Limited isn't the worst thing in the world.

We are still quite limited by Internet, but the world feels alive and limitless in other ways. How I wish I could post a picture or two for you!

Yesterday, Ruthie and I enjoyed the awesome privilege of playing Santa for two families. We walked to Chazo, a small village nearby, with two brand spanking new soccer balls, donated by my cousin Kay, a judge in Oklahoma. She donated 30 balls for us to distribute to our friends here for Christmas, no small thing at $30 a ball. And she donated funds for us to supply food to some who aren't able to buy for themselves as well. We will use the food for single moms with small children, a few of our paralyzed friends and some elderly without family nearby to support them. Thanks, Kay!

Oh, if only you could have seen the shock, disbelief and JOY on these children's faces, and on their parents' faces, when we delivered the balls. Picture the expression of an American 16 year old being surprised with a brand new car of his or her dreams - that's the expression we saw.

There is nothing like the feeling of providing a dream gift for someone who isn't expecting it at all. What a priceless experience.

Will these balls change their lives forever? No. But will it bring joy and fun for a while, and the knowledge that someone else cares for them? Yes! We told them we gave the balls to them because Jesus led a special person in the States to send it for them. We told them this special person, Kay, cared about them so much that she sent them a present even though she has never even met them. We and she were giving the ball to them in Jesus' name, because they are precious to Him, and that God will see them playing with the ball and He will be so happy to see them enjoying it. They were so happy to hear this!

It was such a blast to see those happy kids clutching their new balls with such delight! I know Christmas isn't about material things, but sometimes material things can really be a tangible expression of love. And this was one of those times!

Thank you, God, and thank you, friends and family, for supporting us so well in order that we may have this adventure.

We are thankful for all of you this holiday season, as well as all year 'round.