This year Christmas was quite the celebration! The kids received gifts, new outfits, and a Christmas cake from sponsors. They also danced, played games, and ate a special meal together. Fred, Emma, and Dr. Mufumba took them to visit their families in Masese, Fred and Dr. Mufumba's village, the PFP land, and Bujagali Falls. On top of all of that the children all pitched in for a swim day and started a new football (soccer) league with the help of Emma as soccer coach.
Emma and Fred (Ugandan Coordinators) about to pass out gifts to the children
Christmas gifts from our friends in England!
Christmas cake from Mary, Bob, and Meg (our friends in England)! Thank you so much!
"The last Thursday was a blessing to me and all the family. I managed to receie my friend and he was able to bring for us very nice and unexpected gifts that I could not even expect in my whole life in all the friends that I have ever had. My friend's name is Frank. We got some books, cups, pens, basins, and other things. These things were all from Bob, Mary, and Meg based in England. We had lots of fun and we ate well and really enjoyed the day. The children had the best cake ever before on that day." - Emma
Cutting the cake! So excited!
Agnes with her gift from her sponsors
All of the kids look very smart in their new outfits from sponsors! Thank you Lisa, Yarek, and Gracie!
Lisa sent gifts to celebrate the children doing so well in school! They each received new Christmas outfits, shoes, socks, and underwear. Somehow Agens and Florence's shoes went missing on the way home from the village. All of the girls pitched in their balances to buy Agnes and Florence new shoes. We're so proud of our kids!
Arthur, Emma, Baby Bosco, and Alan looking sharp!
Everyone with their new toys!
The girls with their new stuffed animals
Kids Go Visit Fred and Dr. Mufumba's Village for Christmas
"I suggested to Fred that when we go to celebrate Christmas in our village (Budoma) we could go with all of the PFP kids so that they can have a feel of it. It is a usually special day, which starts with prayers and at midday a grand meal. We meet with other families and the minimum number we can ever have is 100, majority are children." - Dr. Mufumba
Happy Birthday to...
- Emma (age 21)
- Mark (age 11)
- Agnes (age 12)
- Hawa (age 11)
- Rose (age 10)
- Florence (age 8)
- Longoli (age 3)
- Logel (age 12)
"The function was very good. There were jokes, quick quiz, dance, and a lot of eating. For example, Jaja (Longoli's nanny) was asked the name of Heidi's daughter whom she normall sees when Dr. Mufumba opens his computer. She failed and accepted to dance instead of paying a fine. Everybody was happy." - Fred
Patrick eating the birthday dinner :)
Mark
Longoli and Mark
Girls holding their shakers to accompany the drums
Bosco, Friday, and Cosmas danced at the birthday party too!
Kids Go to Visit The Land
The crew took a trip to Bujagali Falls, a beautiful spot near the source of the Nile River. This area is soon to be gone after the construction of a dam up the river. This is a short trip outside of Jinja, yet most of the children had never been there. After visiting the falls and a nice lunch, they went to the land that has been purchased and will soon be the site of their new homes. A special thanks to Amy and Joann for making this possible!
Hiking out to the land
The kids on their property
Hathukwayi, Lodum, and Natule at Bujagali Falls
They were so excited to see their families!
The children in Masese
Friday, Hathukwayi, and Lodum with their Auntie
Florence, Mark, Baby Bosco, and Agnes with their mother and new baby brother!
Florence and her new baby brother!
Goat Fundraiser Was a Huge Success!
Thank you to everyone who supported us in the goat fundraiser in both the US and in Canada! Fence construction has begun and when it is finished all of the goats will be placed on the property to clear the PFP land for construction of the first foster home. For now, we have three of the new goats at our rented home to provide the children with milk. Again, thank you so much for your support!
Kids and the new goats!
Emma has started a sports program for the kids! The children used the remainder of their Christmas money to pay for new equipment and transport to the field three days a week for the entire month of January!
"I personally love playing football (soccer) and it is my desire that every child lerans how to play because it helps them relax their minds... I should say that everyone is interested. We all go to the filed to play netball, volleyball, and football." - Emma
Emma showing the kids how to handle the ball
The boys with their new soccer ball
Newest Member of the PFP Family Announced to the Kids!
Baby Bosco with Heidi and Tomasz's baby announcement!
Welcome to the Peace for Paul Team Susan Nickell!!!
Susan is The Peace for Paul Foundations Canadian Director. She made her first venture into the world of volunteerism as an elementary student, and has since spent time with organizations such as the YMCA, Big Brothers and Sisters, and the Alberta Children’s Hospital. Her educational and professional background is technically rooted in design and residential construction. That along with her volunteer experience has fostered the tools necessary to endorse the Canadian Chapter of Peace for Paul. Susan has been a supporter of the PFP organization as well as many diverse groups globally. She enjoys seeing new parts of our world, and believes that human kind is responsible for making our planet a better place in whatever way they can. Her family carries a strong tradition of contributing to their communities, and in keeping with that philosophy Susan looks forward to learning and growing with Peace for Paul as their invaluable work for the children continues.
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More Pictures
Emma with his graduation gift! We're so proud of you Emma!
Emma is currently taking computer classes (Introduction to Computers, Word, Powerpoint, Publisher, and Internet) and working as the third Ugandan Coordinator for PFP. He is also getting lots of practice at home now that PFP has in home internet access.
