New Life Christmas Party - December 17, 2008

New Life held its annual Christmas celebration at the Transition House this year! This meant sharing Christmas cheer with the congregation, some of the staff of Catholic Charities, and most of the refugees who have lived in the house since it opened in July.

What a wonderful event! Hightlights included Christmas carols in English, French and Burmese; sweet and savory treats from America, India and Iraq; Arabic lessons for Pator Kevin - all he wanted to say was "delicious"! - and much laughter and joy at the end of a year filled with change, challenges and special blessings.

New Life began its partnership with Catholic Charities and its ministry with refugees only seven months ago. During that time, lives have been touched and hearts changed forever by the friendships and understandings that God has given to this congregation through the special new friends who have endured so much to come here to San Jose to rebuild their lives. Every day, we are thanked for the small things we do for these friends. What the party brought to light is how thankful we are as a body to have been given the opportunity to serve, in small ways, the needs of people who have such great needs and yet such abounding spirits.

Merry Christmas!

New Life Christmas Party 2008