A MAGIC MOMENT -  from a child's point of view

 The huge art room at Chester County Art Association was filled with young artists.

Colors and creative energy flew there and everywhere. Foster parents watched happily as their children "flew high" on this opportunity to say and feel whatever they wished.

I walked over to one young girl who had created a beautiful pieceof art and blended in were the words, "MARLA AND SUZANNE ARE FAMILY." I did not ask young Marla to explain but laterI learned that Suzanne, her foster mom, had officially adopted her that day.

Now Marla has a FOREVER MOM.

  NOTE: We've substituted names to protect the privacy of those involved.

A MAGIC MOMENT -  from a volunteer's point of view

When I first started going to the shelter every Tuesday, I was thinking:

“I just need another 10 hours to complete my school project.”

But after a few months, I became really attached to working there. It’s something that I look forward to every Tuesday. I may not always have the best day on Tuesday, but when I come in and draw with the kids it’s like nothing matters. When they’re painting, they’re in their own world of happiness. And so I think, why can’t I be in that world?

That’s why I love working with kids; they teach me that the most pure form of happiness is simplicity. The kids I work with have been through a lot in their lives but art is something that they can relate to. I’ve found that I can relate to art also. I probably will never forget the faces that go in and out of the shelter, and I’m sure I’ll always remember the lessons they taught me.

Nathaniel

Age Fifteen

A Young Quaker PeaceWork Volunteer