Christmastime

Hello everyone!

After 4 weeks of rehearsing, students performed their Christmas play! The play itself, and the 2 rehearsals leading up to it, occurred in the Monastery chapel.

Walking to the Chapel for Rehearsal

Rehearsal, day before performance

By the time the play was over, each group of characters (angels, shepherds, etc) was featured, giving every student a chance in the spotlight.

The play drew enough people that late-comers had to stand!

Performance!

All talking parts were in Xhosa, and the singing was a mix of Xhosa and English.

The performance was simple, spirited, and well-received.

A lovely shepherd, right after performing

The next day, Br. Rob and I stayed after school to assemble Christmas presents. Thanks to your support, there was an abundance of gifts.

Sorting gifts in a spare classroom.

We had quite a few of these

...and these.

2 hours later, the bags are assembled!

Each bag had a mixture of cards, socks, dolls, Candy Canes, Jolly Ranchers, model toys, soap, more cards, and more socks.

(If you sent chocolate: We are storing it until Easter. There were enough sweets to cover both holidays.)

After some last-minute touches, the gifts were ready to go!

In the assembly room, waiting for children. This is one of two tables for the students.

Classroom gifts.

The giving itself was quick but meaningful. Br. Rob and I handed out the packages as students left for the year.

Thanks to Stephen Smith and our student teacher for the following pictures!

For some children, this might have been their first Christmas gift. We explained that these presents came from very far away with lots of hard work. Even if a child did not fully understand what was done for them, I feel we made an impact beyond material wealth.

More specifically, I feel YOU made an impact beyond material wealth. The school staff, including myself, were simply vessels through which your generosity was expressed. This would not have happened without your effort, sincerity, prayers, money, and generosity. If you supported this Christmas giveaway in any manner, Thank You.

“Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.” -Hebrews 13:2 (NIV)

Thank you, truly, for following along in this journey, and for partaking in it yourselves through prayers and lovingkindness.

Servant of Christ,
-Cameron S