Valentine's Day Compassion
What is VDOC?
VDOC or “Valentine’s Day of Compassion” is a day when we get to love people who don’t normally receive love. It is a day when we get to serve other people, not out of self-gain, but just because we want to show them God’s love.
What does it mean to love someone? Is it warm fuzzy feelings? Perhaps, and this is what is largely associated with Valentine’s Day, but it can also be more than that!
So, what does loving people look like at VDOC?
It looks like young students from a college fellowship coming together to prepare messages, skits, songs, and handmade gifts to give to people in convalescent homes. Loving people who on average have zero visitors, and are often forgotten. This is a beloved tradition here at our church in Irvine, and in our many other college fellowships.
Personally, Valentine’s Day of Compassion was a little scary the first time that I went, because I felt a little awkward talking to the elderly. However, it was amazing to see the residents smile when we gave them gifts or sing along to “Amazing Grace”. What is just a few hours for me, could mean much more to them.
This past VDOC, the seniors from A2F at UC Irvine and some of our high school students teamed up. One of my favorite memories was seeing the students going around and talking to all of residents. They just wanted to love them by asking them questions and getting to know about their lives.
At the end of VDOC, we split up amongst different staff homes and bonded over some pizza and stories. It was a warm time and the perfect way to spend Valentine’s day!
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