Nwel

Hope on a String classes and its community center are currently on "vacans" for the holidays.  Christmas ("Nwel") is a very big holiday here and the upcoming Independence Day (New Year's Day) is also a very big celebration.  Because most people here are Christian, Christmas is a very important religious holiday.  However, because most people here do not have a lot of money, many children and adults pass the Christmas season without receiving or giving any presents.  Today, a man in the community, who currently spends most of his time in Florida, had his annual gift giving ceremony with the children of the community.  I was able to sneak a peak at the event and felt very lucky to do so.  The man had turned his front yard into a stage, with stuffed animals and decorations hanging all around.  He had kids sing on the stage, dance, and even rap.  There were boys and girls of all ages there, eagerly awaiting a special gift.  The host gave the children new and used toys that he and the Kadina Foundation purchased and received through donations.  He must have borrowed benches and chairs from a nearby church, because he had about 100 children sitting on them.  It was packed! Afterwards, he played music and the children danced and enjoyed their presents.  I was very happy to see the children, many of whom attend Hope on a String and who I know from around.