There was something to smile about at Little Pink Houses of Hope today; we grew by 10 new families!
They came from near and far, traveling from different states and even another country. They came with luggage. They came exhausted from long drives.
But none of that mattered once they arrived in Gulf Shores, AL — meeting their VolunSTARS, everyone was all smiles.
“A smile is the universal welcome.” – Max Eastman
And the smiles never stopped as the afternoon and evening unfolded.
There were smiles (and some joyful shouts) when opening the door to the home each family would be staying in for a week of fun, love and family. Three beautiful properties – The Rookery, The Beach Club, and Turquoise Place – with friendly and accommodating staff.
The families all met for the first time at a grand dinner at The Beach Club. Names and faces expanded into the details and stories. Nodding, laughing, smiling.
There was plenty of joy as kids played with the VolunSTARs while the adults learned about the week ahead. Hard to imagine the kids had only met each other an hour before. Smiles … as a VolunSTAR demonstrated her juggling talents, smiles … as the youngest child chased a VolunSTAR with plastic balls, smiles … as the teenagers found things in common.
The evening ended, and despite the heat, families lingered in the parking lot, giving good night hugs and just smiling.