The day finally arrived when we would join Pastor Martin and others giving out Project Joy Christmas shoe boxes near the Tijuana dump. It was not that many years ago I saw video clips of others actually giving out these gifts to children in the dump amongst the garbage. The Mexican government has recently set up laws that no longer permit families to live in the dumps.
Marcia and Wayne Cudmore, a couple from our home church in Alberta, Canada joined us on this mission. They brought with them two large suitcases full of items. God bless you St. Albert Alliance Church and others that gave so generously. Many children were blessed because of your giving.
As we approached the dump we saw many birds circling above. The smell of the garbage wafted past. Soon we saw many children and adults appear. They knew the routine. They followed the caravan of vehicles until we stopped.
After singing bible songs and watching the children swinging the sticks at the piñatas and scrambling after candies, the time for handing out the Christmas shoe boxes began. The kids were excited as they fell into lines according to age groups.
As mothers with children in tow began to line up in the group we were with (3 to 5 year olds) I began to watch the children’s faces. One particular little boy opened his box and smiling at me began to show me his treasures. What an incredible blessing to have been able to take part in giving to these needy children.
You are the ones that have provided us with this opportunity to serve in this capacity. We want to thank each and every one of you for your giving hearts. I am sure if these children could they would thank you too.
A friend sent me some statistics with a Christmas message on the e-mail. Let me share what was sent to me. Did you know that if you have food in your refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof over your head and a place to sleep… you are richer than 75% of the world.
Wow, how blessed we are to live where we live. It’s hard for me to believe that we are richer than 75% of the world. Living in Mexico, a third world country has been a real eye opener for Rod, Rebekah and I.
As we enter into this Christmas season, we know that the Christmas shoes boxes contain gifts that are temporal. We know that the greatest gift of all is the gift the God sent us, his son Jesus. And this gift is eternal. No more poverty, pain, hunger or shame when we get to heaven.
Rebekah, Rod and I will have spent Christmas with my parents in Apache Junction, Arizona by the time you get this letter. We will open gifts, eat too much turkey and feel abundantly loved by family and friends.
Then we will join other missionaries in YUGO’s Christmas outreach in Mexicali, Mexico. Our prayer is that many will find the greatest gift of all.
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