Elves in Lafayette

This weekend the YAV house made the two hour trip to Lafayette to help the First Presbyterian Church distribute Christmas baskets and decoration to families in the area. They were very grateful to have 8 willing volunteers to help sign people in, organize them and be their personal shoppers. I had an absolute blast and the 5 hours we were there was a whirlwind of picking out baskets, deciding between Christmas wreaths and getting an amazing arm workout - the time honestly flew by. We even got to wear elf hats while we worked!

Alex and me rocking our elf hats!

My role was to be a personal shopper which means that as families were called I would look at the baskets they needed on their list, help them decide on which basket to choose and show them all the Christmas decorations we have. The families were so impressed by all the choices of baskets, the organization of the ministry and the fact that they got to have personal shoppers! I felt so blessed to be a part of such an awesome project. The waiting area had cookies, coffee, hot chocolate, magazines and a kid's station - every part was really well thought out and executed. The church was explaining to us that they had been collecting baskets and Christmas supplies since August and had already begun making baskets for Easter. In addition to the hundreds of baskets that they had for the families that day, they were also making an additional 200 baskets for case workers families. How incredible is that?

This room was filled with baskets for newborns through age 10! Every basket had a stuffed animal and books along with other goodies clients could preview through the clear wrapping. 

This room was called the Room of Abundance (kind of sounds like its out of a Harry Potter movie, right?) and was filled with Christmas decorations, wrapping paper, lights, garland, ornaments, stockings....you name it!

Wreaths and flower arrangements that clients could choose from!

More baskets! 

I felt so much joy helping families pick out baskets for themselves and their loved ones. Many families expressed how much this meant to them and how these baskets were making their holiday season. It was truly rewarding to be a part of bringing joy to these families Christmas'. I received countless hugs and even shed a few tears! I felt completely in my element engaging with the families and helping them out - it was a truly beautiful afternoon.

I truly think that this is what the holiday season should be about. Of course it's important to spend time with your family and friends - exchanging gifts, singing songs and enjoying each other's company. But I think its especially important to give that joy to families and individuals where that is not a give in. Holidays have given me some of the best memories but can often times be the darkest time of the year for others who don't get to enjoy the luxuries that I am lucky to have. I think spreading true holiday joy - with complete strangers - is the one of the most meaningful and powerful activities you can partake in.

My beautiful YAV family with our silly elf hats on. 

Lesson from the Journey: Before heading to the church, our YAV house and site coordinator stopped for lunch at a farm to table restaurant called the Saints Street Inn where I had a delicious burger dubbed the Manburger - grass fed beef, bacon, manchego cheese, avocado, this amazing mayo and topped with a fried egg not to mention paired with these to die for hand cut fries. Nothing like a delicious meal before a rewarding afternoon.

Manburger