The first visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus
Yesterday was the packing party at church for Operation Christmas Child (OCC), part of Samaritan’s Purse. Churches, individuals, schools and more gather items each year to put in boxes. These boxes are then shipped and delivered to children all over the world. Yesterday we helped pack 700 boxes, the most our church has ever done. Into each box went a cloth drawstring bag to carry all their goodies, a coloring book, wash cloth, soap, crayons, comb, water bottle, rechargeable flashlight, soft toy, ball and sunglasses. OCC is a tremendous example of how a simple box, presented with the gospel, can change lives.
It was a fun time for all. There was a snow machine as we walked in the door, cake and cookies to be enjoyed, Frosty the Snowman walking around and then Santa and Mrs. Claus turned up. Hannah was the only one of ours that would pose for a photo. She still likes to think Santa is real 🙂
Christmas officially started in Branson on November 1st. I read in the paper today that there are 700 Christmas trees on display around the area! Wow! Apparently that number has increased vastly from the 175 from last year!
Blessings and stay warm wherever you may be. Jolly cold here! SO SO thankful for our new heating system.
Liz