Birthday Fun

Ever since we started dreaming of how we were going to spend our summer in South Africa we have been talking about throwing a big birthday party for the kids. It finally happened… in a huge way!

We have been tossing around ideas for the party since we got here, and thankfully we were able to accomplish all that we had planned. We wanted to give them a big party, something that they would remember. So we decorated with balloons and banners; gave each kid a cupcake and a candle to blow out; and everyone a party pack full of candy, bubbles, books, party hats and pictures of themselves with us. It was incredible, they were so excited to be celebrated! A big favorite was the pictures. None of the kids have pictures of themselves, so we took photos with each of the kids and wrote a note to them telling all that we love about them. We put the photos on their walls next to their beds so they won’t ever forget how much we love them!

There were smiles everywhere as balloons were tossed about, bubbles floated in the air and sticky fingers tried to open just one more piece of candy. The adults even joined in on the fun and bopped the balloons high above the children’s heads as they jumped to catch their prize.

We also gave small gifts to the adults at the centre as thanks for all of the hard work they do every single day. It’s easy for us to come and give a small portion of our lives to these children, but the people here give so much of themselves to make sure the children are happy, healthy and well cared for. They loved the party as well, and really enjoyed the pizza we ordered for them. It’s not all that often that they are given the night off from cooking for 20+ hungry bellies!

After all the festivities had ceased and the kids were slowly wearing out their sugar highs, we found out that LCW generally has a big birthday bash for the kids around this time of year. However, they were unable to do it this year because of financial strain. They were so grateful that we met that need, and we didn’t even know it was a need! Thanks to God for providing for us through our supporters; because we have a surplus in funds we were able to throw a big party for the kids and celebrate them.