helping hands

Today, I'm thankful for helpers. What brought this on was that today I had a couple of girls over and they helped me cut apples for 3 apple pies. This was a tremendous help. While they did that, I was able to knock out the crusts for those 3 pies-well at least making them. I just got done putting them together not too long ago. I'll try baking them tomorrow, probably. But anyway. I have been so blessed in my life to have so many people who are willing to help. Of course probably one of my biggest faults is not wanting to accept the help-but I have to start giving up control at some point, right? Haha.

This reminds me of coming back to the Czech Republic in August. Did I ever tell you that 7 strangers helped me with my luggage between Maine and Ostrava? Yes, 7. This number, I think, is quite significant. But just to make sure I never forget, or always have somewhere to go to look for it, I'm going to chronicle it here for you now.

1) On my first flight, the man sitting next to me on the plane put my backpack in the overhead compartment.
2) On my second flight, the man sitting next to me took my backpack down from the overhead compartment.
3) Then, when I landed in Prague and got on the bus to the train station and because I had 2 suitcases, I was struggling to get everything on the bus and move back so everyone else could get on. So a girl brought one of my bags back for me.
4) Then I had one bag that was falling over, so the guy standing by the door offered to hold it for me so it didn't fall.
5) On the train, a man helped me get my bag down from the top rack.
6) When I was trying to get off the train, a child held the automatic door open for me so I could get all my stuff out.
7) At the train station in Ostrava, a man offered in Czech to take my bags downstairs for me. I told him I didn't understand, so he actually stood there and thought, then said it again and motioned to what he wanted. At this point, he said it slowly enough and with enough gestures that I understood and he took a suitcase in each hand and carried them down the 2 flights of stairs, only to turn around and walk back up them.

While they seem insignificant, and some are more difficult to remember than others, seven different people helped me when I needed help. And they didn't even know me. I am thankful for people who offer help, no matter how insignificant it may seem. I am also thankful for friends who are always willing to help.