First Day of Service

This morning we had our first day of service. We also got our first proper introduction to the morning traffic in Atlanta. We left at 8:15 and it took approximately 40 minutes to get to the Open Hand headquarters (which should have taken about 20 minutes). I'm happy Adelia drove this morning, though I'm sure it was hectic for her with the traffic. We arrived at the headquarters just before 9 and got our introduction to the project and the organization. Since one other group didn't show up, we split our group into two. Half of the group (Ahanna, Chakara, Wilnie, Kerrie, Amy, and Stacy) worked in the kitchen packing and organizing the meals to be delivered. The rest of us (Me, Alejandra, and Adelia)drove around town delivering the meals.



Some of the individuals who received food lived in apartments like this one while others lived in individuals homes. It was really interesting to see the differences in the types of people who we served. Some were pretty independent, at least it seemed, in that they were walking and could answer the door without trouble. Others were more dependent in that they had walkers, HOSPICE care workers living with them, as well as friends.



Some individuals lived in apartments that are nicer than the ones I live in! I thought that was interesting. It is necessary to understand that some of these people aren't more necessarily, but they are suffering from chronic diseases or terminal illnesses which do not allow them to go out of their homes. This doesn't mean that they can't afford to live in nicer places though. Some of the areas were gated communities. It's nice to know that the individuals are safe, or at least as safe as they can be in a gated community. Others weren't so fortunate. We went to many areas that were run down and many homes that weren't as nice in comparison.



We also ran into some interesting animals. In the afternoon we were supposed to all be packing meals but one driver canceled so some of us were able to deliver meals again. Alejandra, Wilnie, Kerri, and I delivered meals in the afternoon while Chakara, Ahanna, Amy, Stacy, and Adelia worked in the kitchen fixing the meals.

While we were delivering rood in the afternoon we saw so many dogs! There were huge dogs, fat dogs, and tiny dogs. It was cool to see how many of the patients had animals. It is proven that having pets will improve your overall mental health and emotional state.

We got lost many times, but it was fun. Even though we made so many U-turns, it was really fun spending time delivering meals and really seeing where our work was going.



Another plus of driving around was the beautiful trees! There is some really beautiful botany around Georgia. I always forget how awesome it is to see the different seasons and seeing the leaves change. It's nice to be somewhere different for a change. I've been feeling rather restless in Tampa lately.



When we got home, we took a beautiful 2 and a half our nap. After that, Ahanna, Stacy and I made dinner. We made penne pasta with rigatoni. We also had chicken, mashed potatoes, and salad. It was a pretty good meal!

For our team activity, we play spoons, or knifes. Apparently no one realized I fight to the death! We played a good round and Alejandra and I came out on top. I think I put the fear in her so she didn't want to go one-on-one with me.

During reflection, we talking about what we enjoyed and what we were disappointed with during the first day. We also did props and funny stories for each other. Overall, it was a good day and night!

The main overarching thing I keep in mind is what happens to the people we miss, the people we don't deliver meals to that day. I feel that there should be some investigation as to the reason they were not home or didn't answer the door. I don't want to think about someone having fallen and can't reach the door. God forbid something awful happen.

I guess all I can do is see what each day has in store for me and hope for the best!

Tomorrow we are working the same hours, but we're going to Lennox mall tomorrow! Maybe I'll find something cool to buy for my parents for their birthdays! Hopefully I get to meet up with some of my friends here.