What a difference a day makes

Yesterday was gut-wrenchingly hard. I cried my eyes out more times than I care to share, but thank goodness I left the mascara at home. I am a small town girl living in a big city, so I can change my own tire and chop wood, but I can also rock a dress and killer heels. I thought I needed to give back, appreciate what I have, and learn about the world, so here I am. I am ready to experience something new and learn from people who live a life so different to mine.

When I toured around on day one I thought, this cant be real. This is staged. So many children, lonely, hungry, dirty, and all on their own. How do they live here? I was emotionally rocked and went to bed doubting my choice, my ability, and my person. “Who am I and what can I do?” Was on repeat in my head. The things I saw made me question so much about what I knew at home and also challenged me in ways I never imagined possible. I saw so much beauty and yet so much that was so wrong in my eyes. The children smile and laugh with such happiness, yet do not wear shoes, and seem to go without things I think they should have.

I woke up today with love in my heart but fear in my eyes. As we got to the job site I thought I was going to throw up from the nerves. I got of the bus and decided to dive in, it’s sink or swim time. I sifted, I lifted, I laughed and I played. The first brick I laid today, yes that I LAID, shot sparks through my veins and I felt every ounce of joy that I had seen on so many faces. I can do this, I will do this and I can change a life.

I’m just a girl but I made a difference today.

Heather ~ Hero Holiday volunteer 2013