Thursday, January 16, 2014

The Holiday Team!

The Holiday Team is always a special team because they come during a special time of the year, the kids are on vacation so there is more down time to play, and there is usually a fair number of returning team members that come mixed in with a few newbies. This makes it feel like it is family coming home to spend Christmas with us!  This year was no exception.  It was a good team and also very big, with 24 team members in total.  Their comings and goings varied so there were many, many trips to the airport.  I told my staff that if at any point during the team they couldn't fine me, I was probably at the airport!  The team helped us hand out presents and pour out lots of love and attention to many of the kids we work with.  We also were able to had out gifts to 2 orphanages that we don't work in full time, but do special projects with when possible.  One of them, is an orphanage with kids with severe special needs, and though an emotionally challenging place, everyone leaves feeling that they were blessed as well. 
 At the airport welcoming team members.
 Training time!  The first morning orientation and planning.
 Handing out gifts is always a lot of fun.  I don't know who is more excited to look through the bags the kids or the team members, but doing it together makes it more fun!

 Craft Time!
 Game Time!
 Our annul New Year's Party was another success.  Jenny and I are ready for 2014!
Another way we try to share Christ's love is also to bless the directors and workers from the State that work at the orphanages that we work in.  This year we baked goody trays to take in and Starbucks donated free coffee for us to take in as well.  The team also had some special treats for the orphanage staff like chocolates and aprons for the cooks.  We hope that they felt the love of Christ through us as well.  We believe if we can love the staff they will be more willing to love the kids. 
Thank you Holiday Team of 2013-2014!  Thanks for all of your time, sacrifice, gifts, hugs, bruises (from soccer!), ministry materials, and every way that you showed the love of Christ to our kids, to the H2H staff and to each other.  Thanks as well to each of you that prayed for this team and financially gave to make this Christmas extra special!

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