I survived Day 1 as an LDS Welfare Services intern. It was neither fantastic nor awful. I got there 20 minutes early and took a 20 min lunch. I consumed only an apple and banana for the entire day. I met interns Justin, Curtis, Emily, Emily, Lauren, and new intern Amy. All day everyone thought I was Amy, until I informed them that I was not Amy, but the other new intern...Clarissa. At least there are two of us who have absolutely no idea what we are doing.
The morning began with a devotional (true Church style) and then I met with my boss, Jeff. After a quick overview and circle around the room meeting everyone and remembering none of their names, I sat down at my desk in "Intern Alley". For the next six hours, I watched video after video about Welfare Services. Although I have been a member of the church my entire life, I can honestly say I have never known much about the extent of the welfare program; that's all changing very quickly.
As part of my job I will be touring Welfare Square and Humanitarian Center. I will also be working at the cannery, bishop storehouse, home storage center etc. In order to write about Welfare Services I need to actually experience them, hence the working plan. It never crossed my mind that this would be part of the job description. I am a little nervous about these assignments, but they should be good experiences.
Honestly, I'm not so sure about all of this change. Right now everything has changed: my home, my city, my job, my overall occupation, my friends (or really now the great lack there of), my ward....EVERYTHING. Nothing is comfortable or safe, and that is the reality I face every day; at least right now. One day at a time baby, one day at a time.
So Lessons from Day 1:
1) BCS no longer only refers to a football bowl game...BCS also stands for Bishop's Central Storehouse.
2) Nylons and polyester don't mix. Despite the barrier of a slip, my dress crept up the entire walk along West Temple to the Church Office Building; oh and pretty much the entire day as well. Awesome...immodest on the first day.
Who knows what tomorrow will bring...I just have to get to tomorrow.
2 comments:
Clarissa - Sounds like more or less a typical first work day. Sounds like you're right where you ought to be.
Just to share something I saw a couple of days ago - I was watching QVC (since I'm addict) and Marie Osmond was on hawking her dolls and as a totally unscripted aside she mentioned these leprosy bandages that she crochets. The qvc host pushed her for some details cause she had never heard of such a thing and Marie quickly talked about service before turning back to her dolls but I thought it was so cool. Because I knew about the leprosy bandages it just really touched me that this total super woman with business interests in every direction spends her free time crocheting bandages for lepers.
My aunt in California has had fabulous experiences with the church humanitarian services both in serving as a ward and stake RS president and then also as a stake humanitarian service specialist. The church does some incredible things. I'm excited to hear all your experiences!!!
Love you!
I can't even tell you how excited I am for you Clarissa! Nothing thrills my heart like the Gospel of Jesus Christ and Humanitarian Service is at the bedrock of what Jesus was all about. This will be a life changing experience for you. I am so thankful that you are documenting your thoughts and experiences because you will look back on this one day and see the hand of the Lord at this very important time in your life. I am so proud of you for being a hardworking, good hearted, bright and talented young woman. I am even more proud of you for all the years that you have upheld your standards and tried hard to follow Jesus. I love you with all my heart. I feel honored to be your Aunt <3 I am eager to follow your journey as you start this new chapter in your life. One day one step at a time! xoxoxo Auntie
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