And the winner is...

Thank you to all who responded with such inspirational stories.
I chose this story because it not only touched my heart, but I feel that it is something many of us need to hear.
With the tough times we are facing as a country due to the economy, we need to be reminded of just how truly blessed we are...

In December 2007 I went on a mission trip with 5th Avenue Baptist of Huntington, WV. Around 22 other college students, adults, and myself traveled to Nicaragua. I had no idea what to expect going into another country. As soon as we landed I immediately realized, "we aren't in West Virginia anymore, Toto." School buses are used to get many people from place to place and their cost of living was extremely lower than the United States. They do not have a nice neighborhood and poor neighborhood; they have a really nice houses beside what we would think was a shack. Seeing these images within the first 30 minutes was a huge eye opener. Throughout the week our group split into two separate groups to build a house for two different families. I learned how to make morter and lay brick, but more importantly I got to interact as best and I could with the family whose house we were building. This family literally had nothing. The children ran around barefoot and were dirty from head to toe, but never once did I hear them complain or cry over the petty, materialistic things kids throw fits over in the U.S. These kids were so happy, and even more happier to see us. They taught me some Spanish and I taught them some English. The children were also very intrigued by my camera, they would actually go crazy once I started taking pictures. The men in the family were very hard workers. They were working before we arrived and didn't quit until after we left. I was very impressed at the pride they took in their work. At the end of the week we had completed all of the outside except for the roof and doors being put in. It was incredible seeing that we helped build someone a home that wouldn't mean anything more than a storage building to us. This family was so grateful! The father of the family didn't talk much during the duration of the week, but when we were preparing to leave he began to tear up and gave me two of the only pictures he had of his family. When I tried to refuse he told me it was a gift. This man had nothing and he gave ME two of his prized possessions. It was then that I realized how truly and wonderfully blessed I am! Why do I complain when I have MORE than I need to ever be happy? Since the trip I catch myself thinking about this wonderful little country that now has a special place in my heart when I complain about things. It was here that I saw the true beauty of God and his abundant love for all of his people!