Valentine's Day

     Since June of 2006 when my husband was killed, Valentine's Day has not been a holiday that I have wanted to celebrate.  In the USA, the stores begin the Valentine displays right after Christmas.  Then about mid-January you start to see all the commercials on television.  All of that is a painful reminder that I no longer have my "Valentine" with me to celebrate the love that we shared for 27 years.  
     This year is different, though.  Living in Senegal with no television has made it much easier.  I decided to concentrate on sharing love with the family in Senegal with whom I serve.  I began plans for this day before Andrea came to visit.  She brought Valentine decorations, candy, and other special items so I could have a surprise Valentine's Day Party for this family who has shown me so much love since my arrival in October.
     Preparations began last night as I baked and decorated sugar cookies in the shape of hearts.  I had to hide them because N is noted for finding things that I thought were out of sight.  Once the kids left to go home for lunch, I started decorating.  There was a tablecloth for the table, a banner that I hung over the table, some shiny red tinsel that I hung over the window and laid around the bowls on the table, as well as crepe paper that I used to make some streamers to hang on the walls.  I made some red, punch-flavored Kool-Aid, put the Kisses in a red mug that had hearts on it, put the candy hearts in a bowl covered in heart tissue paper, and put all the chocolate candy in a big bowl lined with red tissue paper.  There were even three heart masks for the kids to wear.
     They arrived at my house around 2:30 and presented me with Valentine cards that they had made for me.  I then directed them to the dining room where they were able to see the surprise.  We all got a pretty good "sugar high" from eating all those cookies and candy.

   
     So, for the first time in five years I can say I actually enjoyed Valentine's Day.  I've been blessed with the love of three wonderful children and a special daughter-in-law, a mom, two brothers and their families, and several "adopted" daughters and their families.  Several friends have also sent me special Valentine's Day greetings.  And now I have the love of a wonderful family here in Senegal.  But most of all, I can celebrate because of the love of my Savior who loved me so much that He died for me.