We have been going to the nursing home for almost four years. When we began, it was just me and my one-year-old daughter. Now, with two additional children, we try to visit our three friends at the nursing home for an hour every week. It is a great ministry for a family to share.

    What has going to the nursing home meant to you?

Building relationships with our friends at the nursing home has been a wonderful experience for all of us. My children are learning how to minister and share with others. It has been such a blessing to see how they are not fearful of things that, as adults, we shy away from. To the children, wheelchairs and oxygen tanks are just regular accessories of people who have time to give hugs and share stories.

     What has your time spent with the elders meant to them?

It is hard to say what we mean to our friends at the nursing home ... I hope they realize how special they are to us. This winter, one of our friends passed away. We were at the hospital the day she died and we never saw another family member visit her. I'd like to believe she knew she was not alone.

     Do you think you are making a difference?

Sometimes it's difficult to know if you are making a difference. On Easter, we ran quickly in to drop off some treats between church and Easter dinner. We were only with each friend for a few minutes. One lady stopped me on the way out the door and said, "You really made my day." I think it's hard for us to realize how much a quick hug from two little girls all dressed up in Easter finery can have on someone who is alone.

     Why would you recommend doing this to someone else?

Being a volunteer with Desert Ministries is one of the most fun and easiest assignments I have ever had. We get "credit" for going to a nursing home. In reality, we are just having fun hanging out with our friends. We talk and laugh and share. It's the best!

     Thanks to Dana and her children for serving the people in their community who live in nursing homes.  If you would like to join our team, click here.