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 Since Zambia is in the southern hemisphere where the seasons are reversed, the day of the Christmas party was bright and sunny. It started at 4:00 am when the women in the kitchen at the House of Moses started cutting up 30 chickens, while the men started up the charcoal grills at the back.
Meanwhile, the children were up before dawn, filled with excitement. Most of them had never celebrated Christmas before, but those who had been with us last year told them of the wonders they could expect.
Every event of great importance, like Christmas always includes a jumping castle. The boys and girls are arranged by age so everyone can have a fun and safe time jumping inside the air-filled “trampoline,” while the rest played soccer and tag.
A big buffet table was set on the lawn in front of the House of Moses. When all the food had been brought out, everyone joined in a song and prayer. Then, the smallest children, helped by the older ones filled their plates. Soon all were busy eating spaghetti, BBQ chicken, rice and vegetables and a bottle of orange soda! 
After dinner there were songs, and then the Christmas story. The younger children were beginning to get tired, but not too tired to excitedly unwrap gifts! Many of the young children were thrilled to find their gifts included a backpack. In Zambia a backpack is a sign of passing to a new coveted level, that of a child who is fortunate enough to go to school.
To each of you who helped provide the party and the gifts, all of us shout out, “Thank you!” Thank you also to all who help rescue and support the children throughout the year. May 2012 be your best year yet.
Read some stories about children who come to House of Martha:
Skills Center | Street Children | Home Was the Police Station | Three Sisters
| Christmas Shopping
Watch a video of House of Martha students at Mundawanga Zoo
Bill & Bette Bryant Home | House of Moses | House of Martha |
