What a wonderful day I remember this to be… and just as if it was yesterday, the excitement still stirs up inside of me! Christmas, a time we choose to remember and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, our Saviour.
Our day at the Home began as normal, the typical morning routine of up, bath, dress and ready for breakfast. The children had been prepared for this day and so of course there was a little more excitement than usual - as they knew it, another adventure for them – first a visit to the Museum and then to play at Mrs Jones’ house. Little did they know all that was in store for them…
All good intention was to leave the home at 8.30am but as you can imagine it’s not as simple as just packing up and walking out the door! We had to be sure we had everything needed for the day out - bottles with formulae, nappies, changes of clothes, treats and all. We finally managed to leave at around 9.45am, heading for the Museum – 13 adults and 18 children, some piled into the 2 sedan vehicles and others walked with prams. Just as well the museum is within walking distance, I’m sure not more than 2km down the road, if even that much ! After much deliberation at the front desk, we finalised our numbers and paid the entrance fee, we then began our walk around. It was fun to watch the expressions on the children’s faces as they passed each display, some displays capturing more interest than others.
There was some uncertainty as we passed by the open displays such as the crocodile by which we took a group photo. It took some convincing to have the children believe that these displays are safe and they do not bite - it’s not surprising when the display is bigger than you are! At first the boys were hesitant to even sit near the animals but soon enough Zorbha had convinced them all was safe.
The children had fun swinging on the different swings available and sliding from the tree house down.
There was also a jumping castle, and even a trampoline for the “bigger kids”!! At this point Martin was more attracted to the colourful jumping castle rather than the trampoline – and now who is the biggest kid of all!!!
The girls (our female carers) had their fun on the trampoline, bouncing each other about, giggling and laughing all the way!
Lunchtime for the bigger kids was a miss as there was far too much happening in the garden. Instead they snacked on home-made pizza, followed by some good chocolate cake, washed down by a glass of juice and back off to play – there was no stopping them!Inside the décor of “goodie-boxes” was taking place and at this point I’m thinking Chantelle and I were the ones to be having the most fun here. The children dashed in an out stopping only for a moment to glitter or glue, or arrange a bow or a piece of tinsel on their boxes. Mrs Moyo and Joyce mastered the technique of making ribbons bows, and Mel ensured that each child had their own box. Later on the boxes were filled with a variety of sweets, and novelty toys for the children on Christmas Day.
Craig has his bicycle and trailer saddled up and the children took their turn enjoying a ride down Heyman Road and back up again.
After having a fun-filled morning and mid afternoon the children were all taken back home for a short rest whilst we laid the gifts out by the Christmas Tree.
It wasn’t long before the children were up and about again and extra excitement at what lay in the lounge! Joyce, the Matron of our Home, shared the Christmas message with the children, each of them actively participating in the discussion and then came the excitement of receiving their gifts. Each child was given a new outfit, and a toy. The bigger boys were given their school bags and inside were their new school shoes and various other items for school.
Then came in another big surprise, – 2 brand new bicycles for the bigger boys. I’m thinking if I had to do this day again, I’d start with the presents first because by the time the bicycles came out there were renewed energy levels in the children and guess who had to run up and down the driveway taking turns at pushing the children on the bikes – yeah you guessed it – ME !!! It was fun but it was also a challenge as each child had to learn the meaning of “their turn next” – with a few tears this was eventually accomplished.
The day drew to a close when evening came, but the excitement lived on in the children’s hearts – there was much talk about the day’s events for many days thereafter and I do truly believe each child enjoyed their first Christmas in their new Home. Thanks must go to all those who made the day such a great success, all those who contributed gifts or finance towards these, those who contributed their time before and on the day – thank you to all of you who play such a special and supportive role in this our Babies Home of Love.
May 2008 be all that you want it to be – may you make the most of every opportunity that comes your way, may it be full of peace, love and happiness always.
Luv 'n' friendship in the Lord always
Sis'Bee
