Joy to the World the Lord has come.
Hi friend!
This Christmas season is feeling very special. On the ministry side of things, I was meeting with a staff member at Oak Creek Youth Correctional Facility and a youth walked by, stopped, and with a big smile said, “Jen!”. I haven’t seen this youth for almost a year. I jumped up and gave her a big hug, she was so happy and said I made her day. I reciprocated the same feeling and I get to see her at the Christmas party next week.
Financially, I am so grateful to share that through your kindness, we have successfully met the matching gift challenge issued by the Huddart Family Foundation back in May. Event-wise, we are once again hosting a Christmas party at the Jackie Winters Transition Program, which is part of Oak Creek Youth Correctional Facility located in Albany. We are currently expecting up to a dozen young women in attendance and what is unique about these youth is that they have experienced program success to the point that they are learning how to transition back into their communities. Because of that, they are allowed unique privileges including receiving personal Christmas gifts. As in the past, facility administrators have given us wish lists for each young woman and we will be spending approximately $75 on each. As you consider your year-end giving to Mid-Valley YFC, consider increasing your gift by $75 in order to participate. In exchange, we would very much love to write your names (first name only) on the gift bag. We think this would be a special and surprising touch for these ladies.
Personally, I continue to be alternately delighted and overwhelmed about carrying the responsibility of being a foster parent. All throughout, however, is a deep sense of purpose and thankfulness. Decorating the Christmas tree feels different this year and an unexpected photo opportunity became a sweet family Christmas card. This young woman has changed our lives and although I am sometimes fearful about not being enough, the Lord continues to remind me that HE is all that I need.
