2015 Shoebox Appeal
The BIG BOX is now in the Hall Vestibule – we are, once again, asking for donations of small gifts suitable for the Shoeboxes – we especially need SMALL TOYS and STATIONERY but toothbrushes, toothpaste, face flannels, soap, hats, gloves, scarves, sweets, and balls would be great too!! We are again hoping to put a big smile on lots of faces – fill a box to let the children know they are not forgotten. Thank you.
The Shoebox Packing Night is on 4th November 2015 – come along and to the hall at 7.00 p.m. and enjoy a night of fun and fellowship as we fill the boxes. Everyone welcome.
Pat’s visit to Kosovo – December 2014:
As I returned from my previous three distribution trips with Operation Christmas Child, to Belarus and Crimea, I vowed I would never come home “comparing” with a negative motive the lifestyles of “them and us”. Not to criticise or compare but to embrace the customs and culture of the country I was visiting, was what I was told on my very first experience of these different customs and cultures. Before I went off to Kosovo I would have endorsed the fact that I was abiding by these words of guidance directed at me a few years ago as I made a certain remark at the airport in Minsk.
But, I have to admit that I realise more than ever how fortunate I am in so many ways. I have my health, my family, my friends and a freedom to live my life more or less as I please (within reason of course!!!)
Our team of twelve stayed in Pristina, Europe’s newest capital, as Kosovo only gained its independence 6 years ago. There, there was a prominence of young folk as over half the population is under 25 years of age. Lots of the older generation had either fled the country during the troubles in recent years or they had not survived at all. A country made up of Christians and Muslims. The team met with partners out there who had reverted to Christianity because, in the words of one young girl, ‘we learn good things’. After the troubles of recent years the Kosovans endeavour to encourage the young to stay and build up their country for the future.
Distributing the gift filled shoeboxes is an experience never to be forgotten, with some boys and girls delirious with excitement while others show no emotion at all. Very often we don’t know the story behind these emotions but we do know that each and every box we hand over has been filled with love and it is this love, God’s love, that we go out there to share with these boys and girls regardless of their colour or creed.
We spent one afternoon in a play club on the outskirts of Kosovo where the children were from the Roma community. Their ‘toys’ for the session were not balls or bats or skipping ropes but two toilet rolls! They had great fun and I have to admit my favourite picture is one of one wee lad Arlind giving me the biggest cuddle you could ever, ever imagine. Arlind may have no bats or balls, he many not even live in a house, but he had aspirations, just like our wee boys of being a great football player.
A mixture of emotions? Yes, it was but memories once again, to treasure and share and fuel to continue and encourage the tremendous ‘shoebox’ team we have here in Annan Old.