LOVE 4 THE CHILDREN

There was another trip of our culinary school on Saturday 2 December to the orphanage in Vileyka. We deiced to make this day special for the children as it was the first day before Advent. We brought decorations for the table, pine tree branches, Santa clause hats, a big frame to take pictures with, decorated with snowflakes, as well as Christmas hymns to play at the background so it makes the atmosphere festive. Our chef Valery taught kids how to make a beautiful and delicious dessert out of simple cottage cheese in the shape of Christmas houses and some “kebabs” from fruit on little wooden spears. We sat up the table together. Valery pointed out that it is important to set the table beautifully not only on special occasions but on ordinary days as well, when they have their own families. It surprises me every time, how children are interested and immersed in the activities, nobody stays on the side gaping. The more we come the more we see how more open they become, eager to have pictures taken with them, share their worries. Those 3.5 hours in a cozy and informal atmosphere went by way too fast. We finished the meeting having tea and sharing little presents for everybody who was there. I would like to mention a boy called Iliya, who gave thanks for the food at the table. That was probably the best and most important moment of the whole meeting! Another special thing we had this month was a Christmas meeting with the kids. Every team member did his best to prepare for this meeting. Hearts were filled with joy and love which we were sharing with kids. Children replied with the same thing. Most kids love presents and they were so eager to get them. There were also kids who were silently sitting side by side with somebody from the team. Even those who seemed not paying attention were actually listening to the questions of the quiz and murmuring the answers to themselves. Piano music was playing during the meeting so it made the atmosphere even more festive. We also brought music bells and kids used them while singing. At the end of the meeting every child got a portion of vitamins – bags with mandarins. Kids started eating them straight away and they didn’t forget even to share some with us and other visitors. The main thing is that every child learnt that Christmas is the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ, and not just Santa, gifts, Christmas tree and decorations!