Family Christmas

The day was a sweltering one, with the Ugandan sun beating down with intensity. The sky was clear, the excitement palpable.

Each year, Amazima holds a party to celebrate Christmas. The children who are sponsored through Amazima bring their guardians, whether an aunt, uncle, grandfather, grandmother or parent. It is the highlight of the year for many and a time for us to greet all of the families that are the heart of Amazima.

As the guests gathered, the band began singing songs of worship and praise.  Our guests eagerly gathered to hear the music. There was music and dancing, ice cream men scooping delicious cold treats for those who wanted them, and dramas demonstrating our Savior’s birth acted out by children. The party was complete with chicken, beans, and rice served at lunchtime.  The day ended with passing out Christmas presents, food baskets piled high with traditional Ugandan foods.

Here in Uganda, it is a privilege to be able to feed one’s family a big meal on Christmas. And here at Amazima we take great joy in being able to provide families with opportunities to be together, celebrate each other, and rejoice in God's great love for us. What a delight it is to see the happiness spread across the faces of these guardians as they are given the necessary ingredients to provide a big Christmas feast for the ones they love. 

As we announced the items that each family would receive, the screams and cheers could be heard from quite a distance. The cheering that came from announcing that soda, a rare treat for many, would also be included in the baskets could probably be heard for miles!

We wanted to express deep gratitude to each of you who supported our efforts to make Christmas dinner a reality for these families. It is our hope that by the simple giving of basic food items, these families were able to make beautiful memories of family, food, and communion with one another. 

Can't quite remember what all came in our Christmas basket? We would love to remind you! Watch the video to see what you missed...