The Inglis House is a center for people who are confined to wheelchairs, and for patients who are in rehab in wheelchairs. The first activity we participated in was a "Spice" group discussion about the 80's. We helped transport the residents to the activity.
During the day we also handed out mail and had conversations with the residents. Apparently, one man had been named "Father of the Year" by some organization; I thought to myself, why would such a great father and family member be sent to live in a nursing home? I found it ironic that this great father would be sent away from his own home where he was so appreciated.
Another thing that I found sad was all the memories that the residents recalled during the "Spice" game. They said things like, "oh, I used to work there" and "I remember that movie" as they talked about the good times they shared before they were handicapped.
One interesting character that we encountered was Ramona. She had a bad temper and was constantly swearing. Although it was apparent that others were tired of her, we found it quite comical, and Ramona enjoyed to see us smile in her company.
When we left the Inglis House and arrived back at the Romero Center, we quickly departed again for Philadelphia. Instead of going to the nice stores and restaurants on South Street, we went to a thrift store owned by Mr. Felton. Mr. Felton led is into a small makeshift chapel in the back of his store which served as our meeting place. He told us his story; he was a Vietnam War Veteran, a preacher, a gardener, and most importantly, a shepherd to the many children who roam the streets. Mr. Felton acts as a sort of foster parent, giving food, shelter, and clothing to any child that may show up at his door. He also herds children in from the streets; one time he saw a cold, shivering girl waiting outside a store, and it just so happened that her mother was doing business with the drug lord inside. Mr. Felton, or "Papa" as the the kids call him, took her to his home. He has saved many children from the dangers of drugs and poverty.
"Papa" also is a firm believer in Christ, and he tries to spread the message of God to his children throughout Camden and Philadelphia. Mr. Felton is saving the community one child at a time.Mr. Felton is truly an inspiration to me. He is not afraid to stand up for what he believes is right, even if that means putting his life in danger. He has been stabbed, and shot, and his weak heart condition makes him especially vulnerable. I can only hope and pray for his safety and security, as he continues to reach out to the youth. I think his vitality and success has partly been sustained by his optimistic, comic personality, which has triggered his unrelenting love.
When we got back to the Romero Center, we had a great Spanish meal for dinner: honey crusted chicken with olives/egg potato salad and Spanish rice. But the meal had its price - we washed, scrubbed, and cleaned all the dishes for an hour afterwards.
Another great speaker followed dinner. He was a worker at the local soup kitchen who gave up his career to work with the homeless on the street. Tomorrow, I will have the opportunity to follow his path, as I travel to St. John's Hospice, another soup kitchen. This entire week I have encountered the sick, the disabled, and the old, but Camden is known for its poverty, and I will finally get a chance to meet those people who are perhaps the most unfortunate of all - those who live on the streets. On top of being homeless, they also lack support; many are not loved or respected, but by simply serving them a hot meal, I can help them restore their dignity.
