A special time of year.
Dear Friends,
Today as I write, the crops are in, the rain is here, and the children are fed and happy. It’s a beautiful time when school closes and we begin our celebrations by just relaxing and playing together. I am so blessed!!
It was a ridiculously busy time before this week as the children were writing exams, the uncles were getting the crops in – maize and sunflowers this year – and the children were busy chasing the neighbors’ cows away from our garden. Now we rest. Is it possible to have a seventh month, instead of a seventh day?
This time of year is so amazing for me. I see a part of the children that we don’t get to see when they are in school. They play, sing and talk with each other and I watch them grow into a family as the big kids are always helping the little ones, teaching them Jingle Bells and Joy to the World. I can’t wait to make gingerbread people with them! This year with all the new children, they haven’t quite figured out what all this is about. As we put up the Christmas tree, one of them said, “I’ve never seen anything like this before. It’s beautiful.” The joy and amazement of bringing children their very first Christmas is a big part of what keeps me going during the holiday season. And of course, it all accumulates into our Christmas Eve Nativity play and a feast with the community on Christmas Day.
I always remember that without you, none of this would happen. Please know how much the children and I appreciate your donations and your prayers and your visits. This is a great time to give, as we have our match grant going and your gifts will go twice as far as usual. With the new school year beginning in January, our need for education funds is very high! Please consider making a donation to aid us in continuing our success with helping the children become productive Zambian citizens.
I pray your holiday season is blessed beyond measure and the new year brings great joy into your lives.
With heartfelt appreciation,
Carol and the kids