A Visit to Antarctica....

Okay, maybe it wasn't Antarctica - just Kansas City under about a foot of snow, but it felt that cold. I think moving south has thinned my blood or something. But you have to give me a little credit...it was a high of 0 on Friday with a low of -30 and I don't care how many layers you put on, frostbite is still iminent. Last weekend Kevin and I flew back to our old home in KC to work on setting up a mission trip for our kids this summer. We're teaming up with two other churches - one in Texas and one in Memphis, TN so their youth pastor's met us in KC and the planning (and BBQ eating) commenced. The guys had several meetings each day to scope out where we might like our kids to serve. Our goal is to connect them with kids their own age who live very different lives from what they're used to. 80% of homeless people are single mothers with 2-3 kids - which means the vast majority of homeless people in general are children. Sure, we'll have them doing some grunt work: painting, cleaning, building, etc. But our main goal is to stretch them a little and move them away from some of the stereotypes they assume are true.

While the guys were in meetings....I was visiting my KC friends after 5 months away from them. I may not miss Kansas City but I do miss my friends. All their babies are getting so big! Emma, Luke, and Grayson didn't remember us since they were still teeny tinies when we moved. I was sooo relieved that Parker and Lukas remembered us. When I knocked at the Tharp house, Lukey's feet came running and when he saw me it was like we had never left...he didn't look shocked at all. Emmy was a little leary at first but she warmed up after a bit. Parker jumped right in and told me all about his dinosaurs (a recent obsession....so cute!). Luke looked so grown up and handsome. It was wonderful to get to sit and talk and eat and laugh with all of them again. I wish we could do it more often....we have many friends here but not so many right near my age and I miss my KC girls terribly! I'm hoping the Leagues can make a roadtrip in May to casa Knight. Any of the rest of the KC crew is welcome too! We'll see you all at the end of June....only another 5 months away. I can deal with that. Let the countdown begin!

Mandy

View of Union Station from my warm hotel room.

Downtown KC from our hotel.

Emma Claire engaged in my favorite pastime....snacking. She carried that bag around with her all afternoon.

Lukas and Kevin reunited at last. Let the wrestling, sword fighting, and pillow fighting begin!

Did you hear that mom?! Kevin is a pastor now. Hahhahhaahaha.

Parker and Lukas playing WWF on the couch.

Steps for Kids

Just before Christmas (Yes, I know this post is late....just consider it a belated Christmas gift from me to you) Kevin and I had the privilege of interacting with a local organization called Steps for Kids. A couple from our church is highly involved and extended an invitation for us to come and read the Christmas story at the annual Christmas party. This organization provides Christmas gifts for children in Marion County who otherwise would have none. Each family undergoes a screening process and there are some guidelines that must be met. 1. No family is helped more than once...simply because there are too many children out there who need assistance. 2. The child and at least one parent or guardian must attend the annual Christmas party and all gifts must be opened on the premesis. This makes it harder for parents or anyone else to sell the gifts later. 3. Each family must provide a list of clothing and necessities as well as toys that each child would like.

The week before Christmas we met at the local elementary school where the kids got their pictures taken with Santa and recieved a gift from him. Some liked it and some didn't....you know how that goes. Then they moved on to devour pizza and snacks. Once their bellies were full, Kevin told them the Christmas story (they're less squirmy if they're full) and prayed with them. Finally, when their little hearts could take no more...the gifts came. Each child recieves $200 worth of gifts and for most it was the biggest and best Christmas ever! We had a wonderful time passing out gifts, ooohhing and aaahhhing, wading through the wrapping paper wonderland, and carrying gifts out to the cars.

Generally, Steps for Kids helps about 105 kids each Christmas. Due to a lack of funds and help they were only able to help 34 kids this year. As a result this will be the last year that Steps for Kids is in operation. We hate to see such a good thing end. Jasper Church of the Nazarene may not be able to do all that Steps for Kids did but hopefully next Christmas we can take a more active role in helping Marion County kids.

Check out the pictures....

A mountain of presents!

This is Mack...he is one of our churchgoers and he loves helping out the kids...one of the kindest guys you'll ever meet.

Patricia Simmons and Carol Leathers. Carol is Mack's wife and Patricia is her mother. Carol has been in leadership with Steps for Kids for many years. She's so sad to see it end!

May we all strive to be generous and kind in the new year,

Kevin and Mandy