INDY DAY ONE! 
Joy's House - Adult Day Care Center
Simonne Cruz

We began our day bright and early at 7 a.m. on our first day in Indianapolis. Our first service experience was with an organization called Joy's House which serves adults who's ages ranged anywhere from 22 to 94. We participated in a range of different activities, from yoga to painting, and even some (off-key on my part) kareoke. It was a wonderful experience, and by the conversations had in the van on the way back to our Church home-base, you could tell that each of us made a personal connection with at least one of the Joy's House guests. For me, I had the chance to spend my day hearing the stories of two different individuals: Ms. Mellie and Ms. Mary.

Ms. Mellie was the first guest that I was able to get to know, and the best way to describe her is by her infectious laugh and bright smile. We began by painting - a flower for herself, and picture of the sea for me, which in the end turned into a collaborative picture that we were both proud of. Throughout the day we did activities together, like monkey in the middle and putting together puzzles, and I kept getting pulled back to her because of her welcoming and warm personality.

Ms. Mary was a fire cracker if I've ever met one. She proudly told me of her 7 children (7 being a complete number), 42 grandchildren, and 39 great grandchildren. She was a sassy lady and made sure to give me all sorts of wise wisdom to carry with me back to Baltimore, and even a few new catch phrases.

Having the pleasure of interacting with both women, and everyone at Joy's House was both a pleasure and privilege, and I hope that the rest of the week will be filled with many more wonderful connections and conversations.