When I first began to consider the LSAV program, I was very attracted to the mission statement of the Little Sisters of the Assumption : to transform the family in the spirit of Christ by living out the Gospel message, and working with the poorest to bring about healing in our society, thereby affecting this big, broken world. From that moment on, I knew that I had something to learn from this community. I wasn't sure what I had to offer them, except a willingness to work in whatever capacity they needed.

What happened during my volunteer experience continues to amaze me. I was first placed in the nursery for what everyone was hoping was a temporary shortage of workers: two of the grandmothers were on leave indefinitely. I was very unsure of any skill or particular gifts I had for working with and teaching children. Had anyone asked me if I'd enjoy spending my full-time work primarily with children, I would have categorically replied, "No, thank you." I could not yet imagine loving it.

Within about two weeks, I was hooked. During my brief orientation to working in the nursery, Lorraine Tierney explained her philosophy behind the nursery's mission statement, which eventually gave my work meaning: Establishing relationship and attachment with the child and his or her parent will most likely lead to positive development of the child. Furthermore, the examples they see, the love they experience, the lessons
they are taught during these early years, 0 to 3, are particularly formative for later learning and life skills. With this said, I never took my presence and work lightly with the kids.

Who would have thought that God's love, which became incarnate to me as I was loved by significant persons in my life, could and would become embodied in my work and actions with the children of East Harlem ? This was grace. This was my call to come and follow Jesus into a poor neighborhood to love and to be loved, to see Christ in the eyes of a child.

By Lourdes R. Paredes
LSAV 1-96 through 6-96