Fraternity-Testvériség, 2000 (78. évfolyam, 1-4. szám)
2000-07-01 / 3. szám
FRATERNITY Page 29 the patients made a special request for them to sing “Let There Be Peace on Earth.” A final group helped in the dining room where a number of residents were busy with their weekly bingo game. The singing group made the dining room its last stop. They got the residents involved in some of the songs and saw that they really enjoyed participating. The overall youth’s reaction to doing the service projects was very positive. All said that it was a rewarding experience for them, whether they were working outside or in the Bethlen Home. Their comments on the effect of actually interacting with the residents of the Home were amazing and the tears that were shed by both the residents and the campers were genuine. The Campers were happy that they could brighten the day of those who do not get visitors on a regular basis and that they had the opportunity to meet some of these special individuals. Many pictures were taken with their new friends. Here are a few of the comments made by the youth on their participation in the Bethlen Home service project (the comments are written as the campers wrote them): “The project we did at the nursing home was amazing. I touched not only the people at the home, but us all as well. We should definitely make this one a tradition. It is nice to give back to the home what they give us. ” “It was great!!! I loved it lots! We should have thought of this earlier. ” “Although I was outside, I saw what I was missing inside when one of the campers brought out a resident to the patio and was having a conversation. When asked if the camper was a Christian, his immediate answer was “Yes”! The remainder of the overheard conversation related to the resident missing his family. I believe I missed such exceptional interaction and therefore am going inside next year. ” “It was great. I think we spread a little sunshine into the lives of people who don’t get it very often. ” “I loved visiting the Bethlen Home this year. It was so uplifting and heartwarming to talk with the people and know we were helping and making them happy. ” “I would do it again because I am here to show I love the Lord not just through words but Actions. ” “I like the Bethlen Home because I met thish Hungarayn Ladie and she said it is nice of us to come down there and help. I rilly likete her. And I would love to helpe out so much ” “It was fun to sing with them and see how happy they got. ” “To me Bethlen Home was interesting. I found people stuck in there who had more faith than me. ” “I really enjoyed our service project at the Bethlen Home on Wednesday. I did the singing. I really enjoyed seeing those faces smiling at me saying thank you. It made my day. Hopefully I will be able to do it again. ” “The home meant a lot because I realized that they are real people with feelings and that they need to be taken care of too. Some had families some didn’t. Some were fine and had their mental health and some didn’t. It was nice to see that just spending a few minutes talking to someone can make them happier. That makes me happier. I would definitely do it again. ” “It gives us ways to help others who might be lonely or just need someone to talk to. ” “I feel we should do the service project again. It was a good experience for everyone and I truly think that all the men and women there really enjoyed our company. ” “I thought our visit was worthwhile. We got to give back to an organization that has given so much. We also brightened people ’s days. ” ‘7 enjoyed talking with the elders. I felt I made the elders happier to have someone to talk to and really care about the state that the elders are in. ” “It was a real cool and different experience. ” “I really enjoyed the Bethlen Home. It was hands-on, which made it all the more better. It made me feel good to know that I was helping people. ” “I really enjoyed the visit to the Home. It opened my eyes to the need to help our elders. ” The week at Camp was also special because the Campers learned how easy it is to get along with folks from another country. We were very privileged this year to have seven young people from Hungary attending Camp for the week. We thank the pastors who helped these individuals understand what the speakers were saying and also for working with them in workshops and Bible studies, so that they could converse in their native language. However, the way that the Campers took these folk under their wings and showed them the American way of doing things was truly a sight to see! We thank the William Penn Association and the Hungarian Reformed Federation of America for their very generous donations to the Camp. We also thank the leaders and staff of the Bethlen Home for providing their picnic for us with the usual abundance of food. Priscilla Hunyady, Camp Leader
