Last weekend I volunteered at Mission of Hope. I organized this volunteer opportunity for Alpha Lambda Delta members and there were three of us members who made it. Mission of Hope is a Christian based mission for ex-convicts. People can come for meals and worship throughout the week as well as pick up food and essential clothing. We were told that we could help clean, organize or bake cookies. Upon arrive, we met the founder of the mission--Pastor Barb, and received a tour/brief history that lasted an hour and a half! When we were finally sent to work, we were able to bake nearly 180 chocolate chip cookies to be served after worship services later that weekend.
Many of the volunteers at the mission are also people who utilize it's facilities. We met one particular woman that day named Cindy. Cindy is a big lady, with a stooped posture, clumsy grace, and slurred speech. While working at the mission, she helps keep the kitchen clean and organized. While home, she bakes a lot. This met that while we made cookies, she was constantly in the way, always picking up before we were finished, and giving endless instructions and critiques. She was driving me crazy! I tried to be understanding, but it was not until Pastor Barb came over and the two had a discussion about the progress Cindy has made since coming to the mission. I realized that Cindy had been helped out so much by the mission that she had an overwhelming desire to give back. Her quirks and odd ways were the best that she could give and I gained great respect for her. I plan to go back and hope to learn more from the people there.