Experience of a Lifetime

Before coming to work at Shining Light, I dreamed of working in an orphanage or children’s home. I desired to show love to children and imagined what it would be like, but I didn’t have any experience with homeless children or teenagers.  I had previously worked with first graders, in addition to being an aunt to many nephews and nieces, but these children came from loving homes with good parents. There is a huge difference when working with children who came from loving homes and families versus those who have not had loving families. I began taking classes to help me better understand these children who have experienced deep pain and broken hearts.

My first visit to the children’s home was when I was hired as a general assistant. I worked there for 4 months; from February 28, 2023, until July 4, 2023.  My primary responsibility was to float from one room to the next to take care of the caregiver’s kids when the caregiver went on their 24-hour break to rest and recover. To help prevent burnout, I also received 24 hours off each week. When I was not caring for children, I helped the house mom with gardening, cleaning, and kitchen tasks.