The kids and I were so touched by our experiences this weekend!! I am so grateful to NCC for allowing me to do what I do, because without the use of their vans I would not be able to. We rehearsed our songs on Friday, then we wrote out Christmas cards to give out to the residents at Lakehaven Nursing Home. When we finished, we packed up some sack meals (sandwiches, pretzels, raisins, etc. in a brown bag) and went to the places in Valdosta where we know homeless people hang out. We didn't go into a soup kitchen, and we didn't go into LAMP--no, we sought out the most isolated and most needy individuals we could find. The kids with me were nervous and a little scared, though it was strong on their hearts to help others. The first girl worked up her nerve and handed out the first bag to a lady with a shopping cart full of her worldly possessions. She was overwhelmed by the gratitude and the situation of the homeless lady. After that the kids were fighting over who got to give out the next bag! The last bag was given out to a man near Sam's. The little girl who handed him his bag is so shy and bashful so I was really proud of her for even getting out of the van and seeking him out. She teared up while she chatted with him and returned to the van speechless. This is what we saw: the last man peeked in his bag, his face lit up, and he turned around and danced a little jig of joy! He then took a candy cane out of his bag, hung it on his hat, and sat in the parking lot greedily eating his newfound food. It was one of the most humbling things I have ever experienced. I know it was God's will for us that day to do exactly what we did! The kids were so overwhelmed and touched by this experience that they are already planning to make a hot soup delivery on a really cold winter day. I should clarify that none of these kids are wealthy, or even middle class. Not one of them. Many live in government housing and their parents support them with the assistance of food stamps and hand-outs from the community. Some of these kids have even been homeless themselves. They know what it is like to be cold and hungry better than we do. Their compassion for others is strong. Yet, giving to others is not something they are accustomed to because they are so used to being the ones given to. This month I have sought out opportunities for them to experience giving for them to see why God calls us to give out of our abundance. I believe God is using these experiences to make a life-change and even a heart-change for these kids. They are talking less and less about what they want to get for themselves, and more and more what they want to give to others.
I thank you for your support, without which this would be impossible!
Kristi
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