Ah, the wonder of a first Christmas! Lara and Danica, new to Zimpeto, new to Christmas and new to receiving gifts, wonder what all the fuss is about and have no idea of the joys ahead. We love Christmas at Zimpeto!
All through December the children prepare by doing lots of Christmas crafts and practicing Christmas songs and dances - this being Mozambique, there must be dancing!
On Christmas Eve, we gather in the church for our annual concert which always includes a performance of the Nativity by the Baby House cuties, as well as the moment the children look forward to most (as the adults all hold their breath): the candle-lighting! Lara’s too scared to hold her candle and instead curls up on a nearby lap, watching intently as her friends hold their candles high and wave them in the air, filling the church with flickering light as we remember the Light of the World, born to save us.
Then it’s off to bed to wait the coming day of celebration. Can you imagine getting 260 kids to go to sleep on Christmas Eve?
Christmas morning arrives, the children are up at dawn and the anticipation is palpable. We pray together in each of the dorms and sing and dance with exuberance as we celebrate our Savior born. The children each receive a gift package of new clothes, school supplies, toys and trinkets. Lara watches in awe, not quite expecting her turn to come. When it does, she looks confused, wondering why she’s receiving a gift and if she’s going to be able to keep it. Danica is more fascinated by the blue ribbon on her parcel than by its contents and dances around whilst holding it high, laughing with delight.
For Lara and Danica, this is all new. This is the first time they've celebrated the birth of Jesus. We’re so thankful for Him, and for the opportunity on this most holy of days to introduce these two beautiful girls to Him for the very first time.