Smiles Are the Language of the Heart – Short Story Inspirational
At age 55, Shelly nervously embarks on a mission trip. In a remote village in Africa, how will a simple compact mirror change everything? Read this short story inspirational now and look for Feel-Good Stories by Jack and Kitty for free every weekday.
Smiles Are the Language of the Heart – Short Story Inspirational
At age 55, Shelly was embarking on her very first mission trip. Although nervous, she was excited. She and members of her church in Illinois were traveling to a remote village in Ghana. The group traveled for hours on bumpy roads in an old jeep, arriving in a place where the air buzzed with warmth and welcome.
As Shelly stepped out, she was greeted by the sight of locals and church volunteers working side by side, their hands skillfully mixing cement and shaping cinder blocks. The harmonious blend of laughter and chatter in the air made Shelly immediately feel at ease.
Shelly’s and the rest of her group’s mission was clear: to help build a permanent school in the rural village, giving children access to a quality education. As the locals and volunteers began molding thousands of cinder blocks with supplies funded by donors back in the States, she found her heart swelling with a sense of purpose.
Shelly quickly settled into a daily routine with the rest of the volunteers. It was hard work, but it was worth it. She felt like she was making a difference.
Among Shelly’s belongings was a small mirror and makeup kit, her slice of home. Shelly didn’t consider herself vain, but there was one luxury she couldn’t do without, even in the middle of a tiny village in Africa – lipstick. “It’s silly, I know,” she’d say, smiling as she applied her favorite shade. “But I just don’t feel like myself without it.”
Each morning, as she carefully applied her lipstick, Shelly felt a comforting connection to her life back in Illinois.
One day, Shelly noticed her mirror was missing. “Not again,” she sighed, searching through her bag. She stepped outside, her eyes scanning the yard. And there it was, in the same spot as always, glinting in the sun. Shelly chuckled, thinking the stray dogs in the village must have taken it, mistaking it for a shiny toy or food.
This game of ‘Hide the Thimble’ with the dogs went on every day for almost a week. Shelly found the dogs endearing, yet retrieving the mirror was becoming frustrating.
But one afternoon, her curiosity led her to a heartwarming scene. A group of children were huddled around the mirror in the yard. They spoke excitedly in Twi, pointing at their reflections with wide-eyed amazement. Nearby, a local volunteer, Kofi, who spoke English, noticed Shelly’s interest and came over.
“Kofi, what are they saying?” Shelly asked, her smile mirroring the children’s.
“They’ve never seen a mirror before,” Kofi translated. “They are amazed to see their own faces.”
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Shelly approached, her heart melting. She communicated through gestures, smiling and pointing to the mirror. Kofi translated her words, creating a bridge between her world and theirs.
Shelly’s mind was blown as she watched the children play with the mirror, their faces beaming with pure joy. She realized she had come to teach and build, but these children, with their infectious laughter and innocent wonder, were teaching her. In their eyes, she saw a world filled with gratitude for the smallest of things and happiness in something she took for granted. Tears welled up in Shelly’s eyes, a mixture of joy and appreciation washing over her.
Shelly sat down, her makeup forgotten. “Well, let me show you something fun,” she said, opening her makeup kit. Kofi translated, and the children watched, fascinated, as she gently applied blush to their cheeks, their giggles filling the air.
At that moment, Shelly realized the true beauty of her journey. It wasn’t just about building a school; it was about feeling connected to another human being – sharing their joy.
Their smiles spoke a language to her heart that needed no translation.
As she prepared to leave, she gathered the children. “I have something for you,” she said, handing them the mirror. Kofi translated her heartfelt words. “This is yours now. A window to see the beautiful people you are.”
The children hugged her, their smiles a mirror of her own joy. “Medaase, Shelly!” they chorused, thanking her in Twi, their voices a sweet melody in the air.
Shelly left the village, but a part of her heart remained. She promised to return, but next time, her suitcase filled with mirrors. It was a simple gift that reflected the beauty of a shared humanity.
In the airport bathroom, Shelly applied her lipstick while gazing into the mirror, her thoughts filled with the joyful expressions of the village children. Despite living worlds apart, she realized how alike they were. Her smile widened, and her heart swelled with happiness. Sometimes, the sweetest language of all is a smile.
Written by Kitty Norton. © 2024 Jack and Kitty Norton. Reprinted by permission of Jack and Kitty Media Group. In order to protect the rights of the copyright holder, no portion of this publication may be reproduced without prior written consent. All rights reserved.
