It has truly been a blessed Christmas season - so many activities going on as well as opportunities to serve others. Although, I now have the Texas crud - just a cough that will not go away. I was able to attend the Christmas Eve services, but had to miss church service this morning - did not want to be coughing in church and spreading my illness all over the place. Christmas Eve was beautiful - the weather was perfect, the stars were shining, and the moon was full. A perfect setting for the birth of Our Savior.
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| Walter Plant - a very talented Valley musician who plays weekly at our church services - he was accompanied by Bob McArthur on the saxophone for a very beautiful service |
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| our choir is pretty small this year but they sounded beautiful |
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| Chaplain Lee Bahney welcoming everyone |
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| the sound of "Silent Night" sung during the beauty of the lighted candles |
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Chaplain Lee and Marilyn leading us in song
Our park had its Christmas program last Sunday - a fun time with silliness and fun, as well as a time to honor the veterans who have served our county. All of this this and wonderful Christmas carols, too.
two unlikely "nuns" presented a funny skit
who ever heard of grumpy elves
Maxine giving a tribute to the veterans who all received flags
a silly take on Old McDonald's Farm
only one of the two finger food selections!!!!
On another day we were treated to a Christmas parade - mostly golf carts but lots of others joined in the fun. We do keep busy here at the park as well as with outreach ministries. No wonder I caught some bug this last week!
the parade begins
a bicycle built for 2
never too old for a convertible
even the puppies get a ride
grandchildren got in on the fun
now this is a golf cart
the end
yep - the end
We had the humble opportunity to go to the colonias this past week with an amazing lady named Ida, who devotes much of her time to serving others. We help her with food, clothing, and produce as she provides for 3 poor Mexican neighborhoods nearby. She usually goes house to house to the families, but this week there was a huge Christmas celebration in the field near one of the colonias. People came from the nearby areas to attend, with the children numbering around 80+. We were so very blessed to be able to be part of this celebration. I was exhausted when I got home late at night, but it was a wonderfully happy exhaustion.
we first stopped at Ida's to drop off a few quilt tops (she teaches the girls in the colonias to quilt) - she has beautiful roosters and chicken
so friendly too
some quilt tops and bottoms for her ladies
some of the homes in the colonias - as you drive deeper into the area, they become more decrepit
all of the food in these 30 bags was donated by our park
just waiting to be distributed
also donations from our distributors
we are so thankful for those who contribute to our ministries - all of these drinks were gone by the end of the day
these young adults came from San Antonio to help in the celebration by organizing games and prizes for the younger kids
people starting to come to the field for the party
the older boys playing soccer
just a few of those who attended
every child received at least one present - the only Christmas presents that they would receive
a happy family
the excitement in their eyes tugged at my heart
the teens also received gifts including stockings made by another CR park - we are so grateful for all of those who love to get involved in some way or another.
We hope all of you had a truly blessed Christmas and are looking forward to a prosperous New Year. God has so blessed us this year, just as He has poured His blessing out on all you. Take time out each day to give thanks to the Almighty God who provides for each and every one of us in many different ways. Just a simple thank you Lord for letting me find my keys (lost them twice this week), or showing you a way to help others in your busy schedule, or even just thank You for this day.
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