If I Knew You Were Coming I'd Have Baked a Cake
By MARILYN
@Marilynda1225 (83151)
United States
September 18, 2017 1:09pm CST
Do you remember that song? It's been going through my head since I got a text from my son this morning saying they were going to stop by for a short visit and to tell me all about their trip to Haiti last week.
Without any prior notice that they were coming I really didn't have anything in the house to give them even though they said they didn't want anything and couldn't stay long.
My two grandsons (ages 9 and 12) were grinning from ear to ear and although I'd like to think those smiles were for me I assuming they are just happy to have their parents back home.
Both my son and daughter in law took many pictures and videos and it was like a first hand look into their previous week. While they were there they helped in the building of a clinic and also made desks for the students at a local school. They toured an orphanage that their church sends money to and it's sad to see so many children without parents. All in all it was both rewarding to see the little bit of help my son and their church team did in a week but also sad to see such poverty.
I'm definitely proud of my son and daughter in law for leaving their family behind and going on this mission week.
It also makes me very grateful for the things I take for granted.
Today is a day for blessings and gratitude 
21 people like this
23 responses
@BelleStarr (61101)
• United States
18 Sep 17
I am so glad they got back safely even if there was no cake awaiting them lol
5 people like this
@Marilynda1225 (83151)
• United States
19 Sep 17
I was excited to see them and hear all about their trip
2 people like this
@Courtlynn (67080)
• United States
18 Sep 17
Wow, good for them!! They must feel great after doing that work for others!
4 people like this
@Marilynda1225 (83151)
• United States
19 Sep 17
Yes they were very happy to have such an experience and to do such good work helping others
2 people like this
@Courtlynn (67080)
• United States
19 Sep 17
@Marilynda1225 good theyll always have that memory and good deed when they are old and grey
1 person likes this
@CinnamonGrl (7086)
• Santa Fe, New Mexico
18 Sep 17
Funny, because my mama and I refer to that song a lot whenever we're making a cake. My mom always sang songs around the house when I was growing up, too . So I know them all.
Good for those "kids" to be helping out like that. Most of us can not even begin to imagine the conditions many people all over the world are living in. It's the inability to put ourselves in someone else's shoes that keeps some people's hearts so hardened. We all need to learn more empathy. So great to see people who are willing to go out there and actually DO something.
2 people like this
@Marilynda1225 (83151)
• United States
19 Sep 17
I am very proud of them for doing this work and it seems as if they did help doing many things. They both said it was culture shock seeing how little most of the people there have and how lucky we are just to have simple things like flushing toilets and hot water
@Marilynda1225 (83151)
• United States
19 Sep 17
I don't know if it's a once in a lifetime experience for them but they came back feeling like they helped others. I asked if they would go back and they both said yes but not very soon
1 person likes this
@HazySue (39268)
• Gouverneur, New York
20 Sep 17
@Marilynda1225 I can understand that. It is a wonderful feeling to unselfishly help others.
@andriaperry (117177)
• Anniston, Alabama
18 Sep 17
It does humble us to see that a lot of people does not have the daily things needed to live, like food and water. You raised your son right!
I thank God for what he has given me.
2 people like this
@Marilynda1225 (83151)
• United States
19 Sep 17
Thank you for the praise and yes I am very proud of my son. His trip made me even more grateful for the things I have in life
@thislittlepennyearns (62948)
• Defuniak Springs, Florida
18 Sep 17
That's awesome that they did so much good work!
2 people like this
@snowy22315 (182469)
• United States
19 Sep 17
You must be thrilled to have them back home! It is wonderful they were off doing good.
1 person likes this
@Marilynda1225 (83151)
• United States
19 Sep 17
I am very happy they are home safely especially with all the hurricanes spinning around in that area of the Caribbean
@LovingMyBabies (85288)
• Valdosta, Georgia
18 Sep 17
That must have been an amazing feeling for them and for you to see them again! =)
1 person likes this
@Marilynda1225 (83151)
• United States
19 Sep 17
They came back very tired but happy that they were able to do something to help those poor people
1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (472160)
• Switzerland
20 Sep 17
@Marilynda1225 Yes, now there is the hurricane Maria threatening the area.
@Marilynda1225 (83151)
• United States
19 Sep 17
Their trip there and back safely was my main concern. They flew between hurricanes it seems
1 person likes this
@amadeo (111938)
• United States
19 Sep 17
Remember this
#1 in 1950 on US charts. Also known as: "If I Knew You Were Coming, I'd Have Baked a Cake."
@DianneN (247184)
• United States
18 Sep 17
Haiti is a poverty stricken area, and your son and his wife have done a wonderful and giving thing - their time and hard work. You have every right to be proud of them. As for the cake, it's just as well. Sugar causes cancer and heart problems. Thought I'd throw my two cents in.
1 person likes this
@Marilynda1225 (83151)
• United States
19 Sep 17
LOL at your cake reference. Actually we don't eat much cake here so everyone is trying to limit their sugar. The poverty in the pictures they took were so sad and is a wake-up call to be counting our own blessings. After hearing their stories I was happy this morning when I had hot water for a shower and a flushing toilet
1 person likes this
@DianneN (247184)
• United States
20 Sep 17
@Marilynda1225 Lol! Glad to hear you limit your sugars, too. I know some pretty sick people who still insist on baking and eating that junk food. Anywho.... I am glad the kids were able to help out. It must have been so rewarding for them to do anything to help those poor souls.
@fishtiger58 (29820)
• Momence, Illinois
19 Sep 17
I know you were worried about them in Haiti, glad they are back home and safe.
1 person likes this
@Marilynda1225 (83151)
• United States
19 Sep 17
My worries are over since they are there and back safely especially since they were flying back and forth between hurricanes it seems
1 person likes this
@fishtiger58 (29820)
• Momence, Illinois
20 Sep 17
@Marilynda1225 I would have been beside myself with worry. That is some scary stuff.
@Marilynda1225 (83151)
• United States
19 Sep 17
They took pictures at the orphanage and it almost made you want to take everyone of those little children home
1 person likes this
@Marilynda1225 (83151)
• United States
19 Sep 17
They were saying how much poverty there is in the area they were in and of course grateful for all they have here in the US.
@TiarasOceanView (70022)
• United States
18 Sep 17
Many blessings to you all there Marilyn.
It is so honorable that they went on that mission.
It is so honorable that they went on that mission.1 person likes this
@kobesbuddy (78871)
• East Tawas, Michigan
18 Sep 17
You and the kids will be so happy to see them and to share their great experiences in Haiti!:)
1 person likes this
