12 Days of Christmas at Casa Shalom

On the twelfth day of Christmas,
Casa Shalom sent to me:

12 children chasing
11 kids coloring
10 soccer players
9 troubling teens
8 smiling siblings
7 kid filled houses
6 tiring toddlers
5 souls made new
4 card players
3 kite flyers
2 arms open
and a big happy family!!!

When I think upon the story of Christmas, I think of Casa Shalom. Mary and Joseph were sent out of their town to give birth to the Savior, in saving his life from Herod, even though it would’ve been easier for them to stay in Nazareth. All that was available was a stable. They didn’t plan on welcoming Jesus into the world surrounded by oxen and horses. But God did. No, it didn’t provide everything that a hostel, an inn, or a guest room would’ve given them, but it was just right. He was given cloths, a trough to rest his head, and gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. God chose to welcome His Son into the world in Bethlehem, providing the manager as a birthing place alongside wise men, shepherds, his earthly parents, and a few animals. God was with them through their time in Nazareth, on the journey to Bethlehem, and through  and after the birth of Emmanuel. It was all part of His plan.

When children come into the world, some are sent to live a portion of their young lives in an orphanage, saving them from abuse, starvation, poverty, and sometimes death, even though they may have a father and/or mother back at “home.” All thats available is an orphanage. The kids don’t plan on living inside the walls of a children’s home. But God did. No, we at Casa Shalom can’t give the kids everything a home environment could’ve given them, but it is just right. They are given new clothes, a bed to rest their head, and gifts of food, education, the gospel, and psychological care. God chose each one of these kids to have their lives impacted by those at Casa Shalom, providing a place to call home, alongside psychologists, short term missionaries, volunteers, house parents, and a few animals. God is with them while they were living with relatives, on their journey through their retrieval and court date, and through and after their time at Casa Shalom. It is all part of His plan.

Hoping and praying everyone has a Merry Christmas with their friends and family!
Feliz Navidad y Próspero Año Nuevo!
(Merry Christmas and Happy New Year)