Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Nkoaranga!

Hello all! After a week of internet and electricity problems, we're finally back online - just in time to tell you (and show you) our amazing Christmas and New Year with the kids. First, with your donations, we were able to buy a ton of new toys for the kids. This is so important for their development, both physical and mental! Here is a quick video showing the difference that made, and saying thank you directly to our donors.

Then, on the 24th, we had a whole day of fun-filled activities. All the kids got beautiful new clothes from Fred's World and greengorilla, who donated a TON of gorgeous organic clothing. We also were (just) able to get new (to them) shoes for each kid - although that's definitely our biggest need right now, and most of the time, shoes! If you or someone you know would be willing to take up a collection of good quality used shoes, please get in touch.

Andrea in Fred's World

Dainess in Fred's World

Ericki in Fred's World, feeding his baby

Shujaa in green gorilla 

Maureen and Ester in green gorilla

Vicky in Fred's World

Simoni, Zawadi, Neema, Maureen and Baracka in Fred's World 

We've also been loving the gorgeous nappies donated by Baba and Boo! Amazing quality - some of the only nappies we can use with a single outer - and beautiful. The little girls even express opinions about wanting the pretty ones!

Little Ebeni in stars

Miss Vicky

After everyone was dressed, we got a visit from Dimples Junior, a wonderful clown based in the Arusha area. All the profits that he and his lovely wife make from clowning go to their own nonprofit, which is dedicated to helping street children, so we were especially happy to support them. 

Then in the afternoon we got our yearly visit from our wonderful friends at KATZ Volunteers, who arrange Baba Christmas's visit to a number of local orphanages! The kids were thrilled, and especially enjoyed the "snow." Thanks KATZ!

Snow!!

Mama Neema getting in on the fun

Baba Christmas and Loveness 

Isaac isn't sure he approves

We also received a Christmas gift of another kind - a miracle baby named Angel. She is so beautiful, and we are honored to have been entrusted with her care. We will do our best to honor her mother's memory.

WHAT IS THIS MAGIC?

All in all, a great Christmas.

We get to do this EVERY YEAR?

Finally, yesterday we had a little mini celebration with our toddlers ringing in the new year.

Mama Pendo and Maureen

Vicky 

Thank you all so much for an incredible 2012, and we can't wait to do even more for these wonderful kids in 2013. We are so grateful to have you by our side!