December 24th continued ...

Fr Christmas always drops off  one present for each child on Christmas Eve.

The children are always super delighted and have so much fun getting into the Christmas spirit.


After all the excitement died down, the cookies and carrots were put out for Santa, and the children went to sleep. It was time for the magic to begin.

Santa set up all the gifts around the living room. The children were so blessed. Each of them received a pile of gifts. By midnight all was peaceful!

Things started off quietly as most of the little ones were a little taken aback at the idea that all the gifts in their pile were actually "THEIRS".

BUT they soon got into swing of things and it didn't take long before the lounge was carpeted in gift wrapping and toy packaging :-)

Mbali was delighted with her giant hippo and it accompanied her all throughout the day

In the late morning we were joined by the Mainhouse kids (seen here receiving the gift vouchers brought by our generous friends). We had organised to have a braai which is something we haven't done for ages due to the high cost of meat nowadays.

We all had fun, there were smiles all round and the New Farm became a family retreat for the day.

It was the first time in over 2 years that we have been "just the family" and everyone felt the difference.

 Many of you will remember, Nadia was our first victim of the chicken pox and unbelievably our poor little Warren woke up Christmas morning covered in spots but as you can see he didn't let that dampen his Christmas spirit.

We were able to use the time to reconnect,

Play some ball

Have some farm fun

And  best of all

just put our feet up for a little bit!

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our friends for their  support this year. Without you we would not be here, we have watched countless homes closing down under the strain this year and we can but thank God for our worldwide body of friends who always remember us.

We love you all
Pippa