Christmas Review

What a wonderful Christmas! Indeed one of the best ones yet.

I had a lot of shopping to do before the team arrived, as this year the gift buying fell to me. It was quite the adventure, and I don’t ever want to do it alone again! But there really isn’t anything more fun than being in the middle of miles of toys with a wad of cash in my pocket and the boys’ wish lists in my hand. I even got to pick out the tree for the cafeteria and bought one for the apartment as well.

The arrival of the team was a tremendous blessing to the boys, who had been counting down since the last team’s departure in July.  They were also a tremendous blessing for me, as I was beginning to feel lonely!  How amazing to have so many friends and “family” show up for the holidays!

First order of business was to play with the boys, and with the recent installation of chess/checkers tables in the park, picnic tables, and a basketball goal, that was where everything was happening!

Presents, of course, were of high priority as well.  The team helped organized stockings, gather each boy’s presents from the mound of shopping bags, add clothes and shoes for each child, and then wrap EVERYTHING!

For three afternoons, the team also joined forces with our church for Sidewalk Sunday Schools where the story of the birth of Christ was shared with HUNDREDS of children each day.

On Christmas Eve, we dressed up for a delicious turkey and pork dinner all together and then the boys shared a short program of skits and dances.  The program was short because no one could wait long for the arrival of Papa Noel!!!

We started with the oldest boys as I hoped they would be the most patient.  The moment that every child had their gift in hand, we counted down from 3 and the paper shredding began!  I still love how, amongst all the boys, brothers immediately gravitate to each other to see what each other received.

The next morning the team rose early to make scrambled eggs and pancakes for the boys’ breakfast.  When everyone had a full belly, out came the STOCKINGS!

We all hated to see the team go at the end of the week, and I’ve never been so close to crying at the airport.  It was a week of blessing, family, and joy.  And now the countdown for March teams has begun!