PAINTING A HOUSE

Our family felt unprepared for the task of painting this home. This year, we made ourselves open and available to the needs of the organizations we visit. As a result, our family is not always aware of what is expected of us day to day on our volunteer trips.

One of the lessons of this year has been that we all rally together as a family for whatever task or circumstance presents itself, and we've been able to handle everything with good cheer. The irony didn't escape me that while we were here in the Dominican Republic painting this home, we had workmen painting rooms in our home in the US.

In one afternoon, we surprisingly made quite an impact- not only in the decor but in the spirit of giving (paint supplies and our time and effort). The family was so moved by our small gesture.

JANUARY 26, 2012