Speechless

This afternoon I was getting back from Starbucks where the guys hung out with my Dad and celebrated his birthday.

I walked through the main doors and there was a beautiful African man waiting for me with two bags of rice and a jar of olive oil. Eugene is a recent arrival to Canada and in his country, it is a Christmas tradition and honour to present the pastor of the church with two bags of rice and a jar of olive oil.

He took a cab from the south end of our city to the east end to arrive at the church, then took a bus back home – in the middle of a snow storm all to present me, personally with this gift and to wish me and my family a Merry Christmas.

I am both undone and speechless at the beauty of this gift and act of honour.

Then I sat down at my desk, checked email and Lori and I received another gift from Hope. It was in the form of an email filled with encouragement and life-giving words. While the contents of the will email remain personal, its effects on my life must not.

I have been over-the-moon blessed this Christmas season, and for each card, word, or gift that I and my family have received, you must know that we are truly grateful for such an amazing community to be apart of.