Christmas Came Early

There is nothing like getting into the Christmas spirit - the spirit of joy and the spirit of giving. Spending numerous hours with the orphaned and needy children at the Parental Care School and Orphanage in Mbarara, Uganda in the days leading up to Christmas it was hard not to fall in love with each and every one of them. From their precious smiles to their uncontainable laughter, you would never know that most of the children present grew up separated or were abandoned by their families.
Taken in by the ever welcoming and warm arms of Supermom Sarah and Pastor "Papa" Emmy, the children at Parental Care School are raised up in a simple but loving setting where they receive a wonderful education, a safe and warm place to live and a large family to call home. Beginning as a dream and vision of this husband and wife team, they sacrificed a great deal to help the beautiful unwanted children in their community.

(How anyone could turn away or mistreat one of these most precious beings is beyond me.) Last year they even sold their own home as a "seed" to finance the construction of buildings for the school and dormitory. Trusting implicitly that God would provide for each and every one of their needs they have refused to turn back even in light of tough economic times and their own large ever-growing family, currently 30+.
Talking to Pastor Emmy in the weeks leading up to December the ministry was severely strapped financially and they were struggling to find money to feed all the children properly. Never losing hope or faith, prayers were continually sent out. Thank you so much to everyone who joined in prayer with them and donated precious resources. The Christmas celebration would not have been the same without you!

Christmas actually came early for the most needy of the children at the school who remained without any relatives to return to over the holiday break. Working for several days earlier in the week, Sarah had secured new outfits for the children from all over town to present to them as their Christmas gift. Pulling into the school on that bright and sunny afternoon, the children could hardly contain their excitement as they raced to welcome the van and warmly greeted us all with tremendous hugs.

Assembling in mass in the middle of the compound each child sat in anticipation was their name was called and new clothes were brought forth. Order quickly transformed into a frenzy as the excitement simply could simply not be regulated. Within moments each of the children were holding up their new garments for examination. Pausing momentarily for a few pictures it was then off to the races as each rushed off to adorn their Christmas presents. Emerging from the buildings, the compound was awash with color as the children ran about with glee. Over a hundred photos later the festivities were winding down and it was time to say that day's goodbyes, followed instantly by a "see you tomorrow."
The joy, gratefulness and humbleness this children express is inspiring. One new outfit completely made their day and their Christmas.