The Time of the Season

The days leading up to Dec. 25 are quite a marvel to watch at DaySpring Villa. With the holiday decorations and tree trimming complete, the staff's attention turns to ensuring every guest and their children receive Christmas gifts. A team of volunteers is charged with kitchen duties to prepare that special, traditional meal, feeding upwards of 60.

Here, spirits really do rise as Christmas inches closer. Children giggle a little more. And for just a while, the women at DSV who've left a violent situation can revel in the joy of the season without fear of reprisal.

As many of you know 2015 has been an especially difficult year for DaySpring Villa financially. At the same time, the shelter also has received more guests this year than last. "Preparing three meals a day for so many comes with a daunting price tag, especially with the price of food continuing to skyrocket," says Wilma Lively, executive director of DaySpring Villa. "We are extremely thankful for our volunteers and staff who exhibit their creativity in the kitchen so that nothing goes to waste."

Expressing thanks, whether it be for a meal, a safe place to heal, or a simple pair of shoes is just one way DSV's guests return their appreciation. But perhaps the greatest expression of thanks for the staff is once a woman is ready to leave the shelter to begin a brand new life. The following is an excerpt of a thank-you letter from one of those guests.

"Thank you for rescuing me from a verbal abuse situation and giving me a place to lay my head, food and clothing. Thank you for your prayers and shoulders to cry on. I have become stronger and wiser and I owe it all to the staff at DaySpring Villa. I have learned that when the wrong people are no longer in my life, the right things start to happen for me. I have realized that my past situation is not my final destination. I have developed a stronger relationship with God since I've been here and realize that no matter what I face in life, I need to never let go of God's hand. God can turn a mess into a message. A test into a testimony. A trial into a triumph. A victim into a victory."

From all of us at DaySpring Villa, thank you for your continued love and support to help us, help them. We wish you all a very merry Christmas and happy New Year.