Windows of Hope Project

Today, Michelle R. and I packed 4 boxes to send to the Philippines... boxes full of Bibles, clothes, towels, some toys and some school supplies. I am so grateful that she took the time to help me as I am still in pain and have been trying to pack box by box. It has been taking a very long time. Gave me time to reminisce our time last year when we were there for a mission trip. The things we take for granted here could help so many there. I am so glad we are able to help there where we can... and I am so thankful for our family and friends who helped with this project. Windows of Hope is the name of our project of sending much needed to supplies to the Philippines. I am very tired and very sore but I am so glad we got it done and now it can be sent on its way.

Yesterday I went to the cancer center for my treatment. The place was beautifully decorated with Christmas trees and holly and white lights. In the main lobby, they had the tree that was in Cardinal Bernardine's home when he was still alive and living here in Chicago. His estate lends it every Christmas to the cancer center that was named for him. There were more kids in my clinic yesterday as well. It touches my heart how brave these kids are. So many of them had lost their hair due to chemotherapy. It was neat to see parents trying to hard to make life normal for these kids. One family of 3 had their backpacks with their school work and books to read while their brother was getting treatment. A teacher was there for an hour as well. They're all staying at the Ronald McDonald house during this time. We are so fortunate that we have these kinds of services here. One kid was playing by the tree and the Mom made a comment that she was glad they had trees up, as her son has been asking for one and she hasn't had the energy to put one up. I felt the same way... as much as I want to put up a tree, I know I do not have the energy to put into it. Besides, I think we donated our tree away last year. Frendell did find our creche and some little decorations and we put those around the house and that will be our Christmas decor for this year. A part of me was sad that I don't have the energy to do all the things I used to do for Christmas.. I miss that... and yet a part of me is glad that I can focus more on the more important things.... like contemplating on God's greatest gift for us.

We are having snow flurries as I write this... winter is here and the Christmas spirit is in the air... so many things to be thankful for, so many blessings to count. May you feel the joy of the season...