The Best Day You Never Had

One thing we do exceptionally well here at The Sheepfold is a special occasion. Whether it's a birthday, baby shower, Thanksgiving, Christmas, or graduation, we go all out with the help of our wonderful supporters! I loved spending Christmas morning here and it will always be a treasured memory (click here to read that story). But Christmas has not been the only awesome day we've celebrated.
You can't tell but there's 110 gifts under that tree!

Today we threw a baby shower for one of our new moms. I will call her Naomi. I made her and her children's favorites: Ceviche Tostadas, barbecue ribs, horchata, and blue cupcakes. Naomi is having a boy so we went with a circus theme (all decorations and gifts were donations). We had favors, balloons, a cake, streamers, and LOTS of gifts. Naomi received some cute baby boy clothes in all different sizes, a new diaper bag, baby blankets, as well as some beauty supplies and satin pajama's for herself. She and the other moms around the table had a look of awe as we opened gift after gift that was lovingly picked out and wrapped by someone they may never meet. Even the children present were surprised and grateful that total strangers would love on them so much.

For many families that enter our shelter this is the first time they've truly celebrated a momentous occasion. Many never experienced the support of a loving family at the birth of their child or graduation, and some only have negative, turmoil, or abuse-filled memories of birthdays and holidays past. It's so awesome to give a mother or child the best day they never had...and I keep shaking my head at the fact I get paid to do this! I love The Sheepfold!!
Circus Themed Baby Shower

 We (the shelter families and managers) don't get too many opportunities to meet or say thank you to the wonderful donors and volunteers, but when we do it's fun to share a little of our experiences and stories with them! One way we get to meet volunteers and they get to meet us is by hanging out at one of our Saturday "Sheepfold Nights." We get to share a meal together and play with the kids while the moms get a much needed break and opportunity to learn valuable tools for dealing with domestic violence and single parenthood.
The best cupcakes ever! "Chocolate-peanut-butter-cream-cheese-with-a-kiss" Made for one of our Sheepfold Nights.
Another great opportunity to help out is coming up this Summer where we are looking for some people willing to help watch kids for a couple hours on a weeknight, primarily Thursdays. With our kids out of school right now it can get a little taxing on our moms. The kids would love to make some new friends and expend some energy while our moms could use the time for Bible study or to get caught up on their goals...it's a win/win!! If you're interested or want to know more ways to help out let me know by leaving a comment here or call (877) 743-3736.

If I could show you pictures of our current residents I would show you pictures of Naomi smiling with her eyes radiating with gratitude and love. Instead I'll show you a picture of something our kids made to say thank you. Enjoy!

Cookies our kids decorated for the people who donated our Christmas Tree

Who have YOU loved on today? It's not too late!

Comments

  1. iamwindandfireJune 26, 2012 at 8:42 AM

    I take so much for granted. Thank you JJ for being God's hands and feet and for showing them what it means to be truly loved!

    ReplyDelete

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