We were 3000 miles away from home on a Volunteerism Road Trip. Our funds were running low, so we had two goals: to try out our new "Smile!" signs and see how much joy we could spread and to raise $80, enough for gas to Portland.
I nervously raised our signs and shouted "Hi there!" to a young couple. They read my sign and broke into smiles. Before long, our signs were wildly popular. Strangers took photos with us and asked us about our signs. Some even asked if they could have a "Smile!" sign to carry around. We posed for pictures and sang with street performers. We got so wrapped up in our "Smile!" project that we forgot the other goal. Before we knew it, the sun was setting.
We sat down to think about how we'd raise the money we needed. A blind man had just finished playing the guitar. He was packing up when a passing crowd kicked over his coin jar. Coins scattered(四散）around and he felt his way to collect them. We rushed to help him, but before we cold get there, another man "stole" our good deed.
Once the musician had his money returned, we went to meet the "thief". "We just wanted to compliment you on your good deed," I said.
He smiled and asked about our signs. After learning about our road trip, he said sincerely," I'd like to contribute. It'll make me feel like I'm part of this adventure." Then this complete stranger opened his wallet and handed us four twenty-dollar bills, exactly what we had intended to raise that day.
Several years later, this man, whose name is Jared, went on his own road trip. He visited our city and volunteered with the non-profit organization we co-founded. So often we never get to see the ripple effect (连锁反应）of our kindness. But we are so glad he did.
