Service

Recently, I spent half of a week in California to attend the Creative Talent Network Expo for Animation. It was a great opportunity to meet a lot of the artists that I admired. I met a lot of great people who were in similar situations as my own, trying to break into the industry.

It was also a good chance to visit my home state of California, and to see my sister and her family. On the very last day, I was able to help her with a service project that she had volunteered for which was located in the downtown Los Angeles area. It was for a group called 'Helping All Transients' or H.A.T. for short. We had a number of donated supplies, sleeping bags, clothes, shoes etc.

The mission was to distribute as much as we could to all who were in need. There were many who showed up, we didn't have enough to give to everyone. It was a very sobering event, I found myself questioning the unimportant wants that I had been indulging in throughout my life; instead of finding ways to help humanity.

In a way, I was ashamed of myself for finding so many trivial things important, while there were others who suffer trying to live each day. I feel a need to reevaluate my life, trying to make the more important things a priority, instead of my own selfish wants.

I was deeply impressed with the members of the H.A.T. organisation, their acts of charity and kindness moved me. 

There were also children to lend a helping hand

I gave this little girl a jacket and some gloves. It was so heartbreaking to see her and other children in line. 

This volunteer had given the shoes off of her feet. How amazing is that?

By the end, we were all uplifted, and happy that we were able to help. My last day back in California had changed me for the better, and I hope to become more able to help others as these good people have been doing. I am forever grateful to them.

"...inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, my bretheren, ye have done it unto me."
Matt 25:40