LOVE 4 THE CHILDREN

It’s well-known that December is a wonderful festive time. Seems like people become more united and cosier because of the mutual awaiting. It is more obvious among those lacking home atmosphere. We use this special time to remind them about the meaning of this holiday. Holiday is a family, mutual table, delicious food and meaningful conversations. We tried to create something like that with teenagers who come to our meetings. We had separate meetings  with boys and girls. We sat in a circle with boys, there was a cake, Coca-cola and fruit. Every boy shared his wishes for someone else. Surely we reminded them about  the reason for Jesus coming to earth. God has lots of names. The most important one for Christmas is Emanuel  or God is with us. Jesus had a choice. And He made his choice to come and face what each of us face every day: rejection, injustice, hopelessness. That’s why because of the baby we are not alone now, there is He who understands it all. Boys were so grateful for the evening, we said warm goodbyes and they invited us to a school disco in a week. Well, we’ll see them next year. Girls also had a busy program. Below is a story of one of our  volunteers, Olya. “Thank God for the opportunities to spend time with children in Vileyka boarding school. That was our last trip with Yulya to the school before the holidays this year , so we decided to celebrate Christmas. We lit the candles, prepared nice tea and remembered what happened  during one very important night 2000 years ago: the birth of Jesus, shepherds coming and kneeling down before Him, the meaning of Christmas for us today. We sang Christmas songs. It appeared that many kids heard the song “Holy Night” in Italian. At the end of our meeting our beauties received presents, as well as  proper Bibles  that they had asked for. We are praying for kids so that Christmas would be special for everyone personally. Just recently new volunteer Vika has joined our team. Here are her impressions: ” I’ve been coming to Vileyka boarding school for a month now. Every time we come the kids joyfully meet us, shake hands and smile. We talk about different things that worry them, different topics, play together, tell jokes and laugh. Every child is unique and we find ways to communicate with them. After the talk we give them some sweet treats. They are always so happy to get chocolates and other sweet things. When the time comes to say goodbye they walk us to the car and every time ask when we will come again.