Christmas Family Update

1 John 16-17
This is how we've come to understand and experience love: Christ sacrificed his life for us. This is why we ought to live sacrificially for our fellow believers, and not just be out for ourselves. If you see some brother or sister in need and have the means to do something about it but turn a cold shoulder and do nothing, what happens to God's love? It disappears. And you made it disappear.


You should all know that we made a wonderful impact on a special family this year. Just a reminder, we picked a family with 3 young boys, that were really struggling from recent medical bills. The trick this year was that they had NO idea that we were "adopting" them AND the only person who knew who this family was was myself and the family member that suggested them. We only knew the boys ages and that the family was in need of a printer. Beyond that, we knew that no sizes, no interests or what they might already have at home! We also had to work early this year so that we could get them the presents before they went out shopping.


Melissa Sink, Paula Schlarb, Paula Huber (Caleb's girlfriend) and I went shopping on Friday and it was fun!! We hope that you are happy with the way we chose to distribute money. Here are the gifts we got for the family:


Mom & Dad:
6 rolls of wrapping paper
2 rolls of scotch tape
1 bag of gift bows
1 pkg of gift tags
1 Kodak printer
2 black ink cartridges
2 color ink cartridges w/photo paper
2 reams of copy paper
1 pkg D batteries
1 Card
1 pkg of candy canes


Boy - Age 8
1 pajama pants
1 pkg socks
1 movie - Chronicles of Narnia
1 Hot Wheels track
1 Sorry board game
1 Indoor soccer set
1 Five pack of Matchbox cars
1 Transformer
1 Lifesaver book
1 Candy Cane w/Runts
1 Box of Nerds


Boy - Age 5
1 pajama pants
1 pkg socks
1 movie - Wall-E
1 Five pack of Matchbox cars
1 Operation board game
1 Transformer
1 Two pack Flying Disc Shooter
1 Box of Legos
1 Lifesaver book
1 Candy Cane w/Runts
1 Box of Nerds


Boy - 5 months:
1 Tube A&D Ointment
1 Baby Wash
4 Baby Puff Snacks
3 LG boxes Luvs diapers
1 LG box of baby wipes


Family:
We still had $540 left and wanted to pay some electrical or gas bills. But, we weren't 100% sure that we knew who their utility companies were and didn't want to mess it up. So, we tried to get a prepaid Visa so they could choose to pay those or to pay hospital bills. BUT, prepaid Visa's have a lot of hidden charges and would have lost a lot of the money that could just go in their pocket. So, we instead gave them a card with cash. The card simply told them that we were sharing God's love with them this holiday season.


It's so incredible that they have no idea who we are! The parents of the husband knew we were doing this, and allowed us to leave the gifts at their house. They then called the family to say that there was something there for them. They were confused, but went over to see what it was. Needless to say, they were shocked and very grateful. We have heard from the parents that they were tearful and couldn't fathom who would do something like this. I truly believe that this is a Christmas they will never forget!

Thank you to everyone who gave, I already look forward to next year!!