“Do they know it’s Christmas time…”

It feels a little ironic listening to Band Aid whilst being out here in South Africa. We have tried our best to make Christmas special for the few children who are left at the home over Christmas. Many have now be re-homed, either back to their families or to more permanent accommodation, whilst others are spending Christmas with safe relatives and will be returning to Thembelihle in January. I must say it is much quieter here now that there are only 8 or so children left…much different to the 26 I’m used to! We have had some interesting new admissions and children with extremely challenging behaviour, but with each one I remember why I am here J

The lead up to Christmas involved making paper snowflakes, tree decorations and stockings with the kids helping  to decorating the house, office and classroom…I must say their decorating skills are impressive! The day started early and involved lots of smiles hugs and screams of excitement as they saw the pile of presents under the tree… brand new clothes in time for church and new toys to play with…smiles all round! Church was a shorter service than usual and we all enjoyed singing Christmas carols in the heat! The children were then treated to a bouncy castle in the back garden and a Braai!

Thanks to everyone back home who donated presents, clothes and money…they had a super day! J

So…Do they know it’s Christmas time…? – They certainly do here at Thembelihle Home!