What a weekend (or Trinity scores a touchdown with my Savior).

This weekend brought our church trip down to Washington Park. The weather cooperated, and our caravan of four cars and a truck with a trailer made it just in time. We gave over 100 children Christmas presents Saturday morning, in addition to so much more.
I prayed with a woman whose little granddaughter had been raped by three boys. The granddaughter was seven at the time. The boys were thirteen and nine. The story was very graphic and I will skip it here. But if you think Mr. Stoneface made it through that story you are very wrong. I cried as she shared about this poor little girl. I talked to Sandra, who had lost family in a tragic house fire. I saw people ask for gifts for grandchildren. But it was the faces of the little kids that made it special. I asked several of them why they were not opening their presents. And I got the same answer every time. "We are saving them for Christmas."
I handed out hats and gloves that a dear co-worker provided, and watched little faces light up when I stuck the hats over their faces, making them giggle and laugh. Thank you, B!
It was a great morning, and then we ate lunch with April and my oldest friend, Glenn. It was a great day.
When we arrived back in Pana, over 100 gifts were given out to Angel Tree participants. And more donations were brought in.
Sunday morning brought our children's program. One of our young boys portrayed our pastor, even walking in on his knees to be more realistic. Pastor says he was not amused, but I know better. But it was Trinity that made me almost fall over. Trinity is a little three year old (previously mentioned in the last blog for her "elephant" jokes). She was playing the part of the Virgin Mary. She walked into the sanctuary carrying the baby Jesus under her arm, and strangely resembled Devin Hester of the Chicago Bears running the football into the end zone...And he scores. Sorry, Chicago fans...I know that has not happened much this season.
The shepherds attempted to use their staffs as pipes, in an effort to play us a tune.
Did I mention that I love Children's Christmas programs? Thank you Tonya and Carol.
After church we blessed a young mom by sharing toys with her, giving her son a great Christmas. She asked why, and our reply was because that is what the church does for its family. It continued through today, with four more kids getting toys.
And last night was our Cantata. Sharon, a new attendee, did an awesome job pulling us together so we did not come off looking like dorks.
It was a great start to this Christmas week. To everyone who gave, April, Aaron, Becca, Steve and Jan, Brian, Jennifer, Brett, Wanda, Andrew, Kim, Pastor, Vicki, Jerry, Sven, Bryson, Briar, Glenn, Kylie, Marvin, Cathy, Breanne, Bailey, Brit (know you were not there, but in spirit), Paula, Skip, Sheila, Ruth, Reva, Ivy, Bill, Kyle, Kenny, Becky, and the stores that gave fruit and gift cards. and the people who brought gifts and did not tell us. and the desserts. and the money. Kaisers for giving, Braswells, there are so many. Do not get upset if I forgot you, because God knows you did a good thing. I will have pictures soon, and maybe video. God Bless you all, Have a great Christmas. And remember that you changed and possibly saved lives through your actions this season.