From October 2019 to March 2020, I dedicated my service hours to the Texas Children's Junior Volunteer Program, where I delivered gifts and toys to young children throughout the hospital. Living at a hospital is very daunting for a child, especially when he or she is confined to his or her own room and closed off from the outside world. Additionally, the transition from normalcy for the family is nothing short of difficult. My service, though a small act, allowed the children to feel normal and bring a sense of comfort to their families during unimaginably difficult times. Through my service, I practiced the Catholic Social Teaching theme of Call to Family, Community, and Participation to uphold my moral obligation of caring and supporting for others, especially the vulnerable. 

           Every Monday was a different experience when I brought the toy cart down the hallways of the West Tower. On one of my rounds on the 10th floor, I came across a young boy in shark pajamas who was too shy to approach the toy cart. His parents tried to encourage him to pick out a toy, but his hesitance did not falter. Without a second thought, I grabbed one of the plastic shark figures from the cart and offered it to him. His timid eyes immediately brightened and he gladly took the toy. This heartfelt moment emphasizes the importance of being an active member in my community and doing whatever it takes to make a person feel comforted in an unfamiliar environment. Similarly, on the same floor, I had a simple conversation with a sweet little girl in bright pink pajamas, who just wanted to be regarded as any other girl her age. Just simply asking about her day diminished the discomfort she felt being at the hospital. Reflecting on this moment, I understand how treating others the way I want to be treated forms community and a foundation of mutual love and respect. As a child of God, I am fulfilling my duty of not only respecting and loving my neighbors, but recognizing their God-given dignity. Additionally, I did not allow language barriers to affect my service to the children and their families. Many families within the hospital spoke solely Spanish, and to the best of my ability, I communicated with them to be able to deliver the toys. No matter who they were or where they were from, I made it my responsibility to ensure they feel welcomed and valued. Being an active member in society "can make a real difference, [...] instill a greater sense of responsibility, a strong sense of community, a readiness to protect others, a spirit of creativity, and a deep love for the land" and further integrate Christ in the community (Pope Francis, On Care for Our Common Home [Laudato Si'], nos. 179, 219). Overall, answering the call to community and participation upholds the common good of all God's people. 

            My service in the Texas Children's Junior Volunteer Program has enabled me to be not only more compassionate towards others, but it has strengthened my passion for volunteer work with children. Before this opportunity, I did not understand the everyday obstacles these children had to face; additionally, I thought of service as a chore and put my selfish desires before the needs of others. Needless to say, the children and their families that I have met shifted my perspective. On the other hand, my experiences at TCH remind me of St. Frances of Rome, and her selfless dedication to God and her community. Despite the trauma St. Frances endured, she always put the needs of others above her own and carried out acts such as converting her home into a hospital for the suffering. When I think of St. Frances, I think of all the children at TCH who fight their battles everyday and still put a smile on their faces; their strength inspires me to have faith in God's plan and continue to serve others regardless of any struggles I may face.

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