Monday, April 18, 2011

The Joy of Serving

After a long absence due to a long illness and then a bit of busyness, I am back. Rather than ramble about that though, I might as well jump into what I wanted to share...

I was reminded this weekend how sweet it is to serve. I mean, as a missionary and a teacher, I suppose I do a lot of "serving", but I take great joy in serving in ways that are not necessarily the expectation. Yesterday, I was able to do just that.

The Wheeler's (directors at the Children's Home) finally got to move into the new directors house this weekend. They have waited very patiently for the funding and then building of the house, and it's exciting that the time has finally come for them to live in it. Having moved far too many times myself, I know the work it takes, so I offered my help in moving things. Upon arriving at the Home, however, it turned out there was a more pressing need...Orphan Resources was bringing a team in for the day so there was some "hosting" of sorts that needed to be done. As such, I got to hang out with the kids from 10-4 and help the team (h.s. students) with finding things they needed, translating, etc. It was exhausting, but tons of fun.

Once the team left around 4 PM, I was then able to actually help the Wheeler's move a few items, as well as move Michelita's clothes into her new dresser. It was really fun seeing little Michy's excitement when she came in her room and saw her clothes being put away and her toys and bed already moved in. I showed her where all her clothes were and she helped me put away the last few items. :)

In the end, I drove home around 6 PM, a little sore from lifting kids and household goods, exhausted from playing all day in the sun, and filled with joy from a day of serving a family that has blessed me tremendously this year. Couldn't be happier... :)

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Shelly,
You are so special! You have a beautiful heart. Keep enjoying! Are you coming home any this summer?
Love,
Meissa

Shelly said...

Thanks, Melissa! :) "Home" is really here now, but yes, I'll be back in the States for most of June and all of July. We should definitely meet up at some point. Love ya!