Yesterday I went to the OC Rescue Mission to help in the Child Development Center. I have been wanting to do this for 6 months or so, and then Disneyland decided to allow a day of service for a free ticket. So, I used this opportunity to get my butt in gear to do that. You can keep your ticket or let them donate it to a child in need. I am doing the latter. Not much to do to help a child.

During story time, the kids wanted to touch the book with animal pictures on it, but it wasn't a touch and feel book. The student (of the Mission) was reading and wearing a skirt sitting in a rocking chair with the kids at her feet. One little boy saw her veins and wanted to touch them, so he did and enjoyed feeling her legs. :) I guess that was the touch and feel segment of the reading. :0
Then as she continued, she said about cougars that they are able to scream like a woman. One little 3 year old, who was off the chart extroverted and adorable, said to his little friend, "I want to hear you scream like a woman." It was so cute.

I realized how little i know of certain things they struggle with. One student working at the center, was asking around if anyone knew if the state can take money out of your paycheck for collections. And two students were wearing the same shirt. I pointed it out, and they said at their store, they get some clothing in bulk so they get the same stuff. i felt bad. I didn't realize how much i was not thinking from their perspective. I also realized that a lot of questions i might ask to get to know them, might hit a cord of pain that might not for the average person. For example, most of the students working there had kids. So, that is an easy starting conversation, right? Well, for one woman, her kids lived with their dad, off site, and she will not see them for 3 months because she wants to get her life together first,and it would be hard to see them and leave. But she talks to them every day. See what I mean, i am sure it is hard for her.

It is so easy to get in our own bubble. Whether in our minds, environments, or communties. Lord, help me to see things as they see things, and as you see things. My mind is self centered.