Journal Entries

Madoka and I did exercise as usual on Wednesday, and after that, we held a “Japanese quiz competition” for residents.

There were 10 quizzes, so we drew pictures a lot of and consider a lot quiz. It was the first time for residents that volunteers hold something for them. Thanks to that, residents enjoyed it and residents remembered our name and face completely. We gave some prizes that we brought from Japan to the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th who get the correct answer a lot.

We made a decoration such as snowflakes and tissue flowers.

The day was Black and White day, so residents planned to dance after dinner. Unfortunately, we could not join it, because it started at night! We just made decorations. When residents watch these decorations, they look so happy, so I was also happy.

24th fieldwork was the last day for us, so we took pictures a lot with residents and all staff.

Volunteering at Chartwell was a good experience for me, I could play games that I do not know, talk a lot about Canada and Kamloops, know some grammar and words, and make a lot of decorations!!! If I choose other volunteer work, I would not get a good experience!! I appreciate everything.

I crafted ornaments for the craft market on Saturday all day. I am craft person, so I could concentrate for 6 hours.

While I was creating some ornaments, I talked a lot with residents and another volunteer. We talked about our hometown and languages including grammar and words. It was really fun!!!

To create a sweeter one, we exchanged some ideas with each other. I hope that someone can spend nice Christmas with our ornaments!

Thanks to many events, we could talk with the residents!

Events were a Riddle game, a Card game, and a Bingo. We challenged the riddle with residents. Supervisor gave us a hint for us, but one of the residents who sat next to me was a nice guesser because she guessed the answer before giving hints.

I talked to three residents who were playing a card game, it was a big challenge for me. They were playing Rummy and Skip-Bo. Rummy was hard for me, but I could play Skip-Bo. During playing it, we had a conversation. I think the game is a good tool to talk a lot.

Actually, Bingo is held every Thursday, but we have not joined due to other work. That is why it was the first time for us. We had to be quiet during the bingo game because talking prevent us to listen to a number. After it, we can talk with the residents. Everyone should clean the room, so we can talk.

Recently, Kamloops is snowing, so the floor is very dirty.

We cleaned up by using a mop and a brush. Many residents are happy to see the floor!!! Also, they prized us, so we were happy. However, it got dirty in 30 minutes…

We helped with kitchen work, it was the first day that we tried to work with kitchen members. We prepared water, folks, and knives for the residents. Actually, we have not taken with kitchen members a lot, so I was glad to talk. Also, we taught simple Japanese to one of the members. She often uses it (such as love and good work) for us, so we felt happy.

At the noon, we cleaned up the theater room. We wiped a lot of sofas, a piano, and a table. And then, we organized some decorations and moved them to storage. It was hard work.

After that, we put a document into a file. There were many documents, but we separated roles, so we finished easily.

I had a sore throat the next day, so I did not go field work.

Unfortunately, I had a cold. I guessed that my cough will expand for residents. That is why I did not go to fieldwork. However, I thought my action was correct.

Madoka and I packed some sweets for children who visit at Halloween. It was first time so we had a deep emotion. Also, I was sure it is good communication between eldary people and children. After that, we put away many decolations and organizing. There were some events decoration, so it took a lot of time. However, we were happy because my supervisor was glad to see organized decrations!

The day was the first day for me to volunteer at CHARTWELL that is senior care center. Madoka and I had to remember the building information. After that, we enjoyed coloring with one resident. She is good at coloring!

The next day (the 13th), we decorated the dining room and library for the October fest. The decorations were flags, objects, and so on. I could talk with some residents, but they did not hear well because of their age. Our next challenge is using simple words loudly to tell clearly.

I went to Sun Peaks and went skiing. It was so fun.