I have taken 2 groups to the nursing home so far this semester.
The first time unfortunately coincided with crazy hair day….
so the old folks had an unusual performance from the high school orchestra!
One of the residents took pictures pictures on my camera for us during the performance. He enthusiastically photographed each person and section (I decided not to post them all – they are somewhat redundant). He also took pictures of his friends in the audience. He’s one of the “regular” people who watch every performance, both in the nursing home and at BFA. I greet him on the street whenever I see him out walking, his four-pronged cane aiding his shuffle. He often wears suspenders and colorful button-up shirts. My favorite outfit in the summer is his fruit shirt – rows and rows of bright green pears, bananas, and oranges! Winter time brings out his fuzzy hat with ear flaps.
As teachers at BFA, we minister to the students in our daily work, but during these concerts we have theopportunity to be a blessing to others in the community. Two days ago the guitar class went over to the yellow nursing home (slightly farther than the usual one). Though slightly apprehensive about their first performance, the students rose to the challenge and went beyond performing into ministry.
One of my students struck up conversations with several of the residents, bringing big smiles to some ladies’ faces!
The students make some interesting comments after visiting for the first time: “Old people have soft, squishy hands!” “I don’t ever want to get old!”
I hope they can take something away from the experience besides a fear of aging. These trips bring up some good opportunities for discussion, learning, and service!
