JOURNEY / Christmas Gathering 2019
August, 17 2019
To Share is To Gain
Before wrapping up 2019 and starting a new
chapter in 2020, Project Art Plus Group held our yearly event, Christmas
Gathering. One year passed by swiftly, but within that time, we had learned and
achieved a lot. In this gathering, like feeding two birds with one scone, we
wanted to express our gratitude for the whole year while celebrating Christmas.
December 18, 2019
And finally, the day came!
We had done Christmas Gathering several times,
but 2019 left a special impression compared to the previous years.
Well, there was no significant difference in
the sequence of events. It started with a Christmas service, followed by dining
and gathering with the crew, guests and vendors. We could not miss throwing
several games to lighten the atmosphere. Laughter filled the room, coming from
those playing games or chit-chatting. We were very grateful to gather in good
health with all the crew, vendors, and guests.
But, hey, what made the 2019 Christmas
Gathering so special then?
Christmas Gathering was not complete without
gift exchanges. Usually, the attending participants would bring out their best
gifts, which also brought out the receivers' biggest smiles. This time, the
gifts brought had to be 5 kg of rice and 1 liter of cooking oil. Yup, you were
not mistaken. Everyone had to bring the same gift to join the Christmas
gathering. Why?
You know, we were truly blessed because we
could give and receive joy-sparking gifts each year. Like a stream of water
that fell from above, we didn't want that flow of blessing to stop on us.
Sharing the same spirit, we wanted it to continue and reach those who need it.
That's why we settled on giving 5 kg of rice and 1 liter of cooking oil, which
would be distributed to those in need the following day. Being able to give to
those in need, even in simplicity, brought fresh air to the celebration.
December 19, 2019
The rice and oil we collected were distributed
to 130 families whose names we received when conducting a site survey.
We walked through each house and gave it to
each head of the family. We also brought some snacks to share with the children
who were there. After all the groceries were distributed, we did not
immediately leave the place. We took the time to take pictures together while
exchanging jokes once in a while. It certainly was an unforgettable experience!
It is fascinating that the more we share, the
more we do not feel lacking. Instead, we feel more and more fulfilled. Sharing
stories, laughter, and blessings makes the heart happier, full of gratitude,
and full of new hope. We can barely wait for the next Christmas gathering, and
we bet you do too, don't you?
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"The Greatest Gift of All 2019"
Project Art Plus Charity Christmas Gathering
December 18, 2019.