Yesterday we were able to participate in a shoebox distribution.  For everyone that has ever packed a shoebox at Christmas, we want to say thank you.  Operation Christmas Child is a great outreach that Samaritan's Purse does. 
We drove an hour to a church in Miragone. As we pulled in there were children already waiting.  We unloaded the boxes and the local pastor started checking names.  The children would come to the door and give their ticket and name to the pastor's wife.  She would check them off and allow only the children in.  Parents waited outside for the ceremony to end.  This may seem like a strange way of doing things. We can imagine what a room of 70, 5-9 yr olds would be like at home without parents.  Here the children were well behaved.  They all came in and sat down on the pews.  They were quiet and did not harass each other.  I am not sure if they understood what was happening.  After all the children came in, we sang a few songs and the pastor talked about what they were about to receive.  One of the Candians who spoke french told the children why we were doing this.  She talked about the love of Christ and how we were sharing because of this love.      

     We handed out the boxes and booklets.  The pastor talked about the Greatest Journey curriculum.  This is a 12 week study that explains what it means to be a follower of Christ and how they can have that relationship with Christ.  At the end of the 12 weeks, there is a graduation ceremony.  Each graduate receives a certificate and a bible.  The booklet that was handed out is what they will study.   Each child sat patiently with their shoebox on their lap.  The pastor asked who wanted to participate and each child yelled, "Yes!". 

     Finally, they were allowed to open the boxes.  There was some hesitation and struggling with the tape, but finally everyone opened their box.  It was so exciting to see the smiles and watch as joy spread over their faces.  Some opened their box and then closed it right back.  I think they were afraid of losing an item.  Others started rummaging through to see all the goodies.  It seems that they loved the candy and toys the best.  Several children got sunglasses, which was a big hit.  One child received clown glasses with a large nose attached and he wore them home.  One child received a toothbrush and was imitating brushing her teeth.  She was so excited about something as simple as a toothbrush.  Something that we take for granted. 

        It was an awesome opportunity to be on the receiving end instead of just the packing end.  After each child had time to open their gift, the parents were allowed back in to collect their child. They rushed in and scooped up the boxes.  It seemed they wanted to make sure that their child's box would not be stolen.  They were very protective of each box.

      As each family left, we stood watching and wondering what God has in store for that community.  I pray that God raises up young leaders.  Leaders that listen and obey His Word.  Leaders that reach Haiti for Jesus.  I praise God for the opportunity that Samaritan's Purse has here and around the world to share the Good News.  I praise Him for letting us be a part of His plan.  Next time you pack a shoebox, pack it as though you are giving it to someone dear to you.  Want to give the best that you can.  God blesses a cheerful giver!