“This is my grandson, Kenric; his girlfriend, Caren; and my grandniece, Amanda”, Grandma introduced us to her friends at the United Methodist Women’s (UMW) Christmas Tea yesterday morning. We had a great time at the tea/brunch. Amanda won a gift basket, and the $100 money tree prize went to a friendly old couple.

At our table were:

• Grandma’s good friend who insisted that we stay at her home in Ghana when we visit Africa;
• A lady whose husband was born in Bandung, Indonesia and naturally loves Beef Rendang;
• A lady whose grandson has been traveling for a few years and is now in Thailand;
• The mother of a young man who is now working in a bank in Sacramento, but misses his year of travel in Paraguay tremendously, and is just waiting for the next opportunity to travel again.

All the ladies agreed that the time to travel is when we are young and healthy.

David and Margaret Youth and Family Services

Every attendee was supposed to bring a children’s book as a donation. This morning, we learned that the books are going to David and Margaret Youth and Family Services in La Verne (about 45 minutes from Redlands). Amanda brought two extra books (totaling six between the four of us) which was very nice. I was glad that four of our books were for tweens and teens because one of the main focuses of the UMW is helping youth who are aging out of the foster care system. So often the images that come to mind when I think of underprivileged children are those of young children, but there are just as many tweens and teens who, in my opinion, are more vulnerable.

St. Mary’s Ballet Folklorico

The entertainment was a wonderful Mexican dance performance by the local St. Mary’s Ballet Folklorico. I think most people’s favorite was the young boy, especially when he danced with a much taller girl. The dance group can be hired for events around the region so, if you have a need, support these talented dancers!

Shortly after getting home, Grandma said she would bring us to some great viewpoints around Redlands. We decided to go to Yucaipa as well, and Grandma pointed out many places where her in-laws, friends and relatives lived, including where Kenric’s aunt and uncle lived which is now a salon named Shear Heaven. On such a beautiful day, this Southern California area is indeed sheer heaven.