Ice cream for the first time

The children at the Home just had two weeks off of school, they had their reports in for the last term, all but three did exceptionally well (we are moving the three back a class as they are struggling to understand). 4 kids got first and second out of their class, such a huge improvement from the start of the year when they could hardly speak a word of English. We we took them out for ice cream today (plus two kids that had the tidiest spaces). Only one of them had every had ice cream before so it was quite a day for them. Sakina kept shivering when she was eating it and I don't think Cidoni was impressed at all but all the others devoured theirs (as did I)!

Also had a very cool thing happen over the school break, we are friends with another orphanage about two hours away up in a village called Harvest Children's Home; they have been going for quite a few years and have 60+ children. Right now they they have an American guy volunteering for a few months, Justin. He's doing an awesome job of getting them organized, teaching the kids English and devotions, and nutrition (his area of expertise). Anyway, he suggested that 10 of his kids come and do a short "Mission's Trip" to Helping Hands Children's Home. We though it was a great idea and they came for three days. They laid a sidewalk, help put up a security light and taught our kids lots of songs and games and helped lead devotions. Our Children just loved it and haven't stopped singing the new songs. It was also great for our kids to see that children can make a difference and spread the love of Jesus too. We are hoping to return the favour in the near future.

One thing Justin mentioned was how impressed he was with the food we give our kids, the portion size, quality and the variety, in the village they get the same pretty much all the time. This is something we were really glad to hear as we strive very hard to make sure our children are getting good nutritious food, 3 times everyday.

Laying the sidewalk

Mixing cement

Their kids washed our kids' feet (and legs!)

We were able to give each of the children a new t-shirt as we had a lot shipped over in the truck