Counting BLESSINGS not Problems

This has been by far the most rewarding spring break ever! I have been dying to get on here to write and share with everyone what I was lucky enough to experience these past few days. I am such a firm believer that everything happens for a reason, and God sets up opportunities before we even realize it. 2 years ago I had the joy of working with StewPot, a homeless organization located in Jackson, MS. I had heard that this organization is actually growing by adding a new house for abused women and children. Jackson is only 2 hours from my house, so of course I had to go and check it out. I called the CEO of the company, and he instantly remembered me and was excited to have me back.

2 friends of mine joined me. Not only was I excited to have company to share such a rewarding experience, but this was their first time to ever visit a shelter!We had such a blast! We first started out making bracelets, and key chains out of beads. By the end of the day, the children had trusted us, and shared stories of their school life and hobbies. We spent the rest of the day playing on the playground until dark. The children, myself, and my 2 new volunteers has a wonderful time!

A part of me knew this was not enough. My best friend from college, Lindsay happens to live in Jackson. With her heart now touched by humanizing the homeless, she offered her home to me, and I stayed the night, anxious to spend another day with my new friends at the shelter. The next day Lindsay and I went to lunch before going to the shelter. She shared with me her new feelings towards the homeless, and we recapped our previous day. We then realized that we had grown up complaining that we did not have this or that, when in reality, we had it all! It was such an eye opener. We saw that these children had nothing. When we were their age, we did not have to dream of clothes or toys. Before going back to the shelter we stopped at hobby lobby. We wanted to give these children something to have after we left. Lindsay and I put our money together and bought them each a coloring book, and a box of crayons. Something so inexpensive, and simple was going to bring the biggest smiles I've seen all year!We also bought some things to make picture frames out of as just another arts and craft idea. Returning to the shelter was the best thing we could have done with our day. We asked the kids what had they been doing all day and they responded, "Waiting and Hoping you guys would come back." My heart melted, I knew we had made the right decision. Later that evening their mother opened up to us, and told us stories about her family.

Leaving the shelter once again, Lindsay shared with me that she was going to become frequent volunteer now after her experience. She had realized that so many days go by that she takes advantage of, when she could spend her time with children, who crave attention so badly. 

SO THIS WEEKEND WAS A SUCCESS!!!!!! I made some new friends, the kids at the shelter had a pretty fun spring break, and another heart has been given to the homeless. Special thanks to Nic and Lindsay who took a few moments of their time to change another person's life time.