Operation Christmas Child 2008

This year we participated in Operation Christmas Child, sponsored by Samaritan's Purse, for the very first time. I think this will become an annual tradition . . . we had so much fun!

Lael and Jaden helped pick out items for their shoeboxes -- they each filled a box geared for children the same ages as they are. In addition to school supplies and hygiene items, they picked out coloring books, small toys and candy for fun treats! Then they decorated the outside of the boxes with LOTS of stickers!

Then it was time to deliver the boxes . . . we went to our local drop-off location with some ladies from church.

Here's the trailer truck that will carry our shoeboxes -- plus many more!

Just a few of the thousands of shoeboxes that came to this location!
They even had snacks as special thank-you treats for those dropping off boxes! Lael and Jaden thought that was great!

Lael and Jaden with "Miss Doris" and "Miss Joanne" from church - they teach Mission Minded Kids - and Lynnette Dallmann (in the red scarf) who is the area coordinator for Operation Christmas Child.
The most precious memory I have of this experience is hearing my children pray for the children who will receive the boxes they put together.

Lael prayed that they would have joy and peace and that they would be happy.

Jaden's prayer was simply that the little boy who would get his box would know God and ask Jesus to be his Savior.

As they were praying in the car once again while we drove to the drop-off center, my eyes filled with tears as I realized that even though there are many things we are still working on with our children, they understand what is most important -- that everyone needs to know the love that only God gives and that we have been blessed so that we can be a blessing to others.