Our park has been collecting small hams so that those in need will have a Christmas dinner including meat! Again, we collected over 100 hams as well as monetary donations and were humbled to be able to distribute them last Sunday evening. Great Oaks Community Church presented a program which included less fortunate children prior to a food distribution night. The program was such fun, especially to see the kids participate and enjoy themselves.
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| hams collected from our park - ready and waiting |
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| friends and neighbors, Fred and Lorey who have some alongside our ministry to help |
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| some of the many food donations |
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| individual bags of tortillas, beans, rice, and candy for each family |
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| fresh celery |
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| broccoli (there was much more produce - such as tomatoes, eggplant, carrots, jalapeno peppers, lemons, etc |
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| lots of ruby red grapefruit, too |
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| Pastor Israel and his wife Becky receiving checks and money from Fred |
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| even the very small children participated in the program by ringing bells |
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| the elementary kids presented the story of the giving of the poinsettia |
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| junior high kids told the story of a poor Mexican boy and his gift to the Baby Jesus |
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| the high school kids presented a great puppet show - which they developed into a puppet ministry to take to the children's hospital and day cares in the area |
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| Becky and the puppeteers |
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a grateful lady receiving hams to add to her Christmas dinner
We were invaded by pelicans this week - at first there were two, then they multiplied to over 60!!!! I was lucky enough to see all of them on the lake - the pictures do not show them all. What a beautiful sight as they glided around the lake, showing off for us. They stayed around awhile, but most of them took off for parts farther South. We still have a few left, swimming around looking for small fish. The lake could not have fed that huge flock!
some of the pelicans on one side of the lake
another gathering on the other side of the lake while the middle is also full
The Christmas party at the Children's home in Reynosa was also this past week. 4 van loads of us went across to see the program, as well as visit with the kids, to see old friends, and just to enjoy the day. We were very blessed all day long, and further blessed by only about a 10 minute wait at the bridge on our return to the USA which is unusual for this time of year. One of the vans was stopped by the Mexican border guards while crossing into Mexico for inspection, but was immediately allowed to continue on with no problems whatsoever. We ask for grace and a green light when crossing, but every so often we someone gets a red light, which means pull over. None of us has ever been detained.
on the way to Reynosa, we saw cane fields burning - a process in the harvesting
when they burn the fields, black "snow" falls everywhere
Kayla, our smallest toddler, showing off
Belinda and Paty - the two girls we sponsor
the senoritas, preparing for their part of the program - they signed a beautiful song
another tradition - ribbon dancing
the youngest children depicted the manger scene - each one taking like their character
this may be a goat
one of the house parents and his daughter (who has a beautiful voice) sang a Christmas carol
the high school kids carried banners, proclaiming the many names of Jesus
this was hilarious - perhaps some of you have seen this on facebook with a group of monks
shy Belinda giving the blessing
our dinner of turkey (cooked with apples and herbs), mashed potatoes, vegetables, and a red noodle something
our newest baby, Sarah, daughter of house parents Juan and Susanna (whose shower I attended earlier this year)
the college boys spelling out "Feliz Navidad"
Mateo, our Canadian former intern returns to visit us. This year he brought his girlfriend
beautiful Paty
pretty Belinda
As we prepare for Christmas with all it's hustle and bustle, preparations, and parties, take time to remember why we are celebrating . God sent his only Son to become a sacrifice for our sins, so that we could have eternal life with Him. Instead of asking what we want for Christmas, do as Chaplain Gary Laird said this morning, "What does God want for Christmas?". He wants our hearts - our love - our obedience. What does He want from you - ask Him and listen for His answer. You will be amazed.
Christmas blessings to all of you.
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