I had the most wonderful experience in Pontiac Michigan. Myself and many others were truly in the Christmas Spirit on Monday December the 8th.
We helped Terry Grahl, fellow SDP member, bring her vision of a homeless women's shelter makeover to fruition. Words really can not describe the rich reward we received from giving of our time & talent to others. The generosity of others was overwhelming. Comfort Inn & Suites even donated a room for me. My sister and I enjoyed our little trip from Ohio, little did we realize how much the trip would mean to us. I know the women felt that they had been given a "GIFT", but really it was us.
Terry's dream of enchantment came to life before our eyes.
It was amazing to see so many donations from people all across our country assembled in one room waiting to be dispersed through-out the building. Hundreds and hundreds of items. New Robes to large items of furniture. AMAZING!
Terry's army of volunteers never complained and worked like elves to help the "MAGIC" happen.
Before I left on the trip some friends and family were concerned for our safety. I can honestly say that non of us ever felt more SAFE.
Many of the shelters male inhabitants helped us make the magic happen. I'm certain that some of them hadn't felt how truly they were needed and respected in a long time. Watching Scott weave his many talents of "Jack of All Trades" was inspiring to me. I don't know what we would have done without him.
The shelter laid out a fantastic & delicious lunch for us. Many of the men brought us hot meals to our tables and insisted on giving Terry & her "Elves" a standing ovation.
One of the women was awe-struck over the transformation of the rooms and cried on my shoulder for helping. She was distraught over the idea of not being able to repay me for my long drive from Ohio.I told her that all I want her to do is to realize that there are folks out there who really do care about them and the way she could repay us was to realize her dreams. This shelter is beautiful but is only a stepping stone towards her living her dreams. Mere words can not explain the joyous feeling that permeated that building.
On my journey I was also privileged to meet so many great people from all levels of our society working together towards a common goal.
I know that I and my sister will definitely be there again for Terry and her "Enchanted Cottage" makeover next year.
Christmas is about giving to others and instead of us giving to them...they had actually given to me.
Thank you Terry!
May all of you have a joyous and magical Holiday Season.
Merry Christmas,
DesAnn Collins
Design By DesAnn of Ohio
http://www.designbydesann.com/
Comments(3)