For the past 10 years once Christmas finds me in Trinidad I have joined with Is There Not A Cause on their Christmas morning outreach. This involves visiting the homes of vulnerable persons who have made contact with ITNAC and giving them breakfast boxes consisting of ham sandwiches, a pastelle, black cake and some fruit. We also carry toys if there are children in the family. It brings a great deal of joy to those who would otherwise have just spent Christmas like any other day.
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| All dressed up on Christmas day |
It was my intention to be a part of this initiative for Christmas 2017, but when I got back from Dominica on Christmas Eve I was really tired and my foot was still hurting from my Grenadian skimming adventure so I decided to take it easy. When I sent my family a message to let them know I had arrived safely, my brother responded that someone should seize my passport, and this made me realize how little my family had seen me over the past couple months, and prompted my decision to spend Christmas Day with them. When I got home, I announced that my Christmas gift to them was myself, and Daddy shook my hand and said, Thank you! Thank you very much!
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| Mummy and Daddy with Jael on her first Christmas day |
For the past few years our family has joined with my sister-in-laws family to celebrate Christmas. For those who know the love story of Joey and Sarah, this is where it all began all those years ago! Sarah's mother prepared a delicious curry lunch and afterwards it was time for the presents. Jael got so many presents that she could not open them all!
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| Opening presents with Mummy and Daddy |
Two days later, the two families gathered again, this time at our home in Dow Village to celebrate Jael's 1st birthday! Mummy prepared a lavish Christmas meal which we all enjoyed, then we sang happy birthday and Jael had her first taste of sugar :) Her celebrations continued with a short trip to the zoo, followed by a party with some family and friends at Pizza Hut.
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| Barely room to fit the people at this luncheon |
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| Jael meeting the giraffes for the first time |
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| Enjoying her balloon party with Ava |
I thank God for the time I was able to spend with my family. They have been a huge source of support to me in the ministry God has called me to. I missed my sisters and their families, especially my nephews, but I was grateful for those I was able to have around me. I was also glad to see my niece so full of energy and joy after her recent health challenges - God is indeed a restorer!
