I MADE A NEW FRIEND . . .

 

Today, I went out to pick up trash, even though I was very sore from picking up over 4,000 pieces yesterday.  I went to an area I haven't been to for some time, and what a mess!

I picked up 1,893 pieces in a very small area, just two sidewalks.  That's all.  I was feeling somewhat discouraged, because I knew I wouldn't get done, and this sweet little girl came over to talk to me.

She said, "Why are you doing this?"  I told her, "Because I want you have have a nice place to play.  Doesn't it look great now?"

She asked me a bunch of questions, and then she said, "Thank you for what you're doing."

Do you think our conversation will have a lasting impact on her life?  Oh, I hope so.

The whole area looked like this.  I've cleaned up a lot of trash, but never so much in such a small space.  How can kids play here?

Then another little girl came running over to me.  She remembered me from last summer.  She has grown a foot!  I told her I'd be back tomorrow, and maybe she could help again.

After that, a man and his wife and little girl came over to talk to me.  She said, "You're Debbie, right?  You gave me a trash grabber last summer.  I still have it!"

Her husband said, "I didn't realize who you were until my wife told me." 

All of a sudden, it all seemed worth it.  I think I just needed people to show me they care.

Here's what it looks like now.  

I'm not done.  It may take me two more days to finish this area, but I have to believe that it's worth it.  I have to believe that it will make a difference and people will join in.  

Just once a week is all it would take to keep this whole area clean and safe.

Just once a week.

If I can get that message across to one or two or three people each day, I will make a difference.