Tripple Celebration

There was a real hub of activity, noise, laughter and excitement in Nava Jeevana, Bellary on the 23^rd and 24^th December 2010.  We had a triple celebration – World Disabled Day (Dec 3) Puttani Sangha Festival (Children’s Festival) and the Christmas Celebration.  We planned to coincide this with the visit of our friend from Germany Martin Gruger and his son Benedikt who wished to celebrate Christmas with us.  The 175 children were invited to new experiences and adventures; one was drawing cash from the Nava Jeevana Bank where Sr. Victoria was the Bank Manager. Their cash and their day was spent in lucky dips, canteen, photo session, games of chance etc.  as twilight fell all gathered around the Holy Family and the live crib made up of our gardener, his wife the cook and their baby Preethi.  The children in spite of their disabilities sang and danced as kings, shepherd, angels, this was thanks to Sr. Leo and her staff who took keen interest to organize this.

Christmas is essentially a story – history of Sharing.  We had taken the theme of SHARING for reflection and action during advent, Sisters, Staff and Children were encouraged to find ways and means to practice ‘sharing’ in its various aspects.  “Sharing a kind word, an appreciation, a smile, an act – The outcome was that our 55 disabled children volunteered to share their “mite” and their goodies that they received to make surprise gifts and organize games for those less fortunate than themselves namely the children of the Daya Kendra (Leprosy Colony) and the neighbouring slums.  It was indeed touching to see our little ones leaning on crutches go over to give out the prizes and surprise gifts with a smile on their faces .Those who gave experienced as much joy or even more than those who received – Miracle of sharing is essential to make the world a better place to live in.    The visit of Catherine Bowman from UK and Xavier Mariadas from PCTC, Karyandhal, Tamilnadu who encouraged us in all what we are doing.