Santa'a Elves ... God's Helpers...

have been very busy lately!  All of us are involved in getting ready for the Annual Christmas Outreach in Algodones, Mexico.  That event will take place next Wednesday and the days leading up to it are rather hectic. 

So many people have generously donated clothing and now it all needs to be sorted before it gets delivered.  And, of course, you can't sort clothes without imagining what you would look like in a particular style...

And the kids need to be fed everyday.

Thank God for helping hands!

Ah, that job is finished!  (And then it rained and Delia had to move all the bags under cover - the best laid plans...)

The children are always the focus and it never ceases to amaze me how they entertain themselves

and us.  Sitting around just isn't allowed!

It seems like this picture captures the mood of the month - hurry here and hurry there and catch each other in passing... sound familiar?

And back at the Park, there is treasure beneath the quilts...

and more of God's Helpers make quick work of packing supply bags to be given to the children in Algodones at Outreach.

There are pencils, and a sweet treat, and notepads, and shampoo and a toothbrush and

pens from our friends in Wisconsin and

notebooks from Minnesota and...

then all the bags are packed with all the wonderful donated items and it is time to go back across the border to package rice and beans. 

You'll noticed us retired folks have been joined by a younger gal - Nicole is visiting from Canada.

After many years of practice, Marylou has it down to a science.  Two cups of beans go into a clean new plastic bag and tied and then into a colored store bag which is tied and then they are ready to be put away for Outreach.

Many hands and much laughter makes the job go quicker...

This lady is pretty amazing.  She organizes all of it and serves so many.  I can only guess at the hundreds of lives she and Jack have touched over the years.  It takes many to pull it off, but they are definitely the driving force.

Ah yes, the kids...

This is my new favorite picture - I could not have planned this had I tried.

I can't help but wonder what is being thought ...

Oh My Goodness, what is being thought... Take a look at those feet!

These little ones steal your heart quickly.

Routine maintenance is necessary to keep those balls bouncing.

What are you thinking, little one?

A Selfie...

Michelle captured a beautiful picture of Glee.

And what would a wait in line at the border crossing be without sampling some of the wonderful treats... this coconut was not fabulous but the juice was good... maybe we should have ordered it with the hot sauce...

When we returned from Mexico today, we went into Yuma to pick up some bags and other necessary items for Outreach.  Monday we will be sorting toys...    Yes, we have been busy... And it feels so good. 

Till next time, Please remember to listen when God whispers and respond when He nudges.

(Oh, there is rain in the forecast for Wednesday and that is The Annual Christmas Outreach.  Although the area is in a drought and rain is desperately needed, a prayer for the rain to hold off until we are finished with our rounds would be greatly appreciated.)