When my brothers and I were kids in Washington, Christmas Eve was a delicious combination of anticipation and frustration. We were not allowed to even peek at the presents under the tree. Mom would get upset with us for shaking presents to see if they rattled. We wanted to stay up to check out the sleigh-and-reindeer thing, but Dad would shoo us off at 8:00 or so to go to bed. We wouldn't sleep, of course, but we were out of the way.
Six decades later, here I am. I woke up this morning thinking it was Saturday. Nope, it's Saturday Eve! Tomorrow morning I get together with some of my mission family to kick-start our 2011 program. We're going to descend upon the Borders Bookstore and claim a bunch of warehouse shelving, desks, office chairs, and odds and ends to take to our now-empty warehouse. Then off to the warehouse to set it all up. I scarcely can wait! And another brother has located some additional heavy-duty shelving which he will bring to the warehouse tomorrow, as well. 
On Tuesday, our first load of food is scheduled in, and sometime next week we hope to move the food we have at our Pilot Freight/Miramar Transport location down. We'll have about 20 pallets ready for a packing party next weekend. 6 pallets are already designated for feeding programs in the La Mision area, and the rest will go quickly - some to Maneadero and La Zorrillo, some to Tijuana, some to Tecate. Lots of hungry kids will get fed. And so the year starts!
Debra has hired a team of exterminators to make sure no food goes to rodents - a pair of warehouse cats. All we need is a fireplace and it will be just like home. (I wonder what kind of animals we men would be if God had not given Adam his tender partner, Eve.)
As a kid, I don't remember ever being disappointed on Christmas morning, even though during some of those years finances were pretty slim. I was delighted with new clothes and school supplies. Now, the blessings are grown-up. I have never been at a place in my life where I have been more blessed than during these past few months. Side-by-side with Debra, circled by generous and helpful friends, with a family of thousands of precious kids. And directed each step of the way by a loving and caring God.
So, God, are you going to tell me what's in store for Hilarious Givers this year? Not even a peek? How 'bout I shake it to see if it rattles? No? OK - I'm off to work. I wish I knew what gifts are in store for us, but I have faith that they will be beyond my wildest expectations.
Prayers for a prosperous year to do God work. We are HIS hands.
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