Yes, it's true ... the holidays are upon us! How did that happen? Let's back up just a bit.
November snuck up on us after the wrath of Hurricane Sandy in late October. While our personal effects were minimal, by the first days of November it was clear that many others needed our help. Though school was cancelled through November 2, our days were filled! Friends and family were in and out of our home to escape the cold. We volunteered time at our church, which partnered with local organizations and municipalities to provide meals for two nearby shelters. My husband's working hours went through the roof as he tried to meet the needs of those in our community who were struggling as a result of the storm. Yet in the midst of the chaos, it was amazing to see how God worked in and through us (and so many others) to share His love with people in need.
But, once we were able to settle back in to routine again, November brought some great times:
1. A successful a.j.e.less designs open house party! This year brought our highest sales and best attendance yet! We decided that 10% of our sales from the night would be donated to the Red Cross for Hurricane Sandy relief efforts.
2. A night out on the town! We thought that the student teachers should get to see NYC in its full glory, so we took the ferry into Midtown at dusk, stopped for a bite to eat, and went to see a Broadway show! It was definitely not your typical Thursday night (and a little harder getting up that following Friday morning)!
3. Supper Six. This great idea sparked at my church a few months ago -- families signed up to gather for a meal with 2 other families that they did not know very well. Each family agreed to meet once a month, taking turns hosting dinner in their home. The hope was to build community in the body of Christ. We were assigned to host first, so I broke out all the dinner plates (actually had to borrow some from our downstairs neighbors) and set the table for 10. It was tight, but we made it work! We bought enough wine and bread to go around, baked two different lasagnas, and asked each of the other two families to bring salad or dessert. I admit I had some butterflies in my stomach as I waited for 6:00 to roll around that Sunday (we are not at the top of the most outgoing list!), but the 10 of us had a wonderful dinner together! It was great to get to know others from our church family that much better. It's amazing how much closer you feel after just one meal. I was worried that their kids may feel out of place, but they each brought their own additions to the conversation. We look forward to our upcoming dinners with these new church friends!
4. The second grade students were responsible for presenting the Thanksgiving chapel at our school. It's always a bit stressful putting the program together (you can only imagine practicing with 30 7-8 year olds), but the end result always turns out adorable, even if mistakes are made. My favorite part of this year's program was a slideshow of pictures drawn by the second grade students about what they are thankful for. I promise I didn't even make him write this! :)
5. Of course, the Thanksgiving break was also a highlight of the month! We spent the holiday with my family this year. It was a small and quiet gathering, but relaxing. All in my family were very thankful that my youngest brother's recent knee surgery was a success and that his recovery is quickly progressing! But of course, the list of things to give thanks for is long ... more to come about that soon! (I hope not to wait so long before posting again!)
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