What can you give this Christmas??

Me with two of my favorite girls at the orphanage- sisters Darline and Mimose.  They were teaching me Creole (see the book in my hand?)  and yes- they had just done my hair.  More "bonding time" with them.  

Widline and me in Chaveneau (her mom is one of my closest friends yet we can not truly speak to one another- we just sit and try to communicate and laugh as she teaches me to cook over the fire, wash my clothes in the creek, etc..)

     I have been trying to write a blog for about a week now (since returning from this last trip to Haiti) but have not been successful.  In fact, to be honest, I have not been successful in doing much of anything since returning.  Yes, I have made phone calls, returned e-mails that were absolutely necessary, gone to an eye doctor appointment, ran some essential errands, and yes! even done a bit of Christmas shopping.  But, this time has been a rough "re-entry" to say the least. So forgive me in advance if I sound cynical.  It's just hard to come back to the USA sometimes.  I truly hurt for my brothers/sisters here who have bought into the commercialism of Christmas, who are caught in the rushed pace we live, etc..
    Yesterday I found myself wandering around the stores to shop for Christmas doing more "people watching" than shopping.  I listened to the radio announcers asking their radio audience if they place a limit on how much they spend on one another for Christmas.  Caller after caller was saying things like, "Yes, we have agreed to only spend $100 on each other ($200 total for a couple) or $200 on each other ($400 per couple) and complaining about how they were not going to be happy with what they could buy for that amount.  Over and over I heard:  "Seriously, what can you buy for $200??"  or "What can you buy for $25??"  My mind was racing (as was my heart)... I dialed but did not get in to the station.  I wanted to scream??? "WHAT CAN YOU BUY??"  Are you kidding me??"  Let's see... you can buy a sweater, a small item or even a nice gift that someone really doesn't need.  Something that sits in the closet or drawer or on the shelf and rarely gets used.  OR you can buy something that truly means life/death to those in need somewhere in the world.  Something that will impact that person's physical, emotional and/or spiritual well being. You can give TIME to those who just need a person to listen.  You can share in their life.
     Many of you know I recently lost a good friend of mine.  A month ago she took her own life.  Would it have made a difference to sit with her and listen?  To let her know she was not alone?  Only she would know the answers to that question but I do know she was not the only hurting person in my life.
     Recently I have been blessed to spend some quality time in Chaveneau and also at the orphanage in Port au Prince.  Next week I return to Haiti again.  I see needs there and yes- they are real, true needs.  A case of chicken cost about $35 US and will feed about 40.  A clean water system will cost about $500 to install and will provide clean water for the entire community of Chaveneau for just pennies per day going forward.  Three bags of rice and a bag of beans costs about $200 US and will feed the girls at the orphanage for about a week. But the time spent with these people- sitting with them, hearing their stories, praying with them is truly priceless.  Giving them food, water, medical care, etc.. is important but giving them hope?? Letting them know someone cares?  Someone remembers their name when they leave?  You can't put a price tag on that.
      I am not saying you should not buy gifts at Christmas.I am not saying you need to give to Hearts United.  I am not saying you need to give to Haiti or even come on a trip with us.  But I AM saying that we need (as a nation) to think about what/how we spend the money  and other resources we have and what we truly NEED.  I AM saying that many will go into debt (and even depression) after the holidays from buying for others- left only with a stack of gifts that do not make them happy and still not filling that void inside- in fact it may even be larger because they are tired from running around trying to please those around them with things.
     Like everything else in life, there needs to be balance.  Put some time/thought into the gifts you are giving this Christmas season.  Write a note.  Send a personal card.  Surprise a friend who is having a tough time with a "lunch date" and spend TIME with them.  Don't just buy something and then check it off the list.  Invest in PEOPLE- whatever that looks like to you.
     So... back to the original question....  What can you give this Christmas??  I challenge you this holiday season to reach out- to your neighbors.  To your friends.  To strangers.  Just remember what CHRISTmas is all about.  Jesus could have just given out "things" but instead He chose to invest in those around Him.  He walked with them.  He shared life.  He listened.  Yes, He healed, He fed, He met physical needs.  But we hear nothing about Him  spending time/energy on things that will not last.  Ultimately, when we die we will not have our "things" with us.  When we stand in judgement before God and He asks us how the world was different because we were in it what will you say?  I pray I have done my part.  I pray I have been obedient to truly love those He has put before me.  I pray He is proud of what I have done with the time/money/talents He has given me.  I pray the same for you.
     Have a truly Merry Christmas!  And as always thanks for the prayers/financial support/and donations to our organization.  We are all blessed soooo much!   -  Crystal

PS- for those of you who have donated to the girls at the orphanage- here's some of what your money/donations did for them recently!  (below)  And in Chaveneau- FREE medical and dental care, dental education/toothbrushes/paste, etc...

each girl got a bag with "trinkets"- coloring pages, hair ties, underwear, granola bar, etc... 

Each girl got a brand new pillowcase dress courtesy of Dress a Girl Around the World - North Carolina

SOME of the bags on the floor of my bedroom- getting ready to hand out at the Christmas party  Dec. 22nd.

Bought 2 cases of chicken - which will give them this much meat for THREE meals (he makes it last)

We spent time together making friendship bracelets- what a fun day that was!  They LOVE doing crafts with people- more than bringing them gifts and handing them out.