The kids and I spent a wonderful afternoon packing shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child. I have to be honest in that I really wasn't looking forward to it. We were set to volunteer with the Moms Club from 1-3pm... yep, right in the middle of nap time. On top of that, I just knew Camden was going to have a hard time understanding that the toys we were packing up were not for him. It would likely be meltdown city. But something told me we should just make the trip, even it was just for a little bit.
Well... we ended up staying two and a half hours and had an amazing time! Its funny to me how we go and spend our time volunteering to bless someone else and we are actually the ones being blessed. Camden said on our way home, "Mom, I'm really happy right now. We made God smile." Yep and that's what it's all about :)
It all starts with this shoebox:
Then we filled it. Camden loved it and had so much fun picking out the things in the bins for the boys and girls. His favorite part was the stuffed animals. If you know this child, you know he LOVES his stuffed animals... sleeps with at least 15 in his bed. When filling his first box, he picked up a stuffed animal, looked at it, gave it a bug hug, and put it in the box. He hugged ever single stuffed animal before putting it in the box. He even gave some of them names.
After the stuffed animal bin was the candy bin. I heard him say with one box, "don't worry, here's some candy for your ride"... talking to the stuffed animal.
After the box is stuffed, you write a little note to the child wishing them a Merry Christmas. Here is Camden and Callie drawing pictures and signing their name to their boxes.
Lastly, we prayed for each and every child receiving the boxes. We asked God to watch over them and keep them safe and healthy. The kids did awesome. Here is a picture of Myla, Callie, and Camden in front of all their boxes they packed!
Camden also spent about 45 minutes helping pack candy into little baggies. I felt somewhat sorry for this little girl he was with.... Camden talked her ear off the entire time and I don't think I heard her say one word ;) He didn't mind - that kid could talk to the wall and be happy!
This afternoon really put a lot of things into perspective for me. My child is spoiled. He has bins and bins and bins of toys he doesn't even know he has. And to think a tiny shoebox of basic necessities and a couple little McDonald's toys is all this child will ever receive is heart wrenching. I think we've found another holiday tradition.... as I can only hope and pray that my children will grow up to understand how truly blessed they are.
Oh yea, this little pumpkin was such a good little girl. She sure knows how to make Mamma happy:)
Well... we ended up staying two and a half hours and had an amazing time! Its funny to me how we go and spend our time volunteering to bless someone else and we are actually the ones being blessed. Camden said on our way home, "Mom, I'm really happy right now. We made God smile." Yep and that's what it's all about :)
It all starts with this shoebox:
Then we filled it. Camden loved it and had so much fun picking out the things in the bins for the boys and girls. His favorite part was the stuffed animals. If you know this child, you know he LOVES his stuffed animals... sleeps with at least 15 in his bed. When filling his first box, he picked up a stuffed animal, looked at it, gave it a bug hug, and put it in the box. He hugged ever single stuffed animal before putting it in the box. He even gave some of them names.
After the stuffed animal bin was the candy bin. I heard him say with one box, "don't worry, here's some candy for your ride"... talking to the stuffed animal.
 |
| One of our boxes |
Lastly, we prayed for each and every child receiving the boxes. We asked God to watch over them and keep them safe and healthy. The kids did awesome. Here is a picture of Myla, Callie, and Camden in front of all their boxes they packed!
Camden also spent about 45 minutes helping pack candy into little baggies. I felt somewhat sorry for this little girl he was with.... Camden talked her ear off the entire time and I don't think I heard her say one word ;) He didn't mind - that kid could talk to the wall and be happy!
Oh yea, this little pumpkin was such a good little girl. She sure knows how to make Mamma happy:)
Comments