TWASTHEDAYAFTERCHRISTMAS, ANDALLTHROUGHTHEMISSION SATCHILDRENWITHBIGSMILESONTHEIRFACES! FORFRIENDSHADBROUGHT A FANCYMEALWITH A HUGECAKEASWELL! AFTERCHOWINGDOWNONSCRUMPIOUSCAKE, EVERYLITTLEHANDHELD A BIGWHITEBALLOON, MUCHTOTHEIRHAPPYDELIGHT!
ALLTHECHILDRENWERESMILINGANDWAVINGASOURFRIENDSDEPARTED, FORTHEIRLITTLEBELLIESWEREFULLOFCHICKENANDGOATMEATASWELL! ITWAS A WONDERFULSURPRISEFORTHECHILDREN, ASNONEEXPECTEDSUCH A FANCYGIFT! THANKYOUTOTHE “CIS” COMPANYOFBALAMA, FORSUCH A GREATCHRISTMASEVEPARTYFORTHECHILDREN!
I knew part of what was coming, but those who organized the party went above and beyond what I expected, making it extra special for the children. Our children had never had cake of any kind before, and this huge 4 inch/10 cm tall, double layer, cream filled cake served over 80 people!
The BIGCAKE served over 80 people!
Topped off with Pineapple juice in individual sippy cups, the children were overwhelmed to say the least. They sang a song of thanks to Celso, the CIS leader who worked hard to make it happen.
Our children with Celso on the far right
PRESENTSFORALL!
Our under 3‑year-olds have never experienced the giving of presents, so it was a joy to organize an age-appropriate gift for each child. Our 29 under 3‑year-olds reacted in shock as the Children’s Directors Anna and Fatima assisted me in giving them their toys. Handmade dolls, little cars, and squeaky baby animal toys were given to the under 3‑year-olds.
11-month-old Orlencia loves her new toys!
The oldest twin, 2‑year-old Crecencia, was the only little girl to refuse her doll. She wanted a CAR like her brother! So, I drove back to the toy box in the office and got her one! She was all smiles after that!
Crecencia with the car of her dreams!
The 1st to 3rd grade school-age children received Hoola Hoops and tea sets for the girls, and matchbox type cars for the boys.
Hoola hooping to show the others how it’s done! https://youtube.com/shorts/t6yRLXuUjWI
The 20 school-age children (ages 7 to 18) were SUPEREXCITED as they each received a small money gift and a shopping spree at the downtown Balama market on Wednesday. As a child, I vividly remember my grandmother giving me money each Christmas, because she said that no one knew better than a grandchild what they truly wanted. This shopping trip gives our children a sense of independence and teaches them money management. And yes, they are supervised by 3 adults during the shopping spree to prevent unsavory people from taking advantage of them.
HAPPYNEWYEARTOEACHOFYOU!
The children thank you for our staff makes it known to them that it is your love gifts that makes it possible for them to go to school and live a happy, healthy life.