Spring is an exciting time on the campus of Cherokee Home for Children! One of our favorite events of this season is the arrival of our Sojourners! This is a group of mostly retired members of the Church of Christ who travel around in their RV’s serving organizations such as children’s homes, camps and small churches. Sojourners have been serving Cherokee Home since 2001. When asked, “Why do you sojourn?”, they all answered that their mission is rooted in both service and connection. Many described it as a kind of family reunion, where each gathering brings together like-minded people who quickly form meaningful relationships. Having a good excuse to play cards is a bonus! They appreciate the opportunity to use their RVs for greater good, traveling not just for leisure but to serve others with the love of Christ, reflecting the organization's motto, “Traveling with a purpose.” This year’s group of 17 sojourners to Cherokee Home come mostly from Texas but also include visitors from Tennessee and Oklahoma. With so many sojourning opportunities available across the United States and parts of Canada, many volunteers say they are drawn back to Cherokee Home for Children time and again because of the uniquely welcoming and appreciative staff. They treasure the connections they build with the children, often continuing to follow their journeys even after graduation. Volunteers are inspired by the transformations they witness in the kids’ lives and are consistently impressed by their respectfulness and behavior. Above all, they cherish the joy of seeing the children’s smiles and the genuine love and care shown to them by the staff, making each return visit especially meaningful.
During this year’s two-week stay at Cherokee Home for Children, the Sojourners will complete a variety of tasks across campus such as browning meat for freezing, making it easy to prepare casseroles and soups later, and preparing frozen cookie dough balls that can be baked into special treats for the kids. Also, some will focus on maintenance and construction projects, helping improve facilities and meet ongoing needs. While their efforts save the Home both time and money, the true value of their work lies in the relationships they build which is PRICELESS!
Courtesy of Janice Hull