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!