sub for Santa

If anyone is still looking for a Christmas helping opportunity, I've got one. My Afghan family is living on very little and I'd like to give them a big Christmas. In addition to cash for clothes, shoes etc. I'd like to go shopping with the mom to get them some specific gifts. They're all hungry for books.

For the grandfather: the family had a pistachio tree in their old home and he has talked fondly of how much they enjoyed it, along with other fruit trees in their garden. The older kids talked with bright eyes about how they got some pistachios a few years ago and they were SO delicious. Pistachios are expensive here, so I'd like to get them 5 lbs which will cost around $40. They also love almonds and walnuts.

For the father: I don't know. I'll ask my friend to choose something. Did I mention that the Taliban broke his back? It's a common cruelty/torture that the Taliban is known for. Maybe a book in Farsi. Any suggestions for a Christian who already has a Bible?

For the mother: I don't know either. I'll probably just give her cash plus a little something to remember me by.

For the oldest daughter,age 14: I'd love to buy her an electric keyboard and some sheet music for Frozen and other Disney songs that she requested. They've borrowed a keyboard  but have to give it back. Before that they would walk 45 minutes to the church when they knew it would be unlocked for her to practice. A cheap but not rubbish keyboard would cost $200. The girl has taken piano lessons from senior missionaries when there happens to be one in the area who plays. She can play simplified hymns and seems completely self-motivated.

For the son, age 12: He loves all things Spiderman, so I'll find a very cool shirt. I'll also consult with his mom.

For the son, age 10: He loves Hulk and Big Hero 6 and books. I'll find a T-shirt and maybe some action figures.

For the two younger daughters, age 5 and 7: They love Disney and Barbie princesses so I'll get the mom to help me pick out a Barbie and maybe dress-ups. The Barbies are around $15 each here and dress-ups are probably about the same.

If you would like to sponsor a child or donate money, please email me. We are only taking Paypal donations at Scott's account: bradford@byu.edu. In the unlikely event that we get a ridiculously large amount of money, I will donate to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees or the Red Cross. We are working with both of these organizations to see about getting legal documents for the family.

We wish you all a Merry Christmas and thankful, happy hearts.