My Placement

As I said a couple of entries ago, I have a placement! I will be at Family Tree Trust in Hackney (north London). Directly from placement sheet I was sent:
"The family tree is a large house, which is home to 6 adults residents who all have varying levels of learning disabilities. The residents are all referred by social services, and the house aims to help each resident to live as much of an independent life as possible. Eventually the resident will move out to their own accomidation, and will receive regular checks to ensure they are coping ok."

Volunteers (that would include me) work alongside residents supporting them through daily task including escorting them to college and day centres for classes, help residents navigate the transportation system, encourage and motivate, cook meals.

This is a placement which will certainly test me, but I'm looking forward to it. A friend in Marquette has leant me her copy of The Road to Daybreak by Henri Nouwen. It is the journal of a Catholic priest as he finds a new calling to live in community with mentally handicapped persons. I'm a little more than halfway through it and I recommend it for reading.

My friends Chris and Lindsey, whom I met at DIP (discernment, interview, placemnet) also have their placements. Check them out and send your congrats!