Kettles, Kettles, Kettles - oh and the rest of my winter assignment

Can there be too many stories about Christmas kettles??? I don't think so. I mean how many times have you heard someone talking about cute children dropping money in the kettle? or people stopping to say what great work is being done? or people who have been helped before and are now wanting to help others? It never gets old for me. I love each and every story I hear and each and every one I experience. Today was a classic for me and that was the kettle backed by a small brass ensemble...and for a change I was not part of that ensemble. Now I love playing in the band and always have but today it was a treat to see the reactions of the people listening to the players. To see the kids stop, bring their parents back, and a personal favourite, having them dance around. It was such a great sight to see today that I don't normally get to see - hidden behind a horn as I usually am.

Now, on a quick side note I have been having a blast on my winter assignment. I have had fun covering kettle breaks and counting the kettle money. I have also been very privileged to help out with the Christmas warehouse and getting the toys and food ready for handing out. That has been really fun and I have been working with a great coordinator and volunteers. The days are going by so incredibly fast I cannot believe I'm at my halfway point already. Tomorrow morning it is off to Richmond Hill for the Sunday service and that should be great. With all this work I am stunned to see how close Christmas is and know that when it is finally here I will wonder where the time went - my theme these past 18 months. Well, it's off to bed to sleep up for half number 2 of this last assignment.