For Dana Dufrene, Christmas is a time to spread a message of hope, love and understanding.
Briefly, she feared one of her outlets for doing so may be taken away. Last year, Dufrene, then a teacher at Mimosa Park Elementary, combined with members of her prayer group at the school to cultivate that very idea: they came up with a list of names of people in the community who perhaps could use an emotional lift whether it be someone battling cancer, healing from serious injuries or simply dealing with notable difficulties in other areas. They visited the homes of each person to sing Christmas carols and provide a simple message: “we love and care about you.”
The moments that followed, Dufrene said, fortified her hope that this would become a new tradition.
But when Dufrene was suddenly transferred to Luling Elementary — and separated from her prayer group — she feared that tradition could end with a single year.
She and her fellow carolers decided not to let that happen, and not only were those fears extinguished, but a great reward was in store: this holiday season, the caroling continued, but the one night voyage out to their target homes was twice as large, featuring carolers from both Mimosa Park and Luling Elementary schools.
“We talked about it, and we said, ‘We just can’t let this end,’” Dufrene said. “When I was moved (to Luling Elementary), I had a lot of fears about making the jump, but a great things resulted and we were able to intertwine both schools. We had the principals of each school on one bus.
“It was truly wonderful, two schools together, bringing joy to others.”
This year, more than 70 people participated, more than twice the number of carolers a year ago, Dufrene said. Two full buses were escorted by motorcycles and the carolers even had a little help from “Santa” along the way. Some carolers brought gifts for the families, like Poinsettia plants, ornaments, cookies, candy, yard signs and kitchen items, among other things.
“Money can’t fix all of your problems, but joy can,” Dufrene said. “There’s so much bad in the world, but we can’t dwell on it. This is all about hope. The Christmas season, that’s what it comes down to.
“One of the most beautiful sights was watching the faces of both the giver and receivers of the gifts. It was priceless and supernatural, the Lord at work. This idea came to life through Him.”
Becky Matherne was among those visited by the carolers this year. Matherne, a former teacher at Luling Elementary, is recovering from injuries resulting from a March automobile accident in which her vehicle collided head on with an 18-wheeler. She recently had another surgery stemming from the accident.
She said the visit was a complete — and welcome — surprise. “My husband knew,” Matherne said. “My kids and I were surprised. It was the most amazing thing. We heard them outside and when we go to look … the entire yard was overflowing. I was completely overwhelmed.
“I believe they chose people who were healing or suffering from something, and they shared a gift of love, healing and prayer.”
Matherne said the visit provided a major emotional lift.“We were still smiling when we went to bed,” she said. “We were refreshed and inspired to pay this forward.”
Dufrene said she will look back at this year’s outing as an example of how dealing with potential adversity with a positive attitude can yield very positive results. While
Dufrene was removed from her longtime comfort zone at Mimosa Park, in the end she helped bring two schools together for the good of others.
“If I walked around moping and all doom and gloom, then it doesn’t happen,” she said. “I didn’t ask to be moved, but something beautiful came of it.”
Dufrene and her prayer group, named “Make a Difference Monday,” has collaborated on some other projects as well, helping out with jobs for those in need of assistance and volunteering.
“The Lord has brought me through trials in my life,” Dufrene said. “I don’t feel like it’s enough to sit back or walk aimlessly. He intends for us to do good for others.”
Dufrene said she hopes next year the caroling collaboration will grow, perhaps encompassing two nights.
Matherne said she will do her part to make that a reality.“This year, I was a recipient,” Matherne said. “Next year, I’ll be a participant.”
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