CHRISTMAS CAME EARLY TO SKANGALI AND SEDA
… and so the day of days arrived, There was an air of anticipation and great excitement and that was amongst us, the adults when there wasn’t yet a child in sight! More presents needed to be wrapped … a few needed to be purchased as we struggled to find some for older children. So off we went for a quick visit to Vermeira...
There was the aroma of baking coming from the kitchen as homemade pizza was being prepared and several special Latvian sliced cakes,The mixture of aromas was wonderful. The smells and sounds of music and gifts being wrapped provided the perfect Christmas air.
All we needed was snow, but that wasn’t to be this year … well not for us anyway. They may have some by the 25th or even the 7th January, the Orthodox day for celebrating.
Eventually, after dark, we heard the noise of excited children as they began to arrive for their party. They waited for Sven , Derek and me to mount the stairs before they ventured into what looked like something from a film set and we heard a stifled ‘wow’ as they walked in and very quietly took their seats. To begin with it was almost as if they were dumbstruck but I’m pleased to say it didn’t last long!
Games began, excitement as 'pass the parcel' was explained in English and Latvian and the sense of delight when they received a lollipop between each wrapper … but then when they reached the bar of chocolate at the end they were ecstatic. Interestingly, I noticed those who won the chocolate shared it without any prompting from an adult... a year ago this just would not have happened.
We moved on to the game of oranges under the chin and passed down the line which brought about much hilarity but not quite as much as a balloon being passed over head and then through their legs, followed by musical bumps. The laughter was wonderful to hear and the broad smiles I think will be etched on our memories for a long time to come.
Food, glorious food … was wolfed down. It looked wonderful surrounded by candle holders and night lights that were later sent home to their families as a Christmas gift. Shiny red apples and sweet small oranges were obviously a real treat as the children took handfuls of them. As they ate the children watched a DVD of our previous visits over the last three years and loved seeing themselves on the big screen.
The music and the excitement began again until we heard a loud knocking from an outside door … much to the children’s delight and extreme excitement, In walked Santa throwing small gifts and the children leaped in enthusiasm to make sure they didn’t miss out. But then there was more … much more and the children were encouraged to sit down in their winter wonderland as Santa gave individual gifts to each child, all of these had been donated from friends in the UK and USA. The photos will tell their own story.
Throughout the evening, we rejoiced, we celebrated, we heard the children give thanks to God for His goodness and we were blessed, blessed beyond measure.
Major Glad
(supplement - unknown to the Major!)
Last night we hosted a Christmas party for our Latvian children- 40+- dancing, games, singing and a movie highlighting our 8 previous visits... then came SANTA! The children literally jumped for joy!
The children's toys and games were doled out, too slow for some, by Santa (Derek) and the childrens' faces said it all; "thank you American, British and Swedish donors"! All except one...
Natasha, top Sunday School helper/student at the Seda SA outpost, tearfully showed Glad the gift she'd received, and we realized it was intended for someone aged 4 NOT 14! NATASHA IS THE YOUNG LADY ON THE RIGHT,,,
All the gifts were distributed and Natasha had none! Glad gave her a loving hug and said; "Wait, I've got a gift for you I hope you'll like." She removed her favourite gold ear rings, a gift from her father some years ago and said, "I was wearing these in order that I wouldn't lose them and to not forget to bring them tonight; I brought them just for you..." And so that precious gift was re-gifted, a gift that meant so much to Glad because it had been gifted to her by her father.
That is the story of Christmas- God, the Father gifted us with that which was most precious to Him, His son- what precious gift are you re-gifting in love this Christmas?
I know what I'll be shopping for today, golden ear rings!
Happy Christmas!
Sven, I am sitting in the quarters (Australia) with tears in my eyes and thanking God for your Latvian mission trip. I now believe more than ever TSA NEEDS its formers officers to be a reminder that `the Army` doesn`t always get it right when dealing with people leaving officership and more needs to be done to help those who have to leave or chosse to leave. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThank you too for welcoming Leanne Unicomb into the fellowship, she and her husband were sessions mates of mine and it breaks my heart seeing what she is going through.
God bless.
Active CO
Brought tears to my eyes. Thanks for sharing, Sven
ReplyDeleteFormer officer USA
Wonderful story....thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteUSA
Anonymous said...
ReplyDeleteWow! - in the profundity of Major Glad's gesture is the simplicity of the Christmas story retold.
Thank you so much for sharing this.
Blessings!
DW