Five Alive

When we realized that we had five staff birthdays this month, we decided that we needed to celebrate them all together, so we chose May 10th as the special day. The birthday five included, from oldest to youngest: Wes, Carolyn, Diana, Abby and Hildah.

Darbi and I did some brainstorming while riding bikes one morning, and came up with a plan. We would make one face cake for each staff member. It was a lot of hard work on Darbi's part--all I had to do was draw their faces on paper and she did the rest.



Wes on the left and teacher Hildah on the right, two of the birthday cakes made by Darbi.

 Meanwhile, Blu was using his creative juices to figure out a way to pour water on the birthday five (the tradition here at New Day),in a way that would totally surprise them. Of course, knowing Blu, they were all a little cautious as they entered the dining room for the birthday celebration.



Teacher Abby is a little leery of walking into the dining room because she knows very well about the "water pouring tradition," since she helped to bring it to New Day.

 And truly, Blu came up with a creative plan. He hooked up a water hose to PVC pipe that he attached to the rafter in the dining room.  The pipe had five spouts, one for each of the birthday five. 

The children had planned a little birthday skit,  which worked perfectly for Blu's scheme. Below the five spouts he placed five chairs, with Wes' chair being below the one that would release the most water.

The children came marching in; several carrying baby dolls representing the birthday five.



Muchoni on the right was carrying the baby doll representing Papa Wes.

 The birthday five were a little hesitant to sit in the chairs, but once the children started doing their skit, they relaxed a bit. But when the water came on the five came alive, jumping out of their chairs so quickly that I couldn't get a good picture.

Hildah on the left, wearing a shower cap, was prepared for getting wet, but I don't think any of them suspected that the water would come from above.

After a few minutes of laughter, Wes and Hildah went back over to their chairs, and Diana  told me, "We should have Blu turn it on again." We got Blu's attention, and this time he left it on while everyone who wanted to get wet, did so.

The children decided to join in the fun when Blu turned on the water the second time!

It was a fun-filled birthday--one I'm sure we will never forget!

An Emotional Day

Today was the first time that Wes and I have been present for the arrival of new children to the New Day family. It was quite an emotional experience as the vehicle drove up with Wes, Elizabeth (our social worker) Mukuwa and Christina and family members who were entrusting these two children into our care.

Wes introduces Mukuwa to Misheck, and the rest of the New Day family.

I can't even imagine the feelings of these two precious children, as they saw the jumping and shouting and excitement of the children and staff here at New Day. I'm sure they did not comprehend what was happening. They must have been thinking, "Why are all these people so excited to see us? Why are they all hugging us?" Although neither of them cried, they both had a look of confusion on their faces mixed with a little fear of the unknown.



Mukuwa, age 5, does not quite understand what is happening to him. Please pray for him as he adjust to life at New Day.



Christina, age 4, meets her new house mother, Margaret.

After lots of welcoming, the family was ushered into the dining room for a hot meal, which they seemed to appreciate very much. Wes and I came home as well, as Wes had not eaten since he had been out picking up the children.

A few minutes ago I decided to go down and see how they were doing. I'm glad to report that they were adjusting well to their new surroundings. Both were dressed in their new clothes, standing around the cooking fire with their new mother and aunties, and both were holding dolls in their hands. Christina had a big smile on her face, and for the first time ever, she was wearing shoes. Mukuwa let me hug him, and those big brown eyes just melted my  heart. 

While we were standing there, the other NDO children finished their afternoon classes and came to invite their new brother and sister to come play with them. It was precious to watch Kelita grab hold of Mukuwa's hand and take him to join the others. Purity tried to pick Christina up and carry her, but decided it was best to let her walk. Cambree came over and grabbed Christina's hand, and off they went for their first afternoon of play.

This is why we are here at New Day, and for these children we pray that this new day will be one of special beginnings for both of them. Welcome Mukuwa and Christina.