Volunteering & Volunteer Students

My wife Sandy and I volunteered at Wheeler Mission in Indianapolis for the first time on Sunday afternoon. We had been wanting to for quite some time but never got around to actually doing it and boy am I upset that we had not till now. We had so much fun interacting with the men of Wheeler that I want to go back every Sunday that we can.

We met several men during the couple of hours of playing games and hopefully opened dialogues that can be taken further. I played domino’s with Leon, George, and Darryl. Although I don’t think Darryl was a homeless man in the Wheeler program. We played for about and hour and a half and enjoyed each others company. I tried to ask questions of the men with the hopes of them opening up. I thought they responded well to me and I hope I displayed a level of respect to them.

My wife and two sons played Yatzee with Kieth. Keith was tauted as the Yatzee king. They played for about two hours and I believe Keith won.

My youngest son actually played a game of Chess with a man named George and beat him pretty good, but at least Julian, being seven, gave it the college try and made Georges day. Julian went on to actually beat a 26 year old in checkers. I forget his name. I did not really get a chance to meet him myself.

All in all, it was a very positive experience and my family and I look forward to going back very soon. We saw the need in the faces of the men their that are going through various problems and addictions and it is our hope that we made the short time we were there memorable.

I pray that all the men of Wheeler have a great week, especially those we interacted with.

Matt