Alekos had advised me when I sought his permission if we could visit on New Year’s day, that they would be leaving at 1.00pm as they would be taking a few of the children to the zoo. However, we were most welcome to visit and utilize their premises and property!
Our children were so excited when they were advised earlier in the week that they were going to Galijembe to visit TOM!
We had intended to leave the orphan center at 10.00am and be at TOM by between 10.30 – 11.00am. We didn’t arrive until nearly 1.00pm! It was a rather eventful morning, both before we left the orphan center and before we arrived at TOM!
My sister Jo crocheted hats for all the children and a few scarves. Sekela loves her scarf and the children love their colourful hats!
I ensured that we took food, drinks, water, soccer balls, games and jump ropes with us.
When we arrived we received a warm welcome from Marina (one of the volunteers from Cyprus) and the children.
When Nafsika saw what we brought with us, she asked why did I do that? Nafsika advised me that they had made food for all of us and they changed their plans and would not be going to the zoo!
Nafsika spoiled our children and gave them biscuits and drinks to start with! Introductions were next where each child and worker had to stand up and introduce themselves.
Our children loved TOM and they interacted very well with the children at TOM.
Afterwards all the children went outside to play. Our children loved playing either soccer or in the playground on the various equipment. They had so much fun, I thought we would have difficulty getting them to return inside or to leave!
We decided to share all our food, what a feast! TOM were blessed with the variety of food Sekela had organized.
Marina had advised me that the children from TOM had prepared a presentation and gave us the opportunity to also do something. I decided the children would sing a couple of songs and I also had a few Scripture verses that I wanted to share.
We started first. I arranged for Yusufu to present a small donation to the children of TOM from our children; Cairo to present a watermelon and Elizabeth to present a bag of carrots. These were small gifts in appreciation for their hospitality and allowing our children to visit and utilize their facilities.
I shared a few Scripture verses about thanksgiving and shared what I am thankful for. I then gave everyone the opportunity to share something they were thankful for, a handful of children expressed thanksgiving.
After this our children and I performed two action songs:
The presentations by TOM had variety and were very well performed. Yusufu who was sitting in the front was so excited he decided to join one of the TOM presentations and he managed to keep up with the dancing and the actions. We were all in fits of laughter at Yusufu’s bold involvement:
At the conclusion of the presentations, prizes were awarded to Naomi Ruth and to two of the TOM groups.
Praise God for answered prayer and that during this rainy season, we did not experience any rain while the children were playing outside!
To God be the glory for the amazing day at TOM and I know the day will be etched in our children’s memories for some time! I thank Him for Alekos, Nafsika, John, Marina, the staff and all the children who expressed overwhelming hospitality!
I thank God for my Prayer For Israel (PFI) group in New Zealand, who provided a monetary gift so that the children could have a treat. The gift was used to provide transportation and the gifts given to TOM.
God willing this will not be a one-off event but will be a regular event.
— Maara