Operation Christmas Child

Each year, our church encourages attenders to participate in Operation Christmas Child. OCC is an effort done by Samaritan's Purse where people stuff shoeboxes full of fun gifts for either a girl or boy in various age groups. The shoeboxes are then collected and sent to countries all over the world. For the last two years, we have been in a small group with a guy who actually works for Samaritan's Purse, so we have had the opportunity to learn a lot more about the organization and about OCC in particular. He explained to us that they will send out a notice to families in a certain community regarding an event at the local church. They don't tell anyone that shoeboxes of gifts will be handed out, but it's a little surprise for the families that attend. Each person that puts together a box is encouraged to pray for the recipient of the box and to write a small note for the child.

I've loved learning more about this effort and it's so fun to go purchase items for the box! Our small group divides up items for 20 boxes, then we get together for a party, eat good food, listen to Christmas music and put together the boxes. Our small group decided to do our annual party a bit earlier so that Jeff, Boone and I could still participate before we move! (Have I wrote on here that we are moving?! More on that later...) Our family was in charge of buying toys for the boys boxes! One thing that was different this year is that when I purchased the toys and when we were putting the boxes together, Boone was playing with all the toys. He seemed a bit concerned each time we would take a toy away from him and put it into a box! Last year, Boone spent the whole party in the Baby Bjorn. What a difference a year makes!

So... here are some of the pictures of our party! It was such a fun time, but most importantly, we pray that the children that receive each of the boxes we put together will feel loved and will learn about the love of Jesus!

Jeff and Mikey (Mikey and his wife Bonnie are the fearless leaders of our group)

Newlyweds Jonny and Karissa

Lovely Edith

Miss Bonnie

All the craziness as the boxes were getting packed.

Nicole cleaning up her house after we all came and destroyed it :)

All of the shoeboxes, packed and stacked. As a sidenote, Boone 

took his longest walk to date that night as he headed straight for the box stack.

We have loved being a part of this great small group! We will miss our "Fat Tuesday" friends, but are so thankful that God led us to their group during our time in Calgary! 

Merry Christmas, friends!

Jeff, Em + Boone