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2011. These young men and women worked with Seed Ministry (based in Elizabeth, Ind.) in Tamale, Ghana, for two weeks. While he was there, Jake interacted with a 4-year-old boy, Jonathan, who worked his way deep into Jake’s heart. To say that Jake was changed by his time in Ghana is a gross understatement. And he desired for the rest of his family to experience this awakening. In Jake’s words, “You can't truly understand what it's like through stories. You can't truly fall in love with the Lord by watching from the sidelines. You can't experience God breaking your heart for His children until you hold them and love them for yourself. You go on a mission trip to serve and love others in hopes of making an impact on them, but they can literally change your life if you open your heart to God's will for you.” The palpable change in one’s teenaged son is hard evidence to ignore. But it wasn’t a quick or easy decision. “To be honest, my initial reaction to Jake's very persistent request was, 'We are NOT going to Ghana for Christmas,' with my hand on my hip, and possibly a foot stomp thrown in,” says Cathy. “My mom is in the end stages of Alzheimer's and my dad is 84, so every holiday is treasured, and I was afraid to be away from them.” “I was hesitant at first because I have always really enjoyed our American version of Christmas with the trees, decorations, presents, shopping, and family meals,” adds Paul. In the end, it was the passion and enthusiasm shown by their children that tipped the scales. And Jake’s excitement about spending more time with Jonathan again became infectious, creating a tender spot for this young one in the hearts of everyone. On December 17, 2011, the Nagy family boarded a plane headed to Africa with a few friends and 27 suitcases (loaded mostly with clothes and treats for the villagers in Ghana, donated by the people of Adventure Christian Church). Their 10-day experience cannot begin to be captured in print. Their journey took them to rural areas without any of the modern conveniences we find “necessary.” And yet, Paul was amazed by “their smiles and joy, when it seemed to me that they had nothing.” “It was an amazing experience to realize what it's like to give of your time and love, instead of
Katie and the rest of the Nagy family visited rural areas of Ghana, where the villagers were without many modern conveniences.
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DECEMBER 2013/JANUARY 2014
giving and receiving material gifts that we don't really need,” says Katie. Cathy adds, “Jake was right. You can't even imagine how you will feel or how it will change you, until you're there, in the red clay, covered in dirt, holding sick babies, eating food you never imagined you would eat, showering under a sprinkle of very cold water, watching your children change before your eyes. And loving every minute of it.” That Christmas was the first of many to be spent with Jonathan. Jonathan, who worked his way into their hearts before they even met him, was adopted by the Nagys in 2012. Okay, I lied. This isn’t really the story of a family skipping Christmas. It’s the story of a family attempting to bring Christmas to others and getting more in return than they could’ve ever imagined. It’s the story of a family who really GOT Christmas. I don’t think I can sum it up any better than the wise words of Dr. Seuss’ Grinch: “Maybe Christmas," he thought, "doesn't come from a store.” "Maybe Christmas...perhaps...means a little bit more!"
The Nagy Family. (From l to r) mother Cathy; children Jake (17) holding Jonathan, and Katie (14); and father Paul.
Meredith Ball lives in LaGrange with her husband Reggie and their sons Coen (8), Weston (5), and Kairo (1). She is a frequent contributor to Today’s Family magazine.
CATHY NAGY
“You can't even imagine how. . . it will change you, until you're there. . . covered in dirt . . .watching your children change before your eyes. And loving every minute of it.”
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