When we left the house yesterday, we made sure that everything was wrapped and rainproof and this morning we were glad we had taken the extra time to do so.
The toys.
The scarfs and hats and beads and socks were all in bags, nice and dry, and ready to be distributed.
The clothes were still dry, tucked safely under the tarp.
All the children's gift bags and the Bibles were secure and awaiting little hands.
The quilts were bundled up nice and safe.
Snowflakes were on the trees.
The House was beautifully decorated outside
and in!
The rain was coming down in little spurts this morning as we gathered at Pilot Knob this morning.
It seemed strange to see Jack and MaryLou's place so void of "stuff".
We gathered in the clubhouse and Marylou gave us instructions.
And after we prayed for God's Blessings on our Mission of the day.
Once we arrived at Algodones, trucks were loaded.
And we waited for the rain to subside a bit.
Perhaps a quick personal prayer?
And then we were off.
It took us a few minutes to get organized, but the ladies and children waited patiently on this drizzly day.
And this smile made it all worthwhile for me. She just lite up when given the ball.
There are a lot of pictures of children with toys this year because that is where Mike and I were stationed. And that is also what we dedicated ourselves to collecting this summer. Many people in Minnesota will see their donations in these pictures.
Praise the One, One God is the message behind this day and all who helped at home and in Mexico today.
Their was a quiet moment shared between friends.
This basketball made this young man so happy; maybe his eyes are closed in prayer.
"North Americano Footballs" - not sought after but still well received.
Ladies received quilts and rice and beans (ran out of both of these staples).
Maria is nearly 80 and she came running when she thought we were leaving before she got her quilt.
At our next stop, this lovely lady, who happens to be a teacher, quickly had the children in line and orderly.
To see people searching for and finding clothes for themselves and their family members warms my heart - lots of clothes from all over the U.S. and Canada ended up in these Algodones, Mexico homes today.
A word of thanks to God takes place before any gifts are distributed.
Look at the concentration of this young man as he admires his new glove.
This guy needs to practice his dribbling skills a little, but he was happy to have his basketball.
All of these family members seem content with their gifts from the day.
The brickmaking area seemed very desolate today as the gray skies continued.
Manny delivered the Blessing.
And children were given stuffed animals
bats and balls
and candy canes from Peggy.
This young man is the one who broke our hearts last year. He lingered till the end and we only had a stuffed animal to give him. Today was different, thanks to all those generous people who donated sports equipment.
These ladies found clothing that will be put to use at home.
The beads and scarfs and hats and gloves had all been given out and the bags were empty.
A few people lingered.
Love this little lady who absolutely would not let go of her dolly even though her pants were falling down - maybe mama found a pair today that will fit her better.
This hat suited the youngster and made all of us giggle.
Many satisfied customers.
It takes a lot of people to pull this off. This was the crew distributing gifts today. And behind them are the hundreds of you who bought, gave or made the items that we distributed. Thank You for letting us be your hands today. It was a privilege!
And always, we thank Our Father in Heaven who has inspired all of us and all of you to give and share with others. Remember always to Listen when God Whispers and Respond when He Nudges You to Action.
Thanks for sharing! This truly makes my heart smile :)! Your kind souls, huge hearts and wonderful smiles tell an amazing story. Oh how I wish I could have seen all the smiles today! God bless each and everyone of you for all that you do! Merry Christmas and wishing you BLESSED New Year! Chris Thomas MN
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