Christmas

We had a somewhat busy Christmas this year, but it was a lot of fun. On Christmas morning, we of course woke up to open presents and afterwards went to church. Our church service was mellow, small & casual with people sharing stories and songs. It was just the thing for Christmas. After church we shared a meal with one of the teachers from Grace. We just had leftovers from Christmas Eve dinner, but it was just as delicious, if not more.

We spent part of the afternoon preparing the gifts for the Baan Burt Faa Lahu orphanage. As usual, we bought each child some food and school supplies. We also purchased a Bible for each child. The orphanage father, Pradip, was concerned because none of the children had Bibles. I was able to find some Lahu children's Bibles with illustrations. Every Lahu person I asked to look at the children's Bibles thought they were wonderful, and Pradip was thrilled with them. He said that having pictures would make a big difference to the kids. We couldn't purchase enough of the children's Bibles so we bought Thai Bibles for some and will purchase more of the children's Bibles when they become available. The children all read Thai and Lahu, so hopefully having two versions will be of some help. Pradip says the children have really enjoyed the picture Bibles. In addition to the stocking stuffers and Bibles we also purchased a bunch of sports equipment and art equipment for the kids. We were able to get more for our money by buying stuff to share than by purchasing an individual gift for each child. So far, they seem to be enjoying the presents very much. The picture of all the bags and boxes by our cabinet is the pile of gifts for the children. You can also see the picture of Gabe handing out a stocking stuffer bag. The boy is not paying homage to Gabe, but merely saying thank you. The picture I include of the boys from the orphanage is one of the reasons why we decided on buying a bunch of sports equipment to share. Though you can't see it, the boys in the black are sharing a pair of roller skates. Each was wearing one. It was a lot of fun to continue this 2-year tradition of handing out gifts to the kids at the orphanage. Last year, we brought blankets and clothes because that was what they needed. This year it seems like they're a little better provided for and we could buy some things just for fun.