Yet one more busy day to add the growing list of busy days, but no less fulfilling. Started off the day heading into downtown St. Louis to a place called The Haven of Grace. It's a shelter for women between the ages of 18 and 24 who find themselves homeless and pregnant. They can take 10 women at a time and the women attend classes on things like parenting, basic money management, how to plan meals and cook and basically how to get by in the real world. Some decide to go back to school or get a job, but all have responsibilities in the home - they all take part in the food preparation, laundry, cleaning, grocery shopping, and there all a lot of "house rules" they have to follow. They can get points for good behavior and use those points to shop in a store room there filed with everything from baby clothes to toys to blankets. The women each have their own bedrooms but the rest of the living space is communal. There is even an 8 unit apartment building on their site where women who have completed the program and have either gotten a job or are in school can live, in return for 30% of what they earn. It's actually a very pretty building, built in 2003. They even have a small garden o the grounds.
After a quick tour by Allison, the woman I had been in contact with, I met Elaine. I am not sure of what her exact title is, but it seemed to me like she did everything! This morning while I was there she taught a class to the women, took care of all of the day to day scheduling and workings needed and did most of the preparation for lunch today. She showed me a bit of the grounds and it turns out she is even the head gardener. What I liked about Elaine is that you could tell she truly loved her work.
It was a light day today as several women had job interviews or doctor's appointments. Two other ladies showed up to volunteer so between the three of us, we only had three infants, one six month old and a two year old to hang out with while the class was taught. They were all cuties but I have to admit that one of the highlights of the day for me was getting to snuggle with Jaden, a one month old little boy. He was absolutely adorable!
When it was between classes, we helped organize the "shopping room" and then when there was another project going on and all of the babies were being held, I helped Elaine prepare lunch. Before I knew it, it was time to go. It was a great experience and I think the people there are doing such good work. Everyone was kind and gracious to this strange traveler from Utah! I wish all of the ladies the best of luck, as well as the staff. It's hard to feel like you made much of a difference in one day - or more accurately a few hours - but hopefully I brought a smile to at least one woman's face today.
Then it was off to the Crown Candy Company to meet another high school friend for lunch! The place is a hoot and feels like a step back in time, but must confess to having one darn good chocolate malt with my sandwich! It was so nice to get to catch up with my friend Allison and the conversation just kept flowing! It's always nice to see friends who seem like they are doing so well and she was no exception.
After lunch it was time to head to the St.Louis Arch, where I met Chris. We were able to take a ride to the top and look out over the city. It's definitely a unique experience and one you all should take if you get the chance...... unless, of course, you are claustrophobic or afraid of heights! After that she showed me the town (a history buff makes a great tour guide, so thanks Chris!) and we had a drink at Blueberry Hill, a bar where Chuck Barry still plays once a month. The street is complete with all of their local people who have made it bit and they have their own stars on the street.
Which then brings me back here, packing for another round of travel tomorrow. I will head out in the morning, ending up the day in Lincoln, NE but going through Kansas City to have lunch with another good friend. The "meet and greet" in Lincoln should be a fun one as it is yet another friend that I haven't seen in many years - 38 to be exact! She was my best friend when I lived in McCook, NE and we moved when I was in the 5th grade! She tracked me down a few years ago and we have stayed in touch, so decided to spend two nights with her!
The song I chose for today is another one by India Arie, called "Little Things". I like it because of the message in the song (many of hers are that way) but also because it made me think of the babies I got to see today as well as my trip as a whole. Life really is about the little things.
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