I expected to work my tail to the bone on this trip. I was not disappointed.
I did not expect to fall in love with the folks that live there. That's just me. Keep everyone at arm's length til you really know them and the family well . I was transformed.
I was not supposed to go on this trip. My husband, Michael and I swapped out almost at the last minute. God knew months ago that I was going on this trip and why he was sending me specifically.
I got to know Byron, one of the homeowners by talking to him and learning his story. One of the other volunteer groups to Mississippi gave him a real Christmas tree but he didn't really know what to do with it. He didn't know that you have to keep a tree watered or you create a fire hazard. He didn't know about decorating it and wouldn't have money to do it for a while anyway. Jala- his 8 year old daughter had had a Christmas tree in her home twice before. I was weighed down by the thought of my own home life and family where there has never been a question of whether there would be a tree and gifts loaded under it. I have never really known anyone who didn't take it for granted that their house would have a Christmas tree and celebrate this holiday in the way most people expect. We have so much and live in a bubble most of the time.My bubble 'popped'.
I felt compelled to do something for Byron and his family. Yes, Christmas is more than just a tree and presents. I know that. Bryon's family did love each other. And that's about all they had. When you're a kid, you want Christmas! A decorated tree, gifts where you get to tear off the wrapping paper and all the excitement and wonder of what could be in the boxes with your name on it.
We as a team, felt compelled to do something. I cannot properly describe how much fun and what a blessing it was to shop for this family. We gave of ourselves, money and time and couldn't wait to see the look on the homeowner's face when we were done.
Byron and his family were overwelmed and grateful. The kids were excited and Jala kept asking "Who did this? Who did this?" One of the volunteers from another church group told her that some angels had come by. That's exactly right. God made me and my other team members angels that day and used us in a mighty way in the life of that family. I thank God from the bottom of my heart for allowing me be a small part of it.
Merry Christmas and may God bless you this season!
Rebecca, God is sooooo Good! How awesome to be used by such an amazing God to do His will here on earth. The picture of the finished tree Pastor Mark showed yesterday during his sermon would be a great post on here. Thanks for sharing this story and thank you for going on this trip that many of us simply could not go on. You are a blessing!
After listening to yesterday's sermon CD, I know some folks are thinking that we all planned that phone call. Not true! Bob Brightful had this nice little attachement that plugged the cell phone into the car's radio speakers so we could hear better. On a fluke, we thought we'd call and see if Pastor Mark would let us listen in. I really expected to get his voicemail. But, yeah, I have to agree that was a totally pleasant and cool moment. Thank you Mark, for being such a good sport about it and for calling us back when we lost the signal for a while!
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