Today, I went to meet the higher upper of the Bunny Seals (name change). I also went to fill out remaining paperwork that included background checks, etc. My time concluded with a tour.
Let me start at the beginning. After waiting 3 hours at the revenue office to get a new drivers license, I headed to the Bunny Seals’ office. I knew where it was, although I had not physically ever stepped foot inside before. Well, while worrying for 3 hours whether or not my time at the revenue office was going to make me late for my appointment, I wound up being 15 minutes early for my appointment. Score! Total relief.
I waltzed into this super nice, well kept, clean smelling building the size of a high school. I checked in at the front window as instructed to do so by the sign on the door. I let the receptionist know who I was there to see. He then let me know that she was not in yet, but should be shortly. I took a seat.
After about 20 minutes of waiting, I walked back up to the window because I was actually going to ask the receptionist if I was suppose to have signed the “LOG IN” sheet that I had noticed when I first arrived. He interrupted and asked if I was sure that I was at the correct building. I had no clue there was another building. He let me know there was another one about 3 miles down the road. He gave me directions. I was totally not familiar with the area, my cell phone had just died and my car charger was at my apartment. Negative score.
After about 5 miles of driving in the direction that the receptionist had told me, I was able to power my cell phone on long enough to call my friend/coworker who was more familiar with the area than I was. Unfortunately, she had no clue as to where this other building that I was looking for was either. She only knew of the other one that I did. So, I back tracked.
By this point, I was 25 minutes late. I had decided that I was taking one more turn and if the Bunny Seals office building that I needed to be at was not to be found, then it wasn’t meant to be. That’s how I look at things. Everything happens for a reason. We may not understand why, we may not like the reason why, we may not agree the reason as to why, etc. Anyways, CherMeister Philosophy 101 will resume another day 😉
Hot diggity…..there it was! It was meant to be! I parked. Went inside, said hello to the receptionist, who in turn said, “Cher?”
Puzzled, I replied, “Yes ma’am.” She laughed and said that Mrs. So and So had let her (the receptionist) know that she was anticipating my arrival.
I took a seat. Looked at the clock. 32 minutes late. First impression? Oh well. I’m here. That counts, right?
“Cher?” I turn around. Mrs. So and So introduces herself and immediately starts to apologize about not letting me know about them being in the “hidden” building that most people aren’t familiar with. WHEW! Off the hook. I still apologized for my tardiness, though. Manners are part of my upbringing.
I thoroughly enjoyed my chat with Mrs So and So. I filled out the paperwork, she briefly went over the volunteer handbook which included a point that I want to bring up. Photographs are not permitted. This is for various reasons. Some parents do not want their children photographed. There are children, adults and teenagers of various learning/mental abilities/capabilities/levels. I respect their wishes and put myself in their shoes. With that being said, anytime I volunteer at the Bunny Seals, I will try not to mention the company’s name. I will post about my volunteer experience though. I will just keep it broad and keep it to the volunteer aspect 🙂 I know that has nothing to do with photographs, but I figured I would keep it all broad and respectful, you know 🙂
Okay, now that we have that out of the way, where was I? Oh yeah. After we briefly went over the handbook, Mrs So and So was eager to take me on a tour. At this particular facility, the children are here. The building that I originally went to accommodated to the adults. Mrs. So and So had asked me while I was filling out paperwork which I preferred to volunteer with (children or adults), and I said whichever I was needed with more; I am here for them however they need me. Sorry, I kinda got off track. So, back to the eagerness. She showed me the different classrooms, therapy rooms, introduced me to the teachers, volunteers and even interacted with the kids. I 2,000% felt at home.
I don’t know if it is because I am infected with the volunteer bug that I feel so at ease at each new establishment or if it’s the vibe of these places. Honestly, I think it’s the vibe. I say this because each place I have volunteered at so far has a purpose of bettering others. When you are bettering others, you are bettering yourself as a person as well. It’s full circle. Everyone is grateful for everyone. I believe that’s where the “vibe” comes from that I’m talking about.
Here’s the funny part. We were about 2/3 finished with the tour and Mrs. So and So witnessed me interact with some children. She looked at me, said, “Do you think this is the area you would like to volunteer?!?!?” Huge smile on her face, by the way. I replied, “Sure!” She then said, “Can you start Friday?!” I was like whoa! in my head….I mean….yeah the kids liked me….but what Mrs So and So didn’t see was that one of the kids threw a book at me when Mrs So and So turned back around. Haha. Kids. Gotta love ’em. I had to inform Mrs So and So that I work Friday. She was disappointed. I let her know that I have a set schedule and would definitely get back to her.
As we ended the tour, she asked me to please get back to her within the next couple of days. She let me know that she really liked meeting me and enjoyed my interactions. She also said that it is remarkable in regards to all of my volunteering. She shook my hand, then placed her other hand on top and looked at me and said, “God Bless You”.
I look forward to these future experiences at this facility. God has blessed me.
On a side note, I have a meeting on Monday with Femal Cow International (name change) to tour and interview with them. They are a charity organization working to end hunger and poverty around the world by providing livestock and training to struggling communities.
I am suppose to volunteer with the blind on Saturday. The last two volunteer schedule dates have been cancelled due to inclement weather (most recent was this past Monday). So, I will post if I volunteer, otherwise, talk to yall Monday!
Follow my journey as I volunteer through 2014 