Merry Christmas

This year I couldn't send snail mail Christmas cards.  I want to be resourceful (*read "not spending money") and be able to share my card with as many people as possible because it's probably my favorite Christmas card I've ever sent.  I got the idea from a card my friend Erin received a few years ago.  I think it was from a mission society she had supported that year, and the photo was taken in Africa, of children dressed to be part of the nativity.  I love that photo.  So much that I framed it and put it on the mantle.  So this year I decided to do my own.  With the help of Mary and Mary Claire, we dressed the children (an adventure in itself), convinced the boys it was ok that they were wearing dresses (they insisted on keeping their shoulders covered so no one would see the straps) and gave the Wise People toys to use as gifts, because Baby Jesus would have wanted a wooden train, playdoh, and a light up squishy ball.  After many laughs and photos, Mary Claire designed this card for me.

I share that whole story with you for this reason: I could very simply share the card with you, and you would love it and think it was adorable.  But I want you to know the real life that goes with every day here at Maison.  The joys of sharing Christmas with 74 little people, some of whom have never heard the story of Christ's birth.  The challenges of having 74 different personalities. 
And at the same time to thank you for being part of this with us.  For your prayers, for your financial support, for your physical donations, and donations of time to serve here or in the States.  I thank you.  I could not be here serving if it were not for God graciously providing all of the above for me, and the children here.  For more information or to support the work happening here at Maison, please visit For His Glory Outreach.