On the first day of Christmas— Out come the decorations, and boy, do I mean decorations!! 4 trees on 3 floors, ornaments, angels, ribbons, netting, nativity scenes. . .
On the second day of Christmas—We begin receiving gifts from very generous donors. I am always amazed that people who have their own homes, children and families to think of during this very busy season still think of us! Thank you!
On the third day of Christmas—We send out Christmas cards. Instead of our regular Thank You notes, I enclose my note in cards that remind us of “the reason for the season.”
On the fourth day of Christmas—We sometimes ask the children, “If you could have one gift, what would it be?” You would be amazed at what they say, AND, more amazed to see how God chooses to send the answer!
On the fifth day of Christmas—We begin to pray for God to supply the afore mentioned gifts so that these children can see how very much He cares for them—and He always does that for us!
On the sixth day of Christmas—We begin getting phone calls with kind people asking if they can supply some food or a meal during the holidays. The answer–“Yes, please!!”
On the seventh day of Christmas—Friends of the ministry seem to pop in with a card, gift, money–something to say, “Merry Christmas!” We couldn’t do without their thoughtfulness!
On the eighth day—We begin gathering the gifts together so that we can organize ourselves and make sure each woman and child gets an equal, and sane, amount of gifts. We want them to have enough to see how much people care, but not so much that they become greedy or discontent.
On the ninth day—Parties and dinners for our residents!! Oh, how they love all of the fun! Just think— for some, this is their first sober Christmas in a very long time. They seem amazed that they can have fun and not be high or drunk.
On the tenth day—The final bagging of the gifts!!! This is a process, but one that is satisfying when it is finished!
On the eleventh day—Everyone is waiting, waiting, waiting— the excitement mounting with each breath.
On the twelfth day—Amazement!! The Christmas presents, the special homemade feast of a breakfast provided by faithful, faithful friends, the love, the care, the Gospel!!!!
AND— I am only too sure that there must be a partridge in a pear tree somewhere in this building!!! MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
