Writing Prompt #5-The Best Thing That Happened to you This Week in Just me!

The best thing that happened to me this week was working to improve the lives of others. I went on my annual mission trip in western North Carolina. I worked with another woman and 5 teenagers each day.

On Monday we went to do yard work for a young man who had a lot of health issues, especially diabetes. He was unable to do the work himself and was so excited to have his grass cut and the area around his home trimmed up to make it nicer for visitors to get up to see him (he lives on a mountain).

On Tuesday and Wednesday we built a wheelchair ramp for a couple. The wife, although 20 years younger, was the one who needed the ramp. They were so sweet, teasing each other about how they met and how cute they are, etc. That ramp was a bit of a beast to do, but we powered through it.

While we were there, we met a young neighbor of theirs who is 18 years old and has responsibility for his family. He cares for his grandfather who is in hospice care, as well as his 1 and 4 year-old siblings. He had to quit school at 16 to help care for his grandmother who passed away. Ray’s situation is tough, and I have prayed so much for that young man since I met him.

On Thursday we did some painting for a lady who can no longer walk, but she was so alert and sweet and fun to chat with about tv shows she likes and things like that. She is not able to get out and has no visitors except for the lady who has cared for her for 11 years. Her caregiver lost her mother 3 weeks ago and was in a state of grief, so I was glad to be able to spend time with her and talk to her about that.

On Friday we went to a community center to do some yard work, and some of our kids were able to visit patrons of the center and play games with them. It was a good day!

My heart is full, and I am already anticipating the work ahead next year!