Crista Ministry

The Children’s Ministry at our church organized a visit to the Crista Nursing facility about a mile from our home. We went this past Wednesday evening. It was a chance for the residents to mingle with the children during the holidays.

Upon arrival, Keith hooked up with Kendall, a little girl his age. Just after walking into the lobby, Kendall grabbed Keith’s hand, and they held hands down the corridors until we got to the big room where we were going to be. I couldn’t get a picture of it, but it was such a precious thing to witness! Here they are sitting in some chairs having a little exchange. DARLING!!

Once we got settled, the kids all came to the front of the room and sang some Christmas songs – Joy to the World, Hark the Herald Angels, Silent Night, and Father Abraham (not Christmas, but fun nonetheless!)

After singing, the kids each got a craft set to make a manger scene on a paper plate. They were to find a resident at the table and sit with them to make it.

Chloe didn’t pair up with anyone to make the craft. In her Chloe way, she found a spot, settled in and went to work. After completion, I pointed out a gentleman in the back corner of the room. He was sitting in a wheelchair, all alone, not engaged but watching everything going on. She walked up to him and presented her manger craft. He took it, held it up, and just looked at her. He couldn’t talk – he had not voice. He kept putting his hand on this throat and looking at her. I helped her to understand that he couldn’t talk anymore. “Why?”, she would ask. I just explained that as our bodies get older, they change. And this gentleman lost his ability to talk for whatever reason. But I told her that he says “Thank you”. They just exchanged via eyes, and she walked away. But before we left for the evening, she went back over to him to say goodbye. She just stood before him, held his hand, and said “Good-bye…” It was a wonderful, growing moment for her.

Phil and Keith found “Mildred” (same name as Phil’s grandmother who passed away at 100 years old). So sweet to see the boys chat it up with her, and make their craft. When they were done, they present it to the residents to keep as a memento.

I think that we will add this to our annual traditions, as long as the church continues to do it. It is a good ministry opportunity for the kids – just to be who they are, and to bring joy to those who might otherwise be very lonely during the holidays. Hopefully, through the years, they will learn to develop an appreciation for this place and for it’s residents. There is so much to learn between these generations – the youth and the elderly.

Here's a little video clip of some the singing. It warmed up from here, but here is a taste. Chloe & Belle chose to dance through the singing, and Keith just stood there because he didn't know any of the words! Pretty funny!

After leaving, we took the kids to get a treat at Baskin Robins

(“Basket & Robins” as I used to call it as a kid). Here is a silly picture of mommy in Chloe’s pink, fuzzy mouse ears from Kate’s latest trip to Disneyland.