I woke up today very excited knowing we would finally be
going to GKTW! It felt like a long process to get here so it was a relief to
know we were finally so close to getting to experience the village for
ourselves. Before the village, we
started the day off by enjoying some sun and sand at Cocoa Beach. After two
days on driving and walking in to a dirty, messy house, the beach was much
appreciated! It was so fun being able to relax, catch up with friends and have
some down time before we started our week of volunteering.
Finally, after leaving the
beach and getting back home and all cleaned up, we were on our way to the
village. Once we got there, I was in complete awe of it all. Everything was
bigger than I had imagined and better than stories I had heard. I loved the
couple from Iowa that gave us the tour. They were so awesome and inspiring.
They were genuinely interested in all of us and wanted to know more about each
of us. They were so nice and knew so much about the Village so hearing their
stories really set up the week at the Village to be a great one!
I was in the castle for my
first shift of the week and could not get over how many stars were in there. It
is so incredible and amazing. Being part of the star and pillow making was such
a special thing and made me feel overwhelmed with happiness. The castle is
truly filled with magic like they say and interacting with each child and
family was a magical experience itself. I think my face hurt from smiling so
much but each child just brought out the best feeling in me and a few times, I
teared up with happy tears in my eyes. There was a lot to see at the Village
and it was hard to take it all in and process my emotions. I can already tell
that GKTW and all of these kids and families will have a lasting impression on
me. I already can’t wait to go back to experience more and meet more of the
families! I'm also looking forward to having more time to explore things tomorrow and to take pictures of EVERYTHING!!
High for the day: touring
around the Village and finally getting to meet some of the kids and families. I
also loved hearing stories from other families that had ties to Iowa, such a
small world!
Low for the day: A family
came into the castle to find their child’s star and then they made another star
for a second child. It broke my heart realizing they have two children with a
life-threatening condition and are visiting GKTW a second time.
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| beach day with the whole crew! |
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| soaking up some sun...the water was freezing! |
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| ahh we made it! The entrance sign is in the process of being repainted so it's all "Shadow Characters" for now! |
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| all of us at the Village for the first time! So excited! |
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