This Reminds Me

Archive for November, 2005

We set a new record for our family this weekend – 71 plastic shoeboxes filled, labeled and delivered for Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child. I remember our first time filling a single paper shoebox.   Rachel was a toddler.  I paid full price for everything just before packing, and I’m sure the finished product rattled.  We’ve come a long way, baby!  We use plastic shoeboxes, we shop clearances and collect from friends all year long, and each box undergoes a rigorous ”shake test” to ensure no rattling.  If it rattles, pop it open, there’s room for another Chapstick, or bubblegum, or pencil.

Like virtually everything that happens under our roof – it was a mess.  Look at some of what Hannah and I dragged out of the guestroom in preparation for sorting and filling….toothbrushes from Barb, stuffed animals from Stephanie, assortments from Sharon, Happy Meal toys from Renee, socks from Aimee and Shelley, a box’o'stuff from Kristen’s Scout Troop, shipping help from Laura and Glenda, beads from Lisa – so many gifts, and every item a representation of the heart of the giver.

Good friends Mary Anne and Vicki offered the precious gift of time to help sort and pack, and also do a little shopping.  (I had three toes sliced and diced recently, so Target – my fashion center – hasn’t seen much of me and won’t until I can drive again.)  Because of their kindness, we finished in time.

Hannah was particularly proud of stuffing a raccoon hand puppet full of candy and gigglingly beseeching me to ”Look, Mom, there’s Tootsie Pop sticking out of his butt.” Now there’s a festive visual.  I noticed Lois inserted a small rubber duck into each boy’s box, aged 10 – 14.  Why?  “Mom, those boxes were way too serious.”  Ooookay.  Rachel-The-Hair-Straightener Queen stressed that not every box had a hairbrush.

If you gave us something - thanks!  It’s on its way to some child right now.  Samaritan’s Purse boxes will “be Christmas” for the millions of children who get them.  Their parents won’t be worrying about having enough batteries, or if the beautifully-wrapped video game is the latest version.  These boxes filled with small toys, stuffed animals, candy, toiletries, clothing, school supplies, etc. are “it” for these kids.  They’ll never be able to thank you personally for being Jesus with skin on.  So just know that you were.