Spider Man & Football

We just finished a party for a 5 year old boy and a 14 year old boy last Friday.  I was worried about the age differences but everything turned out quite well.  We had the usual fun decorations, balloons, and cake. But this time, we added party favor baskets for each child, pizza, silly string and a face painting clown.   

We had 30-35 kids this time! All of the little ones from a different emergency shelter came since one of the birthday boys was in that house.  Previous to this party, I thought it was heartbreaking enough to see the older children in the home.  But, there is a whole new level of heart break for these little ones.  The ages ranged from 4 months to 5 and there were many of them.  I got to hold some of the babies and despite their circumstances, they were all so happy.  Several of them touched my heart. And as usual, I wanted to load them up in the suburban and take them home.

Both birthday boys were shy at first, but by the end of the party, they were beaming.  Especially the 14 year old.  Despite his circumstances, he is one of the kindest and sweet hearted 14 year olds I have met.  When I met him at the previous party, I tried to get him to tell me some of his interests. He was painfully shy and wouldn't say much. When asked what things interested him, he just shrugged his shoulders.  He couldn't even think of anything he wanted.  Eventually, we pried out his interest in sports and a caretaker let us know he wanted an MP3 player.  By the end of the party, his "Joker" painted face was gleaming and he really came out of his shell. I was so glad that he enjoyed the clown as well.  It was obvious he had a great time and I received many thanks and hugs from him.

God, once again, provided everything needed. Another volunteer from the home truly stepped up to help by providing the balloons, pizza and gift for the 14 year old.  Another friend of mine from Odessa Mother's Club provided gifts for the 5 year old.  And as usual, my parents always help out.  I am so thankful for these people and thankful that the Lord placed it on their heart to give. 

Almost all of the children really enjoyed getting their faces painted and they were adorable. I so wish I could show a picture of all of their smiling, painted faces.  The hugs and smiles we received from these children were priceless. Thank you Lord for allowing us to be with these children.