The power of a simple smile

by Shelana Poindexter

I can’t believe that we have already been here 4 days!  They have flown by.  Today was our second day in el comunidad El Tanque.  I was completely blown away by the people and their reaction to us painting their houses.  The pride that they took in a gesture so small, they provided us food, drink, even small gifts to say thank you.   Even the kids in the neighborhood wanted to contribute to the work -- asking if they could help us paint.  We continued to paint the houses in El Tanque today and we were greeted with the same smiling faces and people of the neighborhood sweeping down their walls and “tidying” up their homes. 
 
I remember back in the late spring when Brett told me about the opportunity to come on this trip -- I told him that I was coming, no question.  He smiled and said, "Yeah... Ok."  But there was something about this trip that pulled me in.  Not sure what God has in store -- but I know that He has a purpose for everything.  The sermon that we heard here on Sunday referred to 2 Kings 5.  We learned about the “roles” that we play throughout our lives.  We will forever play one role, and that is being a Child of God.  No matter the role, whether servant, friend, prophet, witness…we all have different roles to play.  My reflection is what role am I playing while I am here in El Salvador?  From what I've experienced on this trip so far, I do know that many times, our role is simply bless those who are in difficult circumstances with a heartfelt smile.

- Shelana