Christmas can mean many things to many people: for some of us, it is a time we look forward to as we get together and catch up with those that are close to us. To some of us, Christmas can seem very overwhelming or we can feel that it is much too commercialized.(I know that I personally dread going into the busy mall and being surrounded by people who often seem to be the most uncheerful givers!)
A group from Manitoba have decided to get away from it all and go back to the true meaning of Christmas: to give the Gift of Love. This Christmas, these amazing people will be giving a family in Mexico ultimate gift: a home that they have only dreamed of!
Each member of this Hero Holiday team was asked what they most look forward to, and this is their answers:
Jessica – I am most excited to see the people that live there and the family that will be living in the house.
Harvey – I’m excited about sharing this experience with our kids. I’m also looking forward to meeting the family we’re helping
Barb – Kerry and I have dreamed about taking our kids on a humanitarian trip for so many years and it’s finally happening!!! I’m also blown away by how passionate each one of my children and husband is about making a difference in this world. I can hardly wait to see how our lives will be changed and I am so excited to finally meet the family who we are building the house for!
Quinton – I’m excited about building a house and tasting new foods.
Jackson – I’m excited about being in a place I’ve never been before.
Hannah – I’m looking forward to the scenery, to speaking Spanish, and to fun traveling!!
Christa – I’ve been wanting to go on a mission trip for a very long time! I am so pumped to build that house and see the looks on the family’s faces!
Judy – I am excited about working together with others I hardly know and being part of an awesome “gift” to a family!
Alison – I am wicked excited to see how those people live, and hope that I will come back as a changed person and more grateful and blessed!
Danae – I have been dreaming about experiencing Christmas in another culture.
Kelsey – I am really pumped about meeting the little kids and being able to make them smile and give them hope again!!
Jeannine – I can’t wait to interact with the locals especially the children – and watch my own children do the same!
Ashton – Everything!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Alyia – I can’t wait to meet all the kids!
Gina - I’m extremely excited about learning about a different country and culture. The thing I’ve been looking forward to and thinking about the most is meeting the kids. I can’t wait to play with them and create some new relationships.
Thomas - I’m excited about doing something different for Christmas, helping less those who are less fortunate, and touring Mexico!!
Lori - I’m excited about building, meeting new people, and being surrounded by another culture, language, etc.
Savannah – I’m excited to see all the little kids and to play with them and make a difference in all the people’s lives there!!
So, stay tuned! There is more to come from this group as they travel across the country in a bus and continue their 2008 Hero Holiday Christmas Adventure!
I am very proud of my daughter Jessica who I’m hoping will have a trip of a life time. It’s one thing as a parent to always be telling your kids how lucky they are but this way she’ll be able to see what I’ve been trying to tell her. For those who have never been away from home before I hope on this trip you will learn how good we have it here, there’s nothing like home! I will wish & pray for success with their mission, good health to be able to carry out their duties,humor to be able to put up with each other(it’s a long bus ride)& the strength to be able to walk away when it’s time to go home and not want to take everyone home with you (no pets Jessica!) Most of all safety on everyone’s journey there and back. Best of luck,be proud of the difference you will be making in someone’s life. xxx’s for all
My prayers go with you all as you give of yourselves to make this a Christmas memory that will never be forgotten -
1.) by the family who will now live in a wonderful home built by love,
2.) by the team reaching out in love to give a lasting gift of the true spirit of Christmas - love, joy and peace on earth
Go and know there are a host of people cheering you on. I hope you will discover blessings beyond what you can imagine right now.
P.S.
I’m so proud of my wonderful family and the joy they are in the world around them!
Hey, team members!
Just wanted to let you know that I will thinking of you while you are in Mexico! Good for you to leave your family over Christmas time to serve in a foreign country. God bless you all!
Olivia (Hannah’s daughter & Christa’s sister)
Oh, and … watch out for Harv! He likes to work people hard!
Just kidding!
Hey guys ! Thanks for all the support ! Our first day has been amazing and everything has gone better than planned! Pictures cannot even explain the things we are experiencing ! Right now we’re sitting on our balcony enjoying the view of our street here at the dorm! and wow, its AWESOME to actually be here in Mexico. More info will be posted soon and we’ll try to keep you updated every day … Valise Navidad !