Celebrate. We love to celebrate. We love finding every little excuse to celebrate a child and special occasions. In the midst of a nation where abuse, neglect, and exploitation are all too common themes of childhood, we hope to restore glimmers of hope and joy, through celebration, to these beautiful little ones God has entrusted in our care.
Birthdays are one of those excellent excuses to celebrate a child. A way we can shower them in love and say, "You are special and we love you for just being you. Today is special because you were born!" New toys are a special way that we can say to our children, "We love you so much that we want you to enjoy your childhood and all that God has for you. We want you to enjoy playtime and experience God's heart of joy and His treasures for you."
The truth is that many of our children arrive at our centre not knowing their own birthday. They have been forgotten. They have been lost and caught up in a dreadful world of neglect and abuse with no one to remember that special day they entered the world. Our heart at the Zimpeto Children’s Center is to welcome each child with warm celebration, restoring dignity and hope.
As each dorm celebrates each child's birthday with their own special traditions, our children come to know the love Christ has for them and His celebration of their life. The following captures some special moments at the most recent birthday party in the girls dorm. The girls gathered together in a garden for special games like Pin the Tail on the Elephant, Musical Chairs, and Pass the Present. Then after a special craft, it was time for cake, chips, and soda! Finally, we passed out presents and finished with a prayer thanking God for lives worth celebrating and for all the plans He has for them in this coming year.
Happy Birthday. A simple way to say, today you were born and today we celebrate. You are not forgotten and you are not a mistake. You are the Father's joyful creation. Today marks the day you entered the world. And today, we celebrate!