I’m not Catholic but that does not matter to the young people that participate in the Heart Work camp. “Helping Everyone Attain Repairers Today” has truly been a blessing to me.
When Lynn of Catholic Community Services called me and told me about the volunteer program, I had questions. “Is there any cost to me?” I asked her. With no hesitation she replied “No.” After an enthusiastic meeting with her I anticipated the visit of these young people.
Since I became very sick with multiple sclerosis, much-needed upkeep of my home was left undone. The challenge of needing a wheelchair and raising my children as a single parent took precedence over everything else. To say the least, I was faced with eyesores of upkeep that I could not accomplish. Many years ago I learned to ignore the tasks that I could not do.
My dear friends have helped me manage the most important parts of maintaining my home, which kept my head above water. Much has been left undone, however, because there has been an overwhelming amount of work to do.
On July 23, six amazing young people arrived at my home. Tracy, the adult team leader I fondly call “the antique” because he’s the oldest at age 28, drove all the way from Minnesota to be a part of the Heart Work camp. Scott, age 17, from California was the team reporter. John, age 13, from Washington was the tool manager. Emma, age 15, from Oregon, was the prayer leader. Stewart, age 16, of Minnesota, was the team manager. Faye, age 17, from Oregon, was the food preparation manager.
Before my eyes those young people became as busy as honeybees. They worked as hard as a focused group of industrial adults. Like magic they transformed a list of projects into works of art. Songs were sung accompanied with many smiles as the young people cheerfully and steadfastly worked.
My windows are now clean. My fence is painted. Minor repairs were made. My list of much-needed work took four days to complete. I loved to watch them work because their spirits were so full of happiness and caring. They cheerfully worked, laughed and played together. Although I appreciate very much all the beautiful work they did, how they made me feel was more important.
Today’s world unfortunately contains many people who do not care about others. These unselfish earth angels paid $250 each to volunteer their time to help someone else. The good that they give to others will return to them tenfold in the form of spiritual growth. Their warm hearts warm my heart. Their spirit of caring cannot be measured. Heart to heart, I humbly and graciously thank them.
Granite Falls
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