Giving Not Getting

Eight years ago, a couple of my friends and I adopted a few refugee families

for Christmas-- to help them and to teach our children that Christmas

is more about giving than getting.

Our little "pet" project has grown  with each year.

And I mean grown.

Today we held what has become our traditional First American Christmas Party

for the Refugees.

We had-- between Refugees, interpreters and volunteers about

400 people.

 Our controlled chaos included lots of food, treats, gift bags, Christmas Carols,

crafts and a visit from you know who.

This year, Holland got to be one of his elves.

 Greer made fast friends with Sabrina even though she didn't speak a lick of English.

  I think her family just arrived from Congo.

I think the girls are about to disown me.

The past several years, they've sung a song or two at the party--

all Christmas Carols.  They agreed to do so again-- but didn't

know they'd be singing in front of nearly 400 until they got there today.

They were nervous-- and even with some microphone issues at the beginning--

they did great.  I don't know where they get their guts.

Speaking doesn't phase me-- but to sing in public would kill me.

What great little helpers on a great day.

I'm off to collapse in bed.