We’re spending two weeks in the States with our families! We didn’t reach out to many people because of the quickness of the trip and the current state of the world.

Whenever I’m back, one of the things I always do is make some store runs to pick up items we can’t find in the DR. My first stop this year was Dollar Tree for some teacher supplies! I like to hit up that treasure trove for items I can use as gifts/incentives for our Dominican teachers who go through the teacher training program we’ve started. As I was hunkered over in an aisle sifting through bulletin board border and classroom organizers, a lady and her two children walked by. A neat interaction ensued.

“Are you a teacher?” she asked me.

“Well, sort of! I’m a teacher trainer! I like to look for things my teachers can use when they have their own classrooms someday.”

She responded without hesitation. “Now, that’s something I can get behind. Let me help you out. I want to give you $20.”

“Wow! That’s so kind of you. How very thoughtful! I actually don’t live here in the States. My family has helped start a school in the Dominican Republic where we work with children who live in the sugarcane villages.”

“Even more reason to help. Thanks for making a difference over there.”

A few more details were shared, and she left me with the money and some more kind words.

I had walked in for a routine shopping trip, and I left blessed by a complete stranger. Isn’t it amazing that the the Lord allows us to experience such unexpected blessings?