Day 15-Children's Home Party

I wrote a few days ago about a party a friend and I were helping to throw for the Tennessee Baptist Children's Home, and yesterday was the big day. We woke up to a forecast predicting freezing rain and a possible ice storm, throwing our party plans into some minor upheaval and demanding we do some last minute plan changing. I don't know what the deal is with the weather lately, but we're not getting a lot of that crisp, dry Christmas weather in this neck of the woods. We never get snow, so any kind of precipitation is likely going to be something nasty - certainly not fluffy and white! But after some phone calls and weather checks, we decided to move the party up to late afternoon instead of evening to avoid the possible icy conditions.

I hated it that some people who really wanted to be a part weren't able to come because of the time change and the weather, but we had enough people to be able to have a really nice party, and all of the guests of honor were there, so all that considered, it was a great success! There were five children, ages 10-14, who were part of the cottage. I know it had to be a bit overwhelming walking into the gym and seeing a whole lot of adults waiting for them, but they were amazing. They came in, very willing to talk and let us get to know them, and two hours later when the party was over, everyone felt comfortable and relaxed.

All of them were fun, friendly, normal kids, and it was so cool to be able to hang out with them, eat a lot of Christmas cookies and cake, play some games, and give them presents. I don't know who had the most fun between the children we were throwing the party for, our kids, and the adults, but I guess I can safely say that everyone involved had a GREAT time. I hope that in the future we can continue to visit and hang out and help where we can. It certainly is something I think everyone would like to do again. What a privilege to be able to be involved with these kids, getting to reach out and be a part of their Christmas and understanding a little bit more what Christmas is all about.




We could not have done this without the generosity of so many who donated toys, money, gift cards, food, art supplies, and time to make this party such a happy time. A huge thank you to everyone who helped!!