Sticky Situations - Written Reflection 3

By: Phyllis Elizabeth Holloway 

Getting all the glue she can onto her craft.

My time at Step By Step has flown by. Looking at the calendar, I see there are only two sessions left in this year. This absolutely breaks my heart. I have grown so close to these young children, and I am going to miss them all dearly. Step By Step has provided me a time to drop everything and just take a few hours to myself (and the wonderful kids). This volunteering experience has completely transformed my life. I'm so glad I got to start volunteering as soon as I moved here. I love my time at Step By Step, but sometimes... the kids are a bit of a handful. 

If you've ever spent any time with a child, you know that sometimes children can be quite messy. My time at Step By Step has confirmed this belief time and time again. I absolutely love these children, but how can such small people, make such BIG messes? (Also, it's just not fair that these little people can take up such a big space in my heart.) 

Getting caught in the act.

There are always messes made when the kids eat their dinner or do crafts. One of the children really likes to eat with her hands. This is the precious young girl that just really likes to keep all the volunteers constantly guessing, "What will she do next?!" This young lady is an absolute joy, except last night at Step By Step she fell down after doing something we warned her against. Good news is, she hopefully learned from the experience and knows we are just looking out for her. 

Playing with the toy, HE chose.

My time at Step By Step has also shown me how society influences young children. I think it's great to see these young boys playing with the toys that society has told them they shouldn't play with. Masculinity is something that society has twisted around, and I love seeing how uninfluenced young children are when they are young. 

Playing with the baby dolls,
and having a great time.

Seeing the girls smiling when they believe us when we tell them how beautiful they are is just another thing that I hope never changes in these young children's hearts. Society can be cruel, and I hope the world is changing and these little people will forever be ignorant to what society deems is appropriate. Everyone should do what makes them happy, not what society says will make them happy.

These young children's hearts are so big and willing to learn. They just need awesome volunteers and programs like Step By Step that can show them such an intense loving environment. Their mothers have so much on their plates, they all just need a place they can come to feel safe and at home. 

"My little buddy" wanted to take a picture

with me before leaving.