Still motivated by the amazing random act of kindess experience from yesterday at the fire house, we took the afternoon to perform more acts today!
We started by picking up the high schoolers at WISCO and then visiting the VA Hospital. We brought the 50 cards that WISCO students had decorated during the day on Friday, and one of the hospital's PR guys took us throughout the hospital so we could personally hand out cards to the Veterans. It was such an uplifting and humbling experience. We thanked each Vet for their service to our country and told them to get well soon. They profusely thanked us for not only the cards, but also for thinking to take the time to visit with them. One woman told me just seeing our smiles made the whole week better. Another man looked me straight in the eye and told me it was his privilege to serve us. What great respect we all have for these men and women! Such simple acts, something as free and easy as a smile, can make a huge difference in the lives of others. We definitely plan to return to the hospital, even when the Challenge is over, to visit with these amazing men and women!
After our eye-opening hospital experience, we split into two groups to tackle random bus stops throughout the city. At the bus stops, we served hot chocolate out of the backseat of our vehicles (shady, we know :) ), and gave out money to cover the bus fare. We received many "God bless you!" and "What a blessing!" We had so much fun interacting with people from all walks of life. It was even more fun explaining the idea of "random acts of kindness" to these people. We hope they pay it forward!
We got our mission statement out through these acts by taping it onto each cup of hot chocolate, as well as on the back of each of the cards. We gave out 120 cups of hot chocolate and 50 cards!
With the unused money we had budgeted for today's acts, each group went to a random McDonald's and paid for the meal of the person behind us. Our group ended up picking up the tab for a mom ordering $32 worth of supper! We had the drive thru worker hand her our mission statement when she tried to pay for her meal. Another group went and stuck quarters in machines at a laundramat. We are enjoying mixing "planned" acts of kindness with our truly "random" ones.
It was a very rewarding day, and once again we see how a little bit of money can go a long way in brightening the lives of others!
I am reminded of Jesus' words in Luke 6:38, "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." I knew you would receive as much benefit and blessing as the people you helped!
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