yeah, it just keeps getting worse.
but then, here's one of the more moving stories i can remember in recent years. I work in the Adventist school system and Paradise Adventist Academy is a k-12 school in our system. This is pretty awesome.
Maureen Mayden Wisener
November 11 at 8:12 AM
Last night, the Paradise Adventist Academy Cougars girls VB team travelled to Auburn, CA to play the Forest Lake Christian HS in the quarterfinals for Norcals. This is their division's version of a state championship.
Some on the team did not have VB gear - they need shoes, socks, knee pads, shorts, jerseys - since it was lost in the Camp Fire #campfire.
CIF was willing to postpone to Monday, but the girls wanted to play. When we arrived, we were overwhelmed with the love of Jesus by these amazing people, now friends!
FLCHS had asked their families to help us. Here is what they did:
- donated money so no one had to pay a gate fee (required by CIF)
- provided all new uniforms so that all the girls would wear a team uniform (socks, knee pads, shorts, jerseys personalized with Paradise and each girl's own number)
- gave each girl an envelope with $300 in gift cards
- gave each girl a gift bag with pillow, blanket, toiletries and more
- donated more than $16K to PAA
- provided a meal for all the families after the game
- escorted all of us to a room full of donations (clothes, toiletries, shoes, backpacks, jackets, . . .) and told us to "shop"
- gave us warm, welcoming hugs
- provided free food at their snack bar
Their love of Jesus overflowed and completely drenched us last night.
The gym was full. Supporters for our girls came from various Sacramento SDA schools and churches. A bus came from PUC to cheer our girls, and they presented flowers to each team member.
Our group was loud, as usual! We wanted these girls to know they are loved.
FLCHS won 3-1. It was a great game. Our girls played hard. They should be very proud. We certainly are proud of them. And, they set a record: it is the first time PAA has gone this far in this sport, ever.
A childhood friend met me there and she and her husband had brought gift bags of various necessities for the girls, too. (Thank you Diane Klischies Evans!)
We are overwhelmed. Thank you is simply not enough to express the gratitude we feel. My heart is full.