Christmas Surprises

Honestly lately life has been a little tough for us. We keep working on renewing our visas but are having problems fulfilling what they need from us. Then today Dennis went to complete a church assignment and on the way home we were hit TWICE. Both times, we weren’t moving. 

The first time a motorcycle decided to cut in front of us and ripped a hole in our tire. Thankfully it’s not flat but has weakened the rubber and can't be driven on long-term. Then just a few minutes later we were rear ended. Remember when I said cars here are either wrecked or would be. Well, we’ve had ours exactly 4 weeks. The bummer was scratched.  The passenger side tire trim was popped off and the bumper was detached from the car.  Amazingly, his car didn't even have a scratch.  Instead of heading home, we headed to the dealership to get it fixed.  

We were informed by the dealership that insurance works differently here. Your insurance pays to fix your car. So even though we weren’t at fault in either circumstance, unless we wanted to set court dates, WE pay to get it repaired. We need a new tire and our bumper needs to be replaced. After more than 3 hours at the dealership deciding what would be done, we were ready to be home. 

To our surprise, a package was waiting for us. It looked a little squished, torn and hammered. Who would be sending us something?  It was large and weighed probably 40 pounds. We muscled it to the table. Corners were bursting open ready to spill its contents. It was like the excitement kids feel when Santa’s coming. The worn thin box couldn’t hold it in any longer. We quickly made good work of the tape that was still intact. 

The box was filled to the brim with treats of all varieties, ones we hadn’t seen in months. On top was a neatly placed note. The markings had begun to fade from juices that couldn’t be contained in cans any longer. Candies were strewn throughout and their tiny remnants fell out the gaping holes in the cardboard box onto the table. 

We took stock of all the delicacies we would get to enjoy. Of the sweet variety, we had skittles, airheads, Cadbury eggs, pop tarts, Swedish fish, gum, fruit snacks and fruit roll ups. Of the meat variety, there were bags of tuna, salmon, albacore, chicken, pork in a can, jerky, sausages and Spam. We were in heaven!  The kids were already planning what kinds of meals they would get to devour. 

                              

Hiding amongst the food, were presents for each of the kids. As they placed the packages barely hanging onto their wrappings under the tree, the kids commented, “now it feels like Santa has been here.  We can’t wait to open them.”  

What a perfect ending to a stressful time!  This is what Christmas is all about. Friends who would think so much to send us a package with items they know we miss. We appreciate the cost, they went to monetarily, to purchase the items and the substantial postage to send that large of a package. We also are thankful for the example they are to us of Christlike love and service. They saw a need from a distance and filled it. We couldn’t ask for better friends. We miss you!!