Give Kids the World Day 2

Yesterday morning we headed back to Give Kids the World. A few of us helped in the Castle of Miracles while I went with the rest of us that worked at the horse and pony ride. My job was to be a "side walker." I walked alongside the horse, holding onto the saddle and helping the kids stay balanced.  This job allowed us to talk to the kids one-on-one as we walked with the horse. Mostly we talked about what parks they had been to, who their favorite princess was and what the rest of their plans were for the day.  A lot of kids had never been on a horse before, and the best part was seeing their faces light up as soon as the horse started moving.  Seeing the parents' reactions was great as well.  Many of them were recording the whole thing or snapping pictures left and right.  Most all of the parents were smiling ear to ear just from seeing their child having a good time.  The unconditional love these parents show is just amazing.  You can tell a lot of them are sacrificing quite a bit in order for their child to enjoy every day they can.

I think one of the more touching stories was one that happened to a student in our group on the first day. The student, Adam, was talking with a mother. She said she really loved this place (Give Kids the World) not because of all the stuff they were given or all the activities that they have, but because her child wasn't being looked at funny by any of the workers. The kids are treated like the kids that they are, and they're not stared at, and that meant a lot to this mother. I'm sure it means a lot to a lot of the parents and families there as well. To be a part of something like this that means so much to so many families is really amazing to me. It seems that all of the volunteer staff really loves what they're doing as well, and that makes a world of difference.

Long story short, I love this place, and I love meeting each of the kids and their families. Tonight is Christmas! In fact, every Thursday night at Give Kids the World is Christmas! I'll tell you all about it tomorrow.