Saturday was the mass and I will admit that it was a little exciting getting dressed in the traditional wear as there are few opportunities to dress like that. Met with a few people I hadn't seen in years which was nice.
On the Sunday, we sang at Venee Burgess house and Scalabrini Village. Putting on my 'performance face' may have started as an act to hide my nervousness (particularly during my solo in the second song) but as I saw the smiles of the residents and patients and hearing them singing along instantly boosted my mood. Going to a retirement village and hospital are not places I would usually visit so it's always an interesting experience. The place was decorated nicely and the residents really did seem to be filled with Christmas cheer.
However, there was one thing I noticed. There was this one cerebral palsy patient who didn't seem much older than me. She just had this bored/blank expression and I guess I couldn't really blame her. Obviously, having cerebral palsy is incredibly unfortunate and sufferers will not be able to have the same quality of life as non sufferers, but to be surrounded by people generations ahead of her, not having the chance to really to talk to anyone her age.. That just really saddens me. She didn't stay for the show so I didn't get the chance to talk to her.
Although volunteer work can be draining and a bit hard to get motivated about, it is always a rewarding experience and a good way to give back every Christmas. Hopefully I can get an internship (unpaid or paid, I personally don't mind) this year.
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The choir (not a very good photo, I'm on the left)
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