Stuff

Lots of stuff always happening. None of it monumental, just living.
One, our mommy cat has disappeared. We still have Lulubelle, her daughter.
We are in our new house, and there is a big field behind the houses where we live. We think that our kitty went over our fence and then over our neighbor's fence and into the field. She is a very good hunter. Even though she has a bell on her collar, she would still bring dead mice and pigeons to our back door. We are all praying that she will come back.
The men's houses are filling up, mainly because it is getting cold and nasty outside. Last Christmas all five men's houses were full. Now, we have two more houses, and they are getting full. Betel is meant to be a long-term program, but many leave in the spring. But, full houses means lots of people for Christmas.
Everyone in the centres draw names, and everyone is given 5 pounds to spend for the person they drew. Then on Christmas day we have a big Christmas dinner for all - close to 200 people last year, and then they call out names and everyone gets their present. It is fun because many people get gag gifts.
Last year I was in charge of making sure everyone got a gift, as we had new guys coming in up to Christmas eve. It all worked out, kinda. I just bought about five extra tins of candy and had name tags in the inner office. Because some people had swapped names, some had left, some had gone home, there were about four people whose names were never called. But I ran in the office and came out with presents for all. Yeah! I hope I don't get that job again this year.
We just stay really busy. I now understand why people come off "the field" to rest. There is so much to do and very few workers. I never feel like I have gotten everything done as much or as well as I could have. We pray for more men and women to come in, but we need to be praying for more workers! We have teams come over from Virginia, Pennsylvania and the Carolinas and they are such a great help and encouragement. I don't think they can even imagine how much they encourage the men and women. We need day-to-day workers to answer the phones and drive people around. I guess I am just tired. I feel guilty when I find time to relax, even at home, because there are things I should be doing at home. Ok, I think it is time for a restful cup of tea and a quick sit-down.