Daley on a mission with Operation Christmas Child
Crosspointer Anna Daley (above, right) spent a month working for the Samaritan's Purse organization's Operation Christmas Child. This annual project sends shoeboxes filled with toys, school supplies, hygiene items and the message of salvation to children in need all around the world. Below Anna shares about the experience this season and blessings that came along with it.
This past month I have been serving at the Operation Christmas Child processing center in Acworth, Georgia. I was there from the very first day we started processing shoeboxes until the last day. This last month has been a wonderful season of life where I have made many friends and grown closer to God through it all. I made connections with people that I never saw coming, just because I said "yes" to serving and was willingly flexible.
In prior years, I went as a volunteer and processed shoeboxes with my family. This year, a friend of mine who works with Samaritan's Purse recommended I look into becoming an employee for Operation Christmas Child. I decided to apply for one of the job openings online at the beginning of November and ended up being accepted after a series of interviews. I left for Georgia the week of Thanksgiving and started training that Monday.
I worked at OCC as a team coach as well as an in-house backup. As a team coach, I was responsible for helping volunteers have an amazing experience and ensuring that shoeboxes were taken care of with efficiency and care. Each day, I led a group of volunteers through the process of getting shoeboxes ready to send to other countries. Without volunteers to process shoeboxes, we would not be able to serve others in the same capacity as we can now. I got to meet people from all walks of life and bond with them as we worked. They encouraged my humor and made work even more fun than it already was.
As an in-house backup, I did a little bit of everything. I checked people in when they arrived, helped them get free shirts as they left, and helped people find their places.
I chose to work at OCC because I love the 'why' behind this mission. Every shoebox successfully processed is a gospel opportunity for a child. It doesn't matter how many shoeboxes are filled in total, every shoebox means at least one child hears the story of salvation. That one child makes this whole endeavor worth it.
I arrived at OCC to work by myself but left with countless friends and even family. One lady showed me the rates at her hotel and then carpooled me back and forth the entire month. We became close friends and often ate dinner together. Everyone at OCC was there for the same goal so we all bonded over that. If I had not answered the call to serve, I would not have met all of the people I now know and love.
Following the plan God has for your life and submitting your heart to His desires will never lead you the wrong way. When I chose to jump into serving, I never expected all of the blessings that came my way. We are called to trust and obey, and I am glad I chose to say "yes."
This past month I have been serving at the Operation Christmas Child processing center in Acworth, Georgia. I was there from the very first day we started processing shoeboxes until the last day. This last month has been a wonderful season of life where I have made many friends and grown closer to God through it all. I made connections with people that I never saw coming, just because I said "yes" to serving and was willingly flexible.
In prior years, I went as a volunteer and processed shoeboxes with my family. This year, a friend of mine who works with Samaritan's Purse recommended I look into becoming an employee for Operation Christmas Child. I decided to apply for one of the job openings online at the beginning of November and ended up being accepted after a series of interviews. I left for Georgia the week of Thanksgiving and started training that Monday.
I worked at OCC as a team coach as well as an in-house backup. As a team coach, I was responsible for helping volunteers have an amazing experience and ensuring that shoeboxes were taken care of with efficiency and care. Each day, I led a group of volunteers through the process of getting shoeboxes ready to send to other countries. Without volunteers to process shoeboxes, we would not be able to serve others in the same capacity as we can now. I got to meet people from all walks of life and bond with them as we worked. They encouraged my humor and made work even more fun than it already was.
As an in-house backup, I did a little bit of everything. I checked people in when they arrived, helped them get free shirts as they left, and helped people find their places.
I chose to work at OCC because I love the 'why' behind this mission. Every shoebox successfully processed is a gospel opportunity for a child. It doesn't matter how many shoeboxes are filled in total, every shoebox means at least one child hears the story of salvation. That one child makes this whole endeavor worth it.
I arrived at OCC to work by myself but left with countless friends and even family. One lady showed me the rates at her hotel and then carpooled me back and forth the entire month. We became close friends and often ate dinner together. Everyone at OCC was there for the same goal so we all bonded over that. If I had not answered the call to serve, I would not have met all of the people I now know and love.
Following the plan God has for your life and submitting your heart to His desires will never lead you the wrong way. When I chose to jump into serving, I never expected all of the blessings that came my way. We are called to trust and obey, and I am glad I chose to say "yes."