the reason I am there is to serve. Also, I need to figure out the buses because it is a 45 minute, brisk walk. I don’t mind walking during the day but at night I’m not in the best neighborhood to be alone. I have until Tuesday though!

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Comments

[Aunt Cheri]

Repetir Boutique
Good for you Em. There's a place for you on College AV, east of the train station. Experienced personnel always welcome. Your language skills will be invaluable. Aunt Cheri

[Cynthia]

Personal Shopper
I watched an episode of Friends where Rachel was a personal shopper at Bloomingdales. What a fun job. I am sure you are a blessing to the women that are working there with you. Hang in there you will get the language. Is there alot of slang there? Have a Great day. Love you Em!