christmas in october.

After sorting out a new, freshly scented fridge, our second project since Chris & Jenn arrived has been at hand: provide Christmas in October to a whole lot of kiddos.

It’s been fun.

Chris’ mom has been hard at work at her school, helping the students there to raise money to purchase toys for the children here. While sharing our blog and about the neighbor children, she raised a whole lot of funds and sent over a lovely stash of toys.

They were in such abundance, we delivered to two locations. Our first stop was Heavenly Home, this incredible orphanage in town. It’s run by one the loveliest, most generous people I know.

Thant Zin & Lilly started the orphanage about seven years ago, simply because his spiritual leader encouraged him too. Thant Zin told us yesterday that his mentor loved children and wanted him to open the home, but he himself didn’t have a heart for children. He said he first the children were too loud, he didn’t have enough patience, and he “could not learn wisdom from them”; but now, they have clearly won his heart. They love a home of forty three kids with all they have.

I’m amazed how much I learn each time we go. And how much I’m refreshed and restored in being there. I never thought a room full of orphaned children could bring such deep rest and encouragement for my soul.

And today, we spent some time outside with our neighborhood kids. We’ll be keeping these toys with us in the house rather than giving them away, with hopes that time will enable us to communicate how to return things and treat them well.

They absolutely loved them!