What a Party!!!

Happy smiles, laughter, singing, dancing, playing and eating together were the highlights of the Saturday, December 5th, Refugee/International Christmas Celebration! It was beautiful to see the different ethnic groups and nationalities come together for the purpose of celebrating unity in Christ. Despite difficulties many of them have faced, such as being separated from their families, forced from their homes, political and/or religious persecution and discrimination, this group of people displayed a spirit of joy and courage that was truly infectious. "Today we are very happy!" shouted a Sudanese woman as she hugged me and jumped up and down. It was impossible not to get caught up in the fun and laughter! Thank you to all who prayed for this day, and to those who contributed money to help make it possible. The weather was great, the food was plentiful and God was there!

Sudanese dancing and JUMPING

Welcoming the arrivals.

Although it was a wonderful day, we were not without our share of frustrations, the first being transportation issues. The bus driver we hired was over 3 hours late in getting the participants to the event!!! One group stood in the hot sun on the side of the road waiting to be picked up for 3 hours. After explaining the situation and apologizing, one man said, "no problem, this is African time." We are thankful for the gracious attitude in spite of the inconvenience it caused to many.

Each nationality brought food from their home country so we could all share lunch together. It was a FEAST!

Serving the food

Food from Ethiopia, Eritrea, Sudan, Philippines, Uganda, USA and more!

This picture sums up "lunch" perfectly!

Team building games

It was the first time for many people to throw a frisbee, especially at a target!

Men wearing the traditional Ugandan "kanzu"

Ladies participated in the activities even in their best clothes!

Getting the different groups to interact was part of the goal

of the event.

Merry Christmas!!

The perfect ending to the day was the giving out of gifts to all the kids.

The Association for Evangelicals in Africa (AEA), donated Christmas shoe boxes, filled with toys by children in Holland, to distribute to the kids.

Thank you to the AEA, Sports Friends International, Heritage International School and everyone else who helped make this day a success!

May God Bless you and see you next year!!!