“Mam, mam, mam, mam” Caden repeats as he tries to get Jan’s attention. Jan is painting a mural of E.T. on his cabin wall at Buckhorn Family Services on our recent Labor of Love service project.
“Mam, mam, mam” he starts again before Jan can respond. He asks, “What are you doing?” Jan tells him she is painting a picture of E.T. on the wall of his cabin. Before she can elaborate he begins again, “Mam. mam, mam, who are you?” Before she can respond he follows with “Are you the church people?”
The volunteers from North River have been labeled the “church people” by those boys with autism in cabins east and west. Twenty-four of them to be exact. Each of them with different capabilities to cope with the world in which they live. Some speak not a word while other just love to talk. Some read Harry Potter books while others can barely put together sentences. But each one of them are special and loved by our volunteers who go there to serve.
The “church people” is a title I will proudly accept. We are known as the people who come and do things to make their lives a little better. We are known as the people who are patient and kind and take time to listen to their stories and to play with them in ways they understand. We are known as the people who will help meet their spiritual needs no matter how basic they may be. We are know as the people the staff have come to trust with the needs of those they care for every day and love.
I am so very proud of the North River team that made Labor of Love such a success. Those who financially supported enabled others to paint walls, build benches, install sensory areas, and travel. Those who donated items helped us fill their shelves with new clothes, games to play, and movies to watch. Those who donated toys gave the volunteers an opportunity to see faces brighten with large smiles–as Caden would say “Merry Christmas!” For those who took their Labor Day week-end to go and paint, build, love and share I cannot say thank you enough.
It is true! North River is the “church people.”
This is my story…