Operation Christmas Child

This year we started what I hope will become a yearly tradition with our family; Operation Christmas Child. 

 

I love the idea of teaching my kids to be givers and modeling being good stewards of the money God has given to us by helping those in need. 

 

On the way to the store I talked to Joshua about how Jesus wants us to help people and how some kids don't have toys so we were going to go buy some toys for them.  When I told him that some kids don't have toys he asked so innocently, "Why did they take their toys away?" 

 

Joshua was so cute roaming the aisles picking out toys.  He would find something and say, "I think they will like this."  Once I okayed the item I would then find not one, not two but a handful of that one item in the cart.  I was so proud watching Joshua put thought into doing something for someone else.  He only asked for something for himself one time.  We found some neat light up balls and he picked one up and said, "for me!"  But he was totally fine when I told him we were there to buy other kids toys.

 

 

Pushing Kayla down the aisle looking for a good coloring book. 

(This picture reminds me of the scene in Home Alone when the boy is grocery shopping by  himself.)

Putting his items on the belt to pay for them. 

Carrying the bag of goodies to the car.  He was so excited!

 

On the way home Joshua said, "I want to give them my cars."  (One of his top toys).  When I asked, "You want to give them your cars?!?!"  He said, "Yea!"  Then thought for a minute and said, "Well, maybe just like one." Then he continued, "I think they will like a fast one.  I think they will like a ramp!"  He is such a thoughtful little guy!

 

After our shopping trip we went home and packed up our box. 

Of course we had to test out all the toys first.  You know, to make sure they all worked alright ;)

 

 

 

Kayla, happy as a clam playing with a package of unopened pencils. 

Look at that face of concentration.  This toy was a little too big for the box with the packaging on and he was trying to figure out a way to make it work.  His little sister thought that was pretty funny.  

I LOVE this picture!  Look how proud Kayla is to be helping her big brother!  I don't think this pair could be any sweeter!



I sure am praying for the little one that receives our box and hope that through these toys he will feel the love of Jesus.