Days 1 and 2- Getting Caught up

We've been busy at work the past two days

DEC 1-December first we kicked off our Big Serve 2012 edition with a donation of popcorn to a couple of organizations in Wichita. Our contact Jen is the founder of ITC SOS who partners with a few other organizations like the OZ and Carpenter Place

Something super simple and easy to do yet makes a difference in the lives of other. Both of these organizations work with teens in crisis and need funds and resources readily available. Popcorn isn't HUGE but I am sure it will get eaten!

Because time allowed we were able to sneak in a SECOND serving opportunity on Dec. 1!!! A simple gesture of asking another family out to dinner and then offering to let their child stay the night. Allows for alone time, time to get extra chores done and get to bed earlier or later with no fighting!!! :) We were soooo happy to bless our friends AND Caleb with a sleepover buddy!!!


DEC 2- Tonight our community hosted a Christmas parade held in our downtown area. Luckily enough we happen to run a youth community center in that same area. With a smidgen of planning (generous babysitting help) and some teens willing to pitch in; we were able to hand out over 5 pump pots of hot chocolate for FREE to watchers. It was truly amazing to watch people open up and receive this gift (at first with great hesitation until they were told it was a gift). With no fanfare as to who we are but with a simple Merry Christmas and have a good night we were able to touch several families with such a simple task.

We've really been struggling with getting Caleb in the mood for service and Ive been pretty disappointed with this stinky attitude- which is the EXACT reason why we are doing this. I want to teach a willing and giving spirit in him from the start. We've talked about greed and what it means to put others first and he was still grumpy and reluctant. But once we got out there and people were so completely receptive to him; he got very energized and was ready for more. "Mom, what are we doing tomorrow?" So, even if you're not in the mood to serve.....give it a try it might turn your day around!!!

 What's up in the days ahead? Teacher lunch. Cards for Soldiers. Paying off someones lay-a-way!!! AND MUCH MORE!!!!