As we drove up to the community center, we see Shiloh, Dereka and Maelin standing outside, waiting. All you can see is their eyes, poking out from behind the scarves that are wrapped around their mouths. Alison sees Shiloh, and says, “He is smiling with his eyes.” I respond, “Yeah he does that now.”
Our hosts for the day showed us into their home. One step into the door, we realized this was going to be a new experience. There was 40 some odd kids and around 10 adults all sitting in the living room, squished side by side. They were ready and waiting for us to begin. Once we gotsettled, Joey busted out his guitar and we sand some I like Bananas; Higher, Higher; Jiggle Bells, We wish you a Merry Christmas. Children and adults helped us along with words.
Afterwards, some of the team headed outside, playing football and decorating sugar cookies. The kids were so patient, so respectful. And oh, the cookies they made–mounds of frosting, sprinkles and candy like you wouldn’t believe… Inside, they gave the kids the 50+ gift bags and new boots we had prepared for them for Christmas. One little girl was overheard to say, “This is the best Christmas I’ve ever had.”
Before for the day, Dan, Ryan and I delievered one more Christmas present. On our last trip to Lake Andes, Crystal and Grandma blessed our socks off. We wanted to do something small in return by giving them some small roster trinkets that Dan had picked up. (Grandma loves anything having to do with rosters) We presented them to her. She turned around and gave us all gifts as well.
The honor of that moment, I will never forget. I felt honored in receiving those gifts, in being greeted into their home by Dawn’s laughter, by feeling like in some way I was coming home.
