Cheshire Orphange for Disabled Children

Every year, a woman in Zambia provides a Christmas party for the children who stay in this home.  It is quite an event and she pays for everything.  The Bodilys have helped in years past and invited us to help with them this year.  Alan was not able to go as he had so much work to do at the office, but I went and had a great time.  Most of the children have mobility issues as can be seen by the many in wheel chairs. Some of the children just didn't have a family to love them.  In Africa, when a child is born with a disability, many times they are abandoned or are hidden from public.  Here at this home, they are encouraged to learn and grow and become all that is possible for them to become.

The ones who can stand by themselves (and many who can't) love to dance.  Africans have such a sense of rhythm.  Even the kids sitting on the floor were moving and jivin' to the music.

This little guy is Reuben.  He has a soft bone disease and is really almost 5 years old.  He is very small and has to be careful not to break anything.  He doesn't talk much, but he has a killer smile. And he also loves to dance!  He wore me out and I had to turn him over to another missionary.  It was so hot that day and I was just pouring sweat.  But it was so worth it and so much fun!

Elder Bodily was helping some of the boys stand so they could also dance.
          
Again, African children are so beautiful.  Reuben stole everyone's hearts, including Sister Bodily!

 
A bounce house was rented for the children to play in.  And to say they loved it would be an understatement.

                   
 Those who couldn't stand loved to be bounced around by others and were very good at pulling themselves up to where they needed and wanted to be.  The big smiles on their faces told us how much they enjoyed themselves.  But then, they seem very to smile and enjoy the simple things in life.

               
The other kids also played really well with Reuben.  I think he's everyone's favorite. It was a great opportunity to be able to be a part of this event.  Kids teach us so much about how to appreciate the small things and to be happy--even in the face of physical disability.  Their spirits and determination such make up for much of the muscle and coordination they lack.