A Special Day – First Holy Communion for 5 Assisi Kids

Team Journal for Monday, 28th December 2015.

First Holy Communion

Today was a very special day.  It was the First Holy Communion for the five youngest children at Assisi Illam: Jasmine, George, John, Sophia and Sylvia.  I met these children six years ago and through annual visits, have become close with these children.  The children were dressed in white from head to toe including gloves and veils.  They were truly angelic.

It was incredible to see the community of support for Assisi Illam.   The church was nearly full for this 6:30AM Mass.  I know the children loved having us there.  To them, with our consistency around the holidays, we have truly becoming family.  The service was very special; made just for the Assisi Illam kids.  The older girls sang in the choir, Sylvia read a reading and Sister Rose and Sister Metilda read some blessings and each child read a petition.  At the end of the service, Sister Rexline, Sister Rose and Sister Metilda were honoured for their care, love and service.  We’ve witnessed their care firsthand and are comforted to know that the children are in such great care in the loving hands of Sister Rose and Sister Metilda.

There was a breakfast celebration near the church following the ceremony where we were able to meet many other people who love these children. We made our way back to Assisi Illam and after plenty of pictures and gifts the children changed into more comfortable clothing and we went on with our day, playing soccer, making crafts, singing songs and dancing.  We were even able to get Sister Rose to show of her dance moves, a very rare treat indeed.  We joined the children on the floor for a crowd favorite lunch: Mutton Bryani.

We headed back with a short detour to take pictures of the aftermath from the flood.  I squeezed in a quick shopping spree for baby girl dresses.  The price was right and they couldn’t be cuter.

We continued with the structured lessons at SEAM.  Today our focus was on the question word “How.” We asked the following questions:

How are you?

How do you spell your name?

How often do you brush your teeth?

How many brothers and sisters do you have?

After Erich and Katie led the lesson we broke into small groups to practice asking and answering the how questions.  We are already starting to see the positive benefits of a structure lesson.  The kids are able to speak in complete sentences.  Being we’re running out of time, the next team will continue with this lesson schedule.  We had plenty of time left for free time with the children.  Joelle continued drawing portraits of the children, the rest of us played catch, puzzles, jump rope and danced.  We wrapped up the night with sharing the good news about tomorrow’s field trip.  It’s rare that the children have a chance to leave SEAM other that going to school.  We’re excited to take them on this adventure.

As a surprise, Stephen’s parents joined us for dinner at the guest house.  It was wonderful to reconnect with them.  Stephen’s dad cut up a sugar cane as a special treat.

It’s been another great day.

Entry Submitted by – Katie

Message for the Day – “Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God’s kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile.” — Mother Teresa