Wow, are the kiddos excited! Tomorrow they will host a "Drop Your Kids Off At Our House And Go Christmas Shopping" evening at our house for the whole neighborhood. If you live nearby and want to participate by bringing your kids by, feel free! The age restrictions are 2-9 years. The time is from 6-9pm. And the cost is $15.00 per child. Our crew, along with some neighborhood friends, will be providing cookies, games, an art project, and a holiday movie. Doesn't it sound like fun???
We will repeat the event on Wednesday evening from 6-9pm......so, hopefully the kids will earn alot of money to give to Reece's Rainbow! I'm telling you, when our youth experience the joy of giving, it fuels them and energizes them. Caleb, Lydia and Natalie are thrilled about this event.
Today when I was out with the kids, a lady asked them: "So, what is Santa bringing you guys for Christmas this year?" They looked at each other with smiles and shoulder-shrugs as she continued to look at them for an answer. Finally Caleb spoke up and said: "You know, we don't really want or need anything; we've been busy trying to think of ways to earn money to help others who really do have needs." The lady shot a puzzled look and said: "Oh, you must want something." Caleb replied, "No, seriously, we're happy helping others."
I can't imagine what that lady thought as she passed on by us. But I can tell you what I thought:
"HALLELU-YAH!"
For all of you who might think Chappy and I hit the "kid lottery" and just happened to receive good fortune by having such giving children....think again. Wouldn't you agree, being a "giver" is not a natural born attribute for very many people? It is a character trait, however, that is developed through experience. I remember the year we sat down with the children to tell them we were re-thinking Christmas.....that was 4 years ago. Chappy had barely gotten the words out of his mouth when Caleb blurted out: "You aren't talking about stopping the gift thing are you?"
Wow, how far we have all come. Now, instead of having the emotional let down that comes after opening one-hundred gifts on Christmas morning, we have the emotional high of talking about all of those we have worked hard to help during the season. It is an amazing experience.
Tomorrow I plan to post pictures of the "Drop Your Kids Off At Our House And Go Christmas Shopping" fundraiser, so check back to see them.
Don't forget Sasha....if you read this, pray for his family to find him soon. To borrow a quote from one of my favorite people in the world, Ugandan missionary, Katie Davis: God didn't make too many kids, families just haven't stepped up to adopt their kids yet. So, Sasha's family is out there somewhere.....they just don't know it yet.
Remember, we will be sending money to http://www.reecesrainbow.com/ on Sasha's behalf during the month of January. Just note on your gift: $100 for 200 in 2010 For Sasha.
"Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you in return." Luke 6:38
What a great event! I wanted to put together a kids day like that for Maxim on the angel tree but I wasn't organized in time. I hope that you have a great turnout!!
ReplyDeleteI love your rethinking of Christmas! Were you able to get the grandmas and grandpas to get with the program? I've been begging for simplicity for a few years and get a lot of resistance. *sigh* I'm really fighting the attitudes of selfishness and ingratitude.
Your post made me cry. Especially the bible verse.
ReplyDeleteGod bless your giving. He is a Father who sees and remembers.
This spoke to my heart in particular today, as I was so discouraged this morning. A few days ago God gave me a new idea on how we could raise some funds for our adoption to Ethiopia. I offered to do photo editing with a pick your donation price.
Someone immediately jumped, as they had a picture they wanted *retouched*. I worked on it for 2 hours, giving them really nice finished work. They donated $5. sigh.
I was so hurt. Then God spoke to me, that God wanted *me* to be a cheerful giver. I have been working on it all day, thinking...I love to bless others- and those pictures are sure to be a blessing to this family.
I gave. God saw the good measure given.
Thank you. really.
Kimmie
mama to 7
one homemade and 6 adopted
*expecting an 11 year old from Ethiopia!
Reese's Rainbow is such a great cause. We adopted a boy with Down syndrome from Korea 10 years after our son Josh (also with Ds) was born. Our lives and his were truly blessed.
ReplyDeletehttp://nutsandboldts.typepad.com/chromosomes_cancer_kids/2009/03/the-2nd-time-around.html