Friday, January 08, 2010

Christmas Giveaway

This year was an extra special year for our family as we celebrated the Christmas holiday.  While it was tough not being with our families back in the States, quite tough at times, we did have a great time establishing some of our own Christmas Eve and Christmas morning traditions as a family.

One of the things we decided to do was to purchase a lot of toys, wrap them and randomly distribute them to children we saw on the streets of Lima.  It seems that one thing many people living outside of Lima do during Christmas is visit the "city" (Lima) with expectation of enjoying the Christmas season and, maybe even, receiving something during the holiday season.  This is only a speculation but, the best we can tell, it is common place for the number of people "on the street" to significantly grow.

So here is how it happened...

A few days before Christmas we loaded up our kids and went with a good Peruvian friend to a place where you can buy massive quantities of toys for relatively little money.  I believe Stephanie may have mentioned this in a previous post; but, the place, while very good to buy things, is absolutely no place for young children, especially a, at the time, 2 1/2 month old!  But, you live and learn.  And what was cool was our kids got to be looking for toys to buy with other kids...much less fortunate kids...in mind.

So, we bought the goods and even had some friends back in the States pitch in to help financially (thank you soooo much guys).  We then got together with Mark and the Davidsons to wrap and load up in our van and begin the amazing, 1st annual...


It was absolutely fantastic to see young children smile at receiving the unexpected gifts.  And, it was awesome to watch our children enjoy, really and truly enjoy, giving.  All four, Sofia, Maddox, Kellan and Parker, were all great!  They behaved well while cooped-up in the van and really got into the spirit of helping others.

We also saw, however, another side.  A side that is tough to swallow as we again came face-to-face with the tremendous need here.  We simply pray earnestly that God will use us to address the needs, spiritually as well as physically, that exist in our area of this enormous city.

As I mentioned, the Davidsons joined us on this adventure (next year we want to get enough toys and transportation for the whole team to join in).  And, since John Mark is a great videographer I asked him to use those skills to capture the events of the evening.


We hope this video allows you a glimpse into our lives here and touches your heart.  We also hope it reminds you of those in need and maybe even spurs you to do something similar in your area OR maybe to come down one year and join us here!  You'll always be welcome...

7 comments:

Amanda Wissmann said...

What a FABULOUS idea (and wonderful video John Mark!) Especially the Bloopers ;)

If we are still around next Christmas, COUNT US IN!!!

Jody said...

HI GUYS! Just wanted to say we saw your video! Very touching and what a great way to spend the holiday. Even more precious having the kids give the gifts. They were glowing :) Take care and we pray your works and God will reap wonders!

Jody said...

HI GUYS! Just wanted to say we saw your video! Very touching and what a great way to spend the holiday. Even more precious having the kids give the gifts. They were glowing :) Take care and we pray your works and God will reap wonders!

Unknown said...

How awesome to see you guys doing God's work. What a great idea to put your business card on there so that they can contact you. We want to be there to do it with you next year!!!

Hannah Anderson said...

Oh my gosh! I loved the video! I know that touched so many hearts, and I pray that you'll have at least one person contact you because of this activity! Love you guys!

Anonymous said...

Hey there - so great to see what part of your Christmas was like in Lima. Thanks for the blessing you were to people. Sophia...you did such a good job! And Lee...you found a Starbucks for Steph! We love you. BNutt

...traci said...

love it!!!