through the generosity of our friends and the Sunday mass congregation, we were able to put together gift hampers to bless 20 families in NaeNae. We also invited people to 'adopt a child' to pray and buy a Christmas present for. it was heartening to witness the warm and enthusiastic response of so many people, especially children who wanted to buy gifts for other kids!
We were so glad to be able to bless these 80 children with something special for Christmas. it was priceless to see their faces light up with delight as they received their presents. Thank you "big brothers and sisters" for your thoughtful gifts.
what we appreciated most was that we could visit these families and spend some time with them, singing carols, talking and praying with them.....
together with this family, we praised God for providing safe passage for 2 of their family members to come to New Zealand to start a new life! listening to the unshakeable faith of a mother, one could not help but be encouraged to keep trusting in God! \o/
we were treated to superb Ugandan hospitality by our gracious hosts. unfamiliar with this ritual, we were at first taken aback (we were like Peter when first faced with Jesus wanting to wash his feet!) but as we let ourselves be served, we allowed our hosts to extend to us a simple but dignified form of hospitality. it was such an honour for us.
