My mom and Andy's mom donated patterns for pajamas and money for fabric, and there were honestly gasps, clapping, and cheering when I told the girls that I would be back in a few days to teach them how to sew a pair of pajama bottoms. Oh my gosh, they were so excited! Most of the girls at the safe house arrive with only the clothes on their backs, so sleeping in real pj's is a luxury that they haven't had for quite a while depending on how long they've been there.
My girlfriend and I arrived early this morning and everybody quickly went to work. It was definitely a collaborative effort getting everybody's pants sewn, especially since neither Dawn (my friend) or I even know how to sew all that well! It was truly an amazing sight watching so many women spreading out their fabric, cutting, measuring, sewing... I honestly wondered if we were even doing it right! But then, a few hours later, one by one they each would hop up - pj's either on or held up high in the air and proudly announce that she did it! Oh, what a celebration it was when they would try on their pants and find out that they actually fit! And how hard we laughed when one (or two, or three) would put their pj's on only to have them drop to the floor because we somehow measured wrong! There were lots of giggles, hugs, and definitely some very special memories made today. I am so lucky to know these women.
And because I just can't post anything without including a photo or two, here are a couple of pictures that I took at the girls' school party/program and also over Christmas break in the US. I actually only took a handful, can you believe it?
Wow. Kids from all over the world lifting their hands to Jesus. It was breath-taking..
It was so funny picking out Christmas (sun) dresses for the girls this year!
Mia and cousin Willie!
There's nothing quite like Christmas at my parents' house. :)
