Love the One recently held a summer party at Trivandrum in Kerala, for 8 Mercy Homes in the area, around 100 children in total. The format was very similar to the Christmas party, with singing, dancing, craft, free play, a talent show and lots of fun games. However the difference with this party was that whilst the children were having fun the Mercy Home parents were able to participate in Love the One's first ever Parenting and Child Health course.
Despite a few initial teething problems in holding a party 6 hours away from our base, activities were soon underway. The team led the singing beautifully, with the angelic voice and pink guitar of Lucy really proving a hit with the children. Josh was an invaluable help to the team, and with the help of Shalil as translator, really got the children participating and enjoying the moment. Ruth and Hannah shared some very poignant personal stories which really encouraged the children, and provided some great craft activities, painting tee-shirts, journal decorating etc.
A shining light in the team, Molly was clearly the children's favourite. Only 12 years of age, Molly was a wise head on young shoulders. She was younger than many of the children participating, yet got the respect and love of them all. The children were chanting her name, and despite the language barrier, Molly really engaged with the children. Having Tom, her dad, there demonstrated in a way more powerful than words what it means to be a loving parent.
The children will never forget their afternoon of mini-olympics that Josh, Shalil and Andy put on for them... boisterous games of Dodge Ball started off the proceedings, followed by lemon and spoon races. Soon came apple bobbing followed by 'find the sweet in the flour' providing some hilarous moments, and lastly the popular competitive musical chairs! Medals and trophies all round meant the children went away with some incredibly special memories.
With events going on at two sites, Tom Murphy, Cat and Mary's pastor from Trent Vineyard, Nottingham (UK) provided a fantastic service of linking the two groups together and keeping everyone updated with how the camp was progressing. He also spoke at both events and shared his vision for the work of Love the One, affirming his support for the fantastic work done so far by Dr. Cat and Dr. Mary. The team were so pleased to have Tom out in India with us, to see both the challenges and the successes happening daily for Love the One.
The inaugural Parenting and Child Health course was run and taught by Doctors Mary and Cat with Katie as an extra tutor for the parenting course and Nimmy as translator and teacher. Over the 3 days topics were covered to help best equip the Mercy Home parents in how to best bring up children who are often from traumatic and difficult backgrounds. The Mercy Home parents were very receptive and also appreciated the opportunity to discuss with other Mercy Home parents the challenges they face and encourage each other in their valuable role. It was lovely to see each set of parents presented with a medical box which they're now able to use to give basic medical care to the children in their home. Special thanks goes to St Peter's School in Solihull (UK) who generously collected money to buy each Mercy Home their own medicine box.
After 4 days the party came to an end, but each child went away feeling loved and cared for, each received their own special present, and have had some very special memories which we are sure they will treasure for life.
We'd like to thank all of you who helped donate to make this party happen, and especially the incredibly hard working team that came out from Nottingham which made it such a memorable occasion for the children.
Thank you!