Christmas Oranges

Earlier this week when my camera decided not to work we made several goodie bags and took them to friends and primary teachers. Since then I've been debating if we should do something for our neighbors. Several weeks ago we had the sister missionaries over for dinner. We accepted their challenge to get to know our neighbors and eventually talk to them about the gospel. Since then we've done NOTHING! Then the other night I was flipping through the Ensign for January 2009. After reading the very 1st article, I decided we should do something for our neighbors this Christmas season but what? So last night it hit me. The Orange Story about the little boy in the orphanage. He looks forward all year long for his orange on Christmas Day. On accident he trapes mud into the home and is punished by the loss of his orange. He has a horrible Christmas Day. That night after his prayers he climbs into bed and he feels somebody giving him something in the dark. When he opens his hand he discovers a different looking orange. Each of the other 10 orphanges took 1 piece of their orange and created an whole orange for him. I've always loved this story. I figured this story would be perfect to give to our neighbors. So this morning on Christmas Eve I took my children to battle the crowds at the grocery store and bought oranges. I printed the Orange Story onto paper and Emily helped me tie them up

The kids put oranges into the goodie bags for me.

We then connected the story to the bag of oranges. Tonight after dinner we will be delivering them to everyone on our street. Hopefully this will be the start to changing our, waving at each other as we drive by relationship, with our neighbors.

It is Christmas Eve but better late then never.