1. Successful Celebration Dinner
Thank you to all the people who helped make the Celebration Dinner a memorable and impactful night. You know who you are. I so appreciate you!
I think it's easy to say that most everyone's favorite part of the night was hearing from the youth about why they are a part of Friends of Refugees. A lot said it was a place where they had friends, felt like they belonged, and were part of another family. Others said they enjoy learning about the Bible and having a safe place to talk about struggles and seek support. They also pretty unanimously agree the food is awesome. If those aren't reasons to celebrate, I don't know what is.
2. Fall Parties
One of our previous High School Helpers reached out to a staff member to let her know that she missed her and wanted to catch up. This prompted the planning of a fall party for our High School Helper girls to reunite for a night and get together with the staff still in the area. It was great to hear them reminiscing about the summer and teaching the girls about the goodness that is a warm bowl of chili (almost none of them had eaten it before).
During a time of sharing what we were all thankful for, I was surprised by the answer of one of the girls. She shared that she had been in a pretty bad place and was having a hard time loving herself and making friends. Sumer Camp was a place that loved her anyway and made her feel like a part of the whole. I had no idea she had been struggling so much, but to hear that just being there had healed her soul, even a little, was such a testimony to me of all the other stories of hope and encouragement that I may never know. I realize what a blessing it is to have people share what it means to them to be a part of the Friends family and I hope I continue to learn the stories of those involved.
3. Friendsgiving
We have worked long and hard to make the youth programs feel like a family. This time last year was a struggle, but we've grown together and celebrated our first ever Friendsgiving. With all the traditional favorites, staff and volunteers have worked (and cooked) to share this very American holiday with our friends.
White table cloths, candles, and flowers made the room feel extra special as students wrote what they were thankful on a banner before getting in line for Thanksgiving classics. Explaining cornbread dressing and green bean casserole was harder than I thought it would be! But sharing culture is one of my very favorite parts of my job. :)
White table cloths, candles, and flowers made the room feel extra special as students wrote what they were thankful on a banner before getting in line for Thanksgiving classics. Explaining cornbread dressing and green bean casserole was harder than I thought it would be! But sharing culture is one of my very favorite parts of my job. :)
4. Christmas is Coming
I won't say how many more weeks there are until Christmas...just know that it's coming. I love Christmas. I love traditions and gatherings and the food associated with the holiday. And I love that it's a time to give. At FOR, we make it real easy to have a great Christmas by helping some other people have a great Christmas too. I'm sure you've seen me post about the Christmas Store, but I truly hope you'll get involved. Go to this link or email christmas@friendsofrefugees.com and find a way to help spread Christmas cheer.
5. You
I've thought long and hard about it and I finally came to a conclusion. I have the best job ever. And I wouldn't if it wasn't for people like you who support me financially, spiritually, and personally. I'm so encouraged by you getting excited about the future with me, wanting to know about updates, and caring about the wonderful people I have the honor and pleasure of working with.
| Look at that tasty food from Friendsgiving! |
| One of the photo booth pictures from a fall festival |
You're the best!
Happy Holidays!!!
