It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas (minus the snow)

A quick update since it has been almost a month since my last entry:

I just returned from a short but sweet trip to see Casey this past weekend. It was awesome to see him and spend some time with his family, and to see some other friends while I was there. It was also a welcome change of scenery from the Inn; I saw snow and trees, things that are in short supply here. I am back for the long haul and will be here until probably February when I go on a recruiting trip to Siena. The family is coming here for Christmas, which is so incredibly exciting. The boys will arrive tomorrow night and Mom and Dad get in Monday morning. I cannot wait to be "in the bosom of my family."

Donations have been pouring in throughout the month of December as people have been struck by Christmas spirit. I am in charge of sorting items in our toiletry room and I've never been busier. Pounds of soap and other necessities are flowing out of the tiny room in the basement. We have gotten everything from Barbies to deodorant (something we always need) to thermal underwear to leftovers from large Christmas gatherings. I've been handed numerous checks and cash donations, along with garbage bags full of blankets and, inevitably, turkeys in everyone's trunks just like Thanksgiving. Right after Thanksgiving we handed out whole desserts for close to a week straight. It will be a miracle if all of our guests aren't diabetic by the dawn of 2008.

Our guests are taking the cold weather in stride. There are fewer and fewer people hanging around outside after eating and no one likes standing in line before being seated. We compensate with hot tea and hearty soup as much as possible. The dining room is decorated for Christmas, complete with a tree and Santa flying along the walls with reindeer designed at the kids' Christmas party a few weeks ago (a smashing success followed immediately by naps on the parts of the volunteers).

My next project will be attempting to post some pictures so you can see what the Inn is like-your patience with this endeavor is appreciated. I will also be posting some more personal updates soon. I hope the Advent season has been a joyful one thus far and that the upcoming holiday fills your hearts with peace and joy.