Leaf Raking Day
Monday, December 08, 2008
A little before seven Saturday morning, the first leaf raker arrived at the VGR back dock. The morning started out frigid cold and wouldn't be changing much throughout the day, but hot chocolate and Cinnabons were awaiting each one as they showed up. The warm, energizing boost would be needed for the long day ahead.
As the number grew and grew to the max amount of passengers we could carry in our bus, three vans, and two trucks, we loaded up and set out for our first destination; there were a total of 70 youth from the surrounding area, ranging from ages 13 to 25. It was an exciting time for those who didn’t make it to last year's leaf raking for the elderly, and it brought back great memories for those who did.
No sooner had we piled out of the vehicles and swarmed the first yard on the list, before a heart-touched gentleman stopped and made the comment,
“I really appreciate what you kids are doin here. What’s it for? God bless you for it.”
Directly following that, another truck stopped to ask who we were and what we were doing. He gave us a big “thumb’s up” as he drove away with an amazed smile on his face.
Just when we thought we were finished in the area, a neighbor walked up and asked if there was any way we could clean up the yard across the street. The family had gone out of town to take their young son to receive cancer treatment. It touched our hearts and was a blessing for us to leave them a clean yard to come home to.
We continued on to clean yards for our local elderly saints, as snowflakes began falling to the ground. They were as beautiful and perfect as any of God’s creations. We admired their unique design as they sprinkled our clothes and the earth below.
Each vehicle was vibrating from the sound of excited kids and joyful singing as we traveled from house to house. At each place, we raked and played in the leaves, cleaned out gutters, picked up branches, and most of all, we had the chance to help out God’s precious saints.
We headed back to VGR around 12:45 for pizza and hot chocolate. Unfortunately, the snow continued and the roads worsened, so we had to call the rest of the day off. Instead, everyone got stuffed on pizza and decided to fellowship for a couple of hours.
The Lord certainly blessed us with a wonderful day of fun and fellowship as we helped others. We’re so thankful for these opportunities to gather as fellow Christians and be a blessing to some of God's children.
