Children's Christmas Party at the Municipal Hospital

This week we had a Christmas party for the children who are patients at the local hospital.  The group that hosted this is the one that is in charge of outreach to the community and planned by Marjorie and her group did a really good job.  When they first met with the staff at the hospital there were 15 children as in patients.....when we came for the party the number had grown to 35 and the children were all quite ill.  There were games planned that meant running around a circle and throwing a bean bag but the children were too ill to really participate.

The helpers arrived with a carved wooden three dimensional tree to play toss the bean bag.  They stayed and helped throughout the party and it was enjoyable to see them having such a good time too.

MaryAnn had planned and prepared for a coloring craft with the children  but again, because they were so listless, they did not seem interested so we encouraged the mothers to come and color in their places and they seemed to love this.  Many did not want to put the ornaments that they decorated onto the large trees prepared for them but rather up them on the small trees they could color and take with them.  I must say that watching these mothers and babies brought tears to my eyes.  We have so much and these women are doing the best that they can with what they have and just a little party with creative things to do seemed to brighten their day.






Of course Santa was there in his red suit.  He spent time with each of the children that could come out for the party but also with those in the hospital that were unable to leave their beds.  He brought candy and small gifts of food and snacks for the children and then also gave each one a larger wrapped gift at the end of the party.

There were two little boys who were family of patients, I believe, at the party and the really enjoyed the games.

 The game that was played was just like "duck, duck, goose" and the staff joined in as did the two little boys.  Then they sang and it was quite enjoyable for everyone in attendance.
 

It is interesting that no matter where you are in the world, people want a picture of their children on Santa's lap and the reaction of the little ones seems to be universal....and it makes me smile.

Tonight is the office Christmas party at the Nimpanzu Hotel.  We plan to go and join in the festivities with the staff.

I must say that being here in Soyo for Christmas and far from our children and grand daughter is so very different than we have ever spent this time of year...... but then I think that yes, Christmas is about family and gifts and being together but it is even more about remembering how Jesus came to this earth, far from His Father to bring us the greatest gift of all.....the gift of eternal reconciliation with God....and I am so very thankful.  I also realize that I am content to be here this year.