Operation Smile Overview

Reflecting over this past semester I can say that I have never been so satisfied in my life. Doing these random acts of kindness in hopes of making others smile really changed my mood and how I lived my life. In hopes of transforming my city and nation to be a better and happier place, I transformed my own life. I can't say that every week was easy and unfortunately I didn't do a project one week but, I did successfully finish and I feel that I made an impact. Through taking cupcakes to the fire fighters, posting notes around the college, throwing a surprise birthday party, volunteering at different organizations, and passing out flowers, I feel that I learned how to truly love a complete strange. For just a few short seconds I was welcomed into their lives and able to impact how the rest of their day was going to be. Although I do not know in most of the cases that their days continued on happily or how the rest of their week went. But, what I do know is that I was able to get at least one good smile out of them. But it wasn't just making them smile that made the project special, it was the hope that they would eventually go on and do something nice for the people in their lives. That the smile they received, they would soon pass on to someone else. I may never know if it works but, I do not plan to stop my project. I do not plan to post every week. I plan on going on through my life making others smile and continuing to smile myself. I am beyond thankful for the opportunity that I had to start this project and I can not wait to continue on with it!

Operation Smile 5-1-14

Today I did the most courageous thing I have ever done in this project but, also in my life. I went to Kroger with my boyfriend and bought six bouquets of flowers to give out to people throughout the day. I was able to have my boyfriend, Zach, assist me and also two of the boys that I sit for helped! It was really interesting and terrifying to do. I only encountered one person who said they didn't want the flowers and walked away, I just think that she didn't understand why someone was doing that for her. But the more I thought about it the more it made sense. No one in our everyday society does things to make others happy. We are in this I need this for me mentality and I am not happy until I get it! Most of the women reacted as if they couldn't believe we cared enough to impact their lives! As I walked up to the women shaking and nervous, I simply handed them the flowers and told them that I just wanted to make their day just a little better by giving them the flowers. This project had pushed me outside of my barriers and challenged me to step outside of my four by four every day life that I live. I did not want to offend any of the women by taking pictures but, here is a picture of the flowers that we passed out. I went with crazy daisy's and pink roses because I feel that they symbolize happiness and beauty. Promoting that a small act of kindness can change our inner beauty and happiness. Although all I saw were there smiles, my life was completely changed today. I feel as if I am walking on clouds and that I have accomplished more in impacting others lives this semester than I have ever felt before.

Operation Smile 4-25/26-2014

This weekend I partook in two really awesome opportunities to impact others lives! The first thing I did was serve at a middle school after party the church that I attend and intern at hosts after parties after the school dances let out to ensure that the students are out having fun after but, in a safe and responsible way.

This evening we had a turn out of 200 students from Delhi surrounding schools of middle school students 6th-8th grade! They had activities that included a dance floor with a live DJ, nine square, corn hole, snacks, video games, and space to just hang out. I was the "chaperon" for the dance floor and spent my evening with about 70-80 students dancing and singing. Although I  didn't do this on my own or plan it, I was able to take an opportunity and add an extra adult so that the church could accept more kids at the door and ensuring that these kids were safe and having fun. I don't think I saw one kid not smiling, they had three hours to go crazy and have fun without having to worry about getting into trouble! 

Next the morning after I served at Matthew 25 Ministries which helps supply goods and supplies for people and countries after natural disasters occur. It was a really cool experience to see the work they have done and continue to do. Countries generally see a year of help or less from companies and non-profits and then are usually left to find more on their own later. M25M will stay anywhere that they are needed as long as they are asked. The continue to work on areas effected by Super Storm Sandy, Hurricane Katrina, the Japanese Tsunami, and Haiti to name a few. While spending time with this awesome ministry I did one of the simplest things in the world, folding bed covers. These covers are sent to clinics and hospitals in countries who are lacking in sterilization and are in need of clean and sterile materials. For two hours I did this small task and I legitimately could not stop smiling. And my smile became contagious everyone around me standing on their feet for two hours separating out bedding were just absolutely honored to be supporting our brothers and sisters around the world in need. 

This was a really cool weekend to do something different. It doesn't have to be setting something up every week, it can be as small as joining in with others to make a larger impact and to have fun while doing it. I don't think I will ever forget this weekend of serving and the lives I was able to impact by joining in with others to do so!