santa's helpers

Steph, Me, Ashley, Ryan and our awesome gifts. 

For the third year in a row Susan and Tasha have put together an Adopt-a-Family Christmas party. Instead of our group of friends buying each other gifts, we all get together and pool our money to buy gifts for families in need. 

This is the second year we have been able to buy the gifts for a group of people who are near to my heart, people of the city I spend my time serving. In my job I get a rare glimpse into peoples homes and lives. I understand the conditions that those less fortunate in my city are living in because I have been inside some of their homes. Our city has a Santa's Sleigh program in which neighbors, social services, and teachers identify families in need during the holiday season. I am honored to be able to have this opportunity to help them and humbled that my friends would put their money towards the people of my little city whom they have never met.  

It was so much fun shopping for kids toys! We broke into groups and each took a family or two. Our group (top picture) had a family of little kids. The oldest was a little girl and once I saw the pink tutu I knew that she needed it. We got some great things, a pelican pull toy that plays music and has little feet that flop around when he walks, an awesome race car that makes fun noises when in motion, cool new backpacks, a my little pony, stuffed animals, package of sports balls, and more. I am excited for the kids to get to play with them. 

Dani and Suzanne

Also tonight we got the first snow if the season. It did not stick to the ground but it made a lovely little blanket over all the cars, trees and houses. Merry Christmas! almost...