Alexis Evans

I filmed myself reading two children's books. Both were books written in two languages. The first book was about the five senses and how they are used in everyday life. It was a very easy way for little kids to understand the five senses, which we actually spoke about in lecture in relation to the area of the brain each sense stimulates. The second book was called Brick by Brick, and it followed a little boy named Luis who looked up to his father, a bricklayer. His dad ended up building them a forever home -- "nuestra casa para siempre" -- and the book was very sweet. The intentional building of the bricks reminded me of the ways our somatic cells create layers that build up to protect us, like a wall is the foundation of a building. I enjoyed feeling like I was providing something to children who needed it, because I really enjoy working with kids and playing and laughing with them. I hope these readings help at least one person have a better day than they were before.

For this trip to the food bank, I worked alongside many volunteers from a church group to sort through scavenged food, which is just food from grocery stores that many have had a damaged box but with the food still in tact. We sorted through about 16 large boxes of scavenges. We then repackaged food from boxes that had been damaged. We worked well as a machine and we got through more work than the food bank even anticipated for us to do. I had a very good time, and would be excited to go back.

I assisted in packing 280 boxes of food for senior citizens. My event leader, Rich, said something that stuck with me: "By just putting some cans in boxes, you helped almost 300 people find their next meal." It was very fulfilling to be a part of tangible help in the community.