By Kate Stefanowicz

As Christmas draws nearer, my time has been spent shopping, going to Christmas parties, listening to Christmas music and spiritually preparing for Christmas. This past weekend we had our volunteer Christmas party at the Johnson Volunteer house. It was great to see everyone especially the volunteers from Jackson, McCreary and Rockcastle houses because we don't see each other too often since they live a good two hours away. Our party included Christmas karaoke, lots of food and a white elephant gift exchange which involved some interesting gifts, such as a road sign, a zebra print snuggie and a large scooby doo stuffed animal to name a few.

In addition to our Christmas party some of us went to Huntington, West Virginia to do a little Christmas shopping, along with every other person in the area. The parking lot was packed and the lines were very long. Some of us got a decent amount of shopping done while others just went along for the trip. To finish off our weekend we went to the Kentucky Christmas Opry, which was a Christmas show that included lots of Christmas songs, fiddlers, steel drums, an electric guitar and many other instruments. It was a great show and a good way to get into the Christmas spirit.

Tomorrow we are also having a goodbye party for Katie, from Floyd house and Layne, Vivian, Mickey and Brian, who are all from Johnson house. So even though I'm getting excited to go home this week and celebrate Christmas with my family, it will be sad to return from the holidays and not see these volunteers' faces. Katie, Layne, Vivian, Mickey and Brian you will all be missed greatly and I wish you all the best.

"For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and hope." Jeremiah 29:11

Kate is a long-term volunteer in CAP's Housing program. She lives in Floyd Volunteer House.