The joy of Christmas was so beautiful at the America World transition home! The children were all dressed in traditional Ethiopian clothes (white linen type fabric with colorful...often gold adornments). They were so proud of the tree they had decorated the the day before...paper chains and popsicle stick reindeer. An entire day Christmas ceremony was planned. We heard a reading from the Bible from one of the older girls living in the transition home, the children sang songs, our team sang some songs, there was an acrobatic performance (an instructor comes to the transition home to work with the children...he even came on Christmas day to run the performance). The children were very talented...they made rather impressive pyramids and had a little flyer (the girl always being thrown to the top) who had great balance and obviously no fear! My favorite part of the acrobatic performance was when an autistic boy kept jumping on the mats to do somersaults. Everyone was so patient with him. The instructor would help him do a couple somersaults then gently guide him to the side of the mat. No one got angry, yelled or forced him...it was so sweet.
Following the performances was lunch. The children were thrilled to have their Ethiopian food, popcorn, bread and soda!! Tables were moved to the lawn so everyone got to eat outside together. It was then the time every child was waiting for...presents!! Our team had the honor of collecting gifts for the children prior to departure. Thank you to all those of you who helped. I even had a dear friend hand make a unique bag for each child...they can use these bags to carry all of their personal items in:) The children also had a letter in their bag from their family in America. The children not yet matched with a family had a letter from the AW staff. The day was topped off with cake, candy canes and the nannies got some chocolate!
There are several special needs children at the transition home who are waiting for families. We were able to see their sweet personalities and gentle spirits. They will no doubt be a blessing to their forever families one day!
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