A JOYFUL CHRISTMAS SEASON!
Karibu Nyumbani this Christmas reminded me of Isaiah 54:-1+2 in the way we grew in number!
“Rejoice, O barren woman who has not given birth; for more are the children of the rejected woman than the children of the married wife, says Yahweh.
Enlarge the space for your tent, stretch out your hangings, lengthen your ropes and strengthen your stakes, for your will spread out to the right and to the left…”
The children have been on holiday since the beginning of the month and we have loved to have Angel with us (Gertrude’s sister) until she goes back to school in January.
We also had our first child from our own village come to live with us, Daflosa. She is a very small five year old the youngest of a family of 3 children who lost their mother (no father) just after Daflosa was born. Her aunt works as an auxiliary nurse and supports her own child, her sisters children and her parents with the very little she earns. They live in a small mud house only around the corner from us, but are now building a small brick house opposite us so Daflosa will have her family very near. We feel like we have adopted the whole family!
Ester’s children ( ie her nephew and niece) came to stay for a few weeks and also 2 ladies from Agape. So including our immediate Muslim Neighbours we were 20 people for Christmas day.
The highlight for the children over Christmas was their beautiful dolls and the high light for me was watching them open them. (Thanks Ludmi for all your hard work!)
We were blessed to have a Priest for Mass in our small church on the eve of Christmas which meant that we had present time after that just before Midnight. After presents we enjoyed the children's home baked biscuits! Talking of cooking, we have 2 budding new cooks in Devota and Ima, Ester has been teaching them to cook Ugali and Mboga on a small log fire!
I am always being amazed at the difference between children here in Tanzania in the villages and children in England. Health and safety would have a wonderful time here! Our children are so used to having fire just near them, and most of them can build a fire to cook on now!
A few more photos you must see!
Emmanuel did not want to take off Kaka( Brother) Francis' shirt! And all the children got sports wear for Christmas too!
WORSHIP IN THE HOUSE.
The children are learning to thank God for all their gifts. They love to dance and wave their flags in our times of praise, and it is our prayer that they continue to grow, knowing that this is what they were created for.
Thank you for your prayers for them too! God bless you.
Fi.