Christmas at the Children's Home

This year our Humanitarian State University English club ventured to a children's home to share our Christmas celebration. We had a wonderful time there and we're already looking forward to our next opportunity to return.

Here are some of the things we did:

First, we prepared what you might consider a classic Christmas pageant, complete with Shepherds and Wise Men following the Christmas star to find the Christ child. A show of hands demonstrated that of the children in the audience, very few actually knew the original Christmas story - they'd never seen this kind of pageant before. Our student actors did an amazing job!

Then we played some games together. It's always a kick to see similar children's games no matter what country you're in at the time. This is a game very similar to our own hand clapping games like Miss Mary Black, Down by the Banks, Miss Suzie, etc.. As you may be able to guess, the game counts to a determined number (like 10) and if your hand is hit when 10 is spoken, you're out!

We then did some origami angels, while just chatting and playing with the kids before wrapping up to catch our train back into the city.

Interestingly enough, far and away the most popular thing we did with the boys in particular was provide them with candles and matches for our sing along at the end of the night. They were proudly covered in wax and small finger burns as we were packing up our things. Boys will always be boys, I guess. Please pray that the Children's home will still be standing when we return next semester!

What a wonderful way to celebrate the Christmas season.

Truly He taught us to love one another,
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains he shall break, for the slave is our brother.
And in his name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
With all our hearts we praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! Then ever, ever praise Him,
His power and glory ever more proclaim!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

-rkc