Quadsville

Gwen chose to volunteer our time to help paint a domestic violence shelter run by Christian Care in Rock Island. We signed up Friday night, and I confirmed with the coordinator, Roland Lamantia, that kids could help. We had to be up and at 'em at 8:45 a.m. Saturday. Roland sent an e-mail that night that they were also accepting donations of cleaning products, toiletries and toys for the shelter, so Gwen packed up part of her overly large stuffed animal collection to donate to the kids at the shelter.

Gwen LOVES to paint.

Pastor Gary put us right to work when we arrived. There were at least 15 of us, including some Augustana students. Gwen and I joined Mary, Bridget and Rob in painting over the bright aqua paint in an office. It is now a warm, light brown. Gwen said it made her hungry for chocolate. :-)

Pastor Gary gives instructions to the Augustana students painting the kitchen.

I had such a great time working and talking with everyone that morning. We didn't know anyone going into the project, but everyone was cheerful and friendly, and it was rewarding knowing that we were just one little pocket of people all pulling together this weekend to do something for their communities.

Once all of the low parts were painted, Gwen took it upon herself to document the experience with mom's camera. She loves to take photos almost as much as she loves to paint.

Gwen wants to go back and do some more painting this weekend. She stuck with it for the whole three hours, doing trim work and then getting in on some roller action. She was thrilled to be pulling her weight on a team of volunteers.

Anyone else have stories of service to share?