Paw Prints (Quarterly Edition Oct-Dec 2020)
Greetings! This is the final newsletter for the memorable year of 2020. We have mourned the loss of many loved ones and continue to survive a pandemic. However, in the mist of these adversities, we have grown deeper in our faith, spent more time with family, and seized opportunities to meet the needs of the children in creative ways. We continue to maintain small group settings, monitor temperatures and practice safety at all times. We are so blessed that the Lord has kept these children safe and protected. Through all the challenges and changes, we are still blessed with every breath. We have so many things for which we can be grateful.
October
We had the privilege to take several children bowling. For many, this was their first experience at a bowling alley. They were so full of excitement with every roll of the ball sometimes resulting in their first strike. What a wonderful celebration.
Instead of participating in Halloween, we provided “Blessing Bags” to those in the community. The brown paper bags displayed encouraging messages on the outside and were filled with chocolate and gospel tracts. The kids (and some adults) were so excited to receive this token of love. It was a great way to share the sweetness of the gospel.
The “divas” had a girl’s night out to learn some life skills, bake cookies and cup cakes and have fun.
November
Due to the COVID, many of the children attend school twice week on campus or are home schooled all week. These changes in school schedules have added more responsibility on families to provide additional meals. This provided an opportunity to provide hot meals to the children once a week to compensate for some of the meals they would have been served at school.
We were so blessed to have our first Thanksgiving Dinner together. We are so grateful that the Lord has always provided the children meals that allows them to see the love God has for them.
December
What a wonderful time of the year to share the joy of Christmas. We spent time just being children- playing games and enjoying life. Laughter is healing for the soul.
We are thankful for the finances and donations of clothes provided for the children. The children were filled with such joy to go shopping for the day. Jesus continues to reaffirm his love and giving through random acts of kindness from strangers who wanted to bless the children. We don’t know your names, but God has records your kindness in heaven. We want to thank our partners for their love offering toward the shopping spree and haircuts for the children. Glory to the newborn King-Happy Birthday Jesus!
May you and your family have a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
In His Service,
C. Liley McConnell
Executive Director, LJAWC