Alternative Winter Break The Best Kind of Gift

By Year Round Programs
Toby hears Wayne’s story

Although we did not wake up with presents under the tree, we got much  more than any wrapped gift can offer. Today we went to a homeless shelter, were we sang Christmas songs and helped serve and distribute food and presents. But it was more than just singing Christmas songs. I spoke with a homeless man named Wayne, talking to Wayne really made me understand how privileged I am to be here in NOLA, and for everything I have. As I was speaking to Wayne, I asked him what his favorite part of Christmas was and he simply answered, “waking up”. Little things such as waking up are things we take for granted everyday. Wayne as well as many others I met today helped remind me how privileged I am, and how privileged we all are just to be on this trip.

Toby Barrocas – 10th Grade, Condado, Puerto Rico

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