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Rissa Eggleston went to her mailbox one September day and found a little red envelope. A flood of anticipation came over her as she carefully opened the worn and tattered envelope with her 3-year-old daughter, Deborah.

"Hello, Deborah! My name is Shradha Amisha Kujuwe. I am 10 years old and I am in class 5. Your gift was lovely which you sent me. I would like you to be my best friend. So will you do the friendship with me? I am sending you a piece of paper and the envelope. Write your answer on that and send me at this address …"

Only three clues helped them figure out who had sent Deborah a letter. A stamp from India, ladybug stickers and the greeting, "open with smile!"

Then Rissa remembered.

Nine months prior, Rissa and Deborah had filled a shoebox for Operation Christmas Child. They had chosen to create a box especially for a young girl. As they shopped for items for the box, Deborah chose practical items such as a toothbrush. But she also insisted this girl needed craft supplies and picked out stickers, markers and colored pencils. They carefully packed the shoebox and included Deborah's name and address. Then they prayed for the girl who would eventually receive this small gift box.

Deborah was beyond excited to receive a letter from the girl who'd gotten her Operation Christmas Child box! Together Rissa and Deborah responded, assuring Shradha "of her every intention to be her best friend" and sending her an invitation to her birthday party later that month. The 3-year-old covered the letter with butterfly and ladybug stickers.

Rissa had been participating with Operation Christmas Child for several years with her MOPS group, but she said receiving this little red envelope has helped her appreciate the program in a whole new way. Looking at the globe to find India, mother and daughter have talked about how the people there dress and other cultural differences. After Shradha mentioned the Festival of Lights in a subsequent letter, Deborah asked her friend to teach her about the traditional Indian festival.

"This has been an opportunity to grow Deborah's heart and show her compassion," says Rissa. They talk about looking beyond themselves, their home, neighborhood and country. Through this practical example, Deborah is beginning to understand how fortunate she is. Recently, when they were sorting through Deborah's old toys to give away, Deborah wanted to send her extra toys to Shradha so she'd have something with which to play.

Rissa has talked to her daughter about the many different peoples in the world and how God asks us to love them. To Rissa, Operation Christmas Child is more than sending a Christmas box to a child in need. It's an opportunity to help her daughter grow into a more aware, compassionate person. The simple act of packing Christmas boxes with her MOPS group has grown friendships and new awareness of the world.

Deborah and Shradha have become committed pen pals, sharing their mutual love for ladybugs and artwork. In their letters, they send photos of themselves and artwork they've made. Deborah proudly displays Shradha's photos and artwork on her bedroom walls and is still excited each time a letter arrives from her friend half a world away.

Jackie Alvarez is the Editorial Coordinator at MOPS International. She lives in Colorado and is excited for it to start snowing to try out her new snowboarding gear. Jackie also enjoys watching movies, seeking out good music and engaging in conversation about faith.

Tell us about it! Has your MOPS group done something unique or noteworthy? We're looking for groups to write about and want to hear from you. Send a brief description to MOPSinAction@MOPS.org.

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