But although we are exhausted and ready for a break we wanted to 'finish well' with our groups and work here in the Rock House. We planned some very nice activities. Unfortunately Nico was too sick and couldn't participate as much as he would have liked.
We decided to finish up with a little party in each of the groups. It involved nice food, games and a present. We were very thankful to receive generous donations from Europe and Brazil giving us the opportunity to bless each of the kids with a really nice present! The kids received a Christmas book that had pop out bits to create the stable and characters, along with colouring books and sweets. The teens each received a teen bible in a version that makes it easier for them to read, the bible has little bible studies throughout it. It was super special to see their reactions as they received their presents, many won't receive much this Christmas so it was very touching to see them as they hugged their book or bible, exclaiming wow's and ooww's!!Normally the Rock house hosts a holiday programme in Rock House for the kids of the slum. Because of limited space the max limit is 50 kids and every year they must turn kids away. Nico had an idea to host the programme again but rather than in the Rock House, to do it in the centre of the slum! We did! It was a great success except for the rain, as it is rainy season two days we couldn't go into the slum. The other days we had great fun playing games, getting to meet new faces and telling them stories about Jesus and how much he loves them!
Then on the week leading up to Christmas we took it easier and hosted a few activities with specific groups. Such as a movie night for the teenage boys with a 'thought from the movie', an outing to "see santa" with a group of kids from our groups and we accompanied our Church's Christmas Carolling in the slum! Some fun activities!
And last but not least we took a group of the most frequent participants in the Jujitsu classes to a Tournament against other kids in different social classes. We were accompanied by some of the mothers which was very special! They, along with us were very proud to see the kids in the competition, doing their best! Many of them walked away with medals which we have later seen hung in a special place in their homes!
As we stated, this year has been a full one. And although we were able to finish well here in the Rock house, which left us very satisfied, and then we had a really nice Christmas, unfortunately we were struck with some bad news on the 27th about someone who I (Rachel) worked with, her name is also Rachel, she is the same age as me and her birthday one day after mine! I have gotten to know very well over the years, building a real friendship with her and getting to know her kids and see her change her life from the streets and drugs to a life of honour, raising her 5th daughter with dignity. Going to church, holding down a job and paying her bills on time etc.
The message no one wants to receive: "Rachel's daughter has died. She was killed by her boyfriend." Little 'Eloa' was only one and a half. Rachel left her with her boyfriend while she went to work, came home and found the baby alone, dead on the floor. After some exams, they found that he had strangled her to death. It was a great sadness to see that little tiny white coffin, with that little baby lying there looking so peaceful, none of us know what she went through in her last moments. But we have the peace in our hearts that she had a good life until that day, Rachel was raising a happy, content little girl and we know that she is now in the arms of Jesus, maybe that's why she looked so peaceful as we laid her to rest.
Our worry is for Rachel. Please pray for her, that this tragedy will not ruin everything she has worked for. Pray that the relationship she has built with God will hold her strong. That her friendships with those in the church and around her will help support her and hold her during these next difficult months. We really appreciate your pray for this as we know that it will only be our loving Heavenly Father that will be able to carry her through this.
Thank you for reading till the end, we apologise for the length.... we know it was a long one!
We hope that you had a great Christmas and as you also reflect over the year of 2016 I am sure that you will also have many ups and downs. But we pray that as you reflect that, like us, you will be able to see God's faithful, loving hand with you all the way.
May we wish you a very happy 2017 with many blessings!