It was birthday time for our Thomas who has turned six this week. Thomas, who has a smile as wide as a mile, received his birthday gift at Kidz Club when Auntie Rose was leading the gathering as Mama and Papa were enjoying a few days away for Mama's birthday. Oscar and his room mates were the winners of te best kept room award,. Auntie Velma went through the marks for each room so the kids know exactly who is doing well and who should be doing much better!
The gates are the first thing our visitors see when they arrive at Happy House children's home. And they always comment on how colourful and welcoming they look. Papa had them painted with the words: "Sue Hayward's Happy House" plus balloons and more as a surprise for Mama a few years ago. They are beginning to look a bit tired and because they are made of metal we can't risk them getting any rust, so they are receiving a makeover as Uncle Ronnie and Uncle Ibrahim explain in today's video.
Mama's birthday celebrations were combined with a kidz club. The winners of the winning bedroom of the week award were announced and birthday boy Stevie received his gifts and greetings from Mama, papa and the family. Then there was party time with singing, dancing and chocolate cake! What a treat for everyone and how lovely of Mama to share her special day with the children she loves. As usual little Elizabeth took her place on Mama's lap - there is nowhere she would rather be! We hope Mama and Papa have enjoyed their birthday break and come back home refreshed and happy. Mama sends special thanks to friends all around the world who sent Mama greetings by email or via our Happy House Facebook page, she was thrilled to hear from you.
Mama's birthday celebrations started early with greetings from all the children in our Happy House School.
They sang to her at the weekly school assembly. The following day there was a party for all the family at home with special meal of homemade beefburgers with salad followed by fresh fruit with evaporated milk. That was followed by entertainment from the children for their Mama, birthday greeting - with lots of lovely handwritten letters ad drawings from the kids - and the regular boys v girls singing contest.
Mama was the judge and declared the result a draw. And no birthday party is complete without a cake and right on cue a wonderful cake, made by our cook Auntie Phillis, was produced - the icing on the cake of a special day! Please click on this link to watch a second video https://youtu.be/cl9HcT41yGg Part 2 of Mama's Birthday Party on tomorrow's blog
Add we know that you will want to wish her a very happy day.
The family celebrated early, as Papa has whisked her off for a few days rest and relaxation on the coast of Mombasa.
The staff surprised with gifts of roses - one from each member of staff, and later in the day there was a party for all the Happy House family.
If anyone deserves a happy birthday, it is our Mama Sue.
She works tirelessly, day in, day out, to give a better life to children from from backgrounds of destitution and despair, trauma or tragedy, abandonment or abuse.
Mama Sue is truly their Mama, the matriarch of a family that she has created. The Happy House was her concept, her vision, and it was her dedication that brought it to life.
Hundreds of lives have, and are, being changed by Mama Sue's intervention. Kids from hopeless situations now have hope in their hearts, food in their tummies and love in their lives.
Relatives who have managed to get back on their feet after whatever problems led to their child or children going into care, have been reunited with their kids because Mama has made it so.
As much as she loves each child that comes into her care, she believes that their place, if possible, is with the families and the communities they were born into.
At home and in school, Mama Sue is giving kids aspirations, opportunities and ambition.
Because of her they will go on to help change their world for the better.
She is one very special lady, one special friend, and we love her.
Happy House high school students joined together on Saturday to work in the gardens of our children's home, where we grow food for our family and school meals. They had a meeting with Mama, Papa and groundsman Alex who advised them on how to divide themselves into work groups. They then enjoyed a hearty lunch before going out into the garden garden. One group was slashing the weeds, another collecting wood and taking it to the kitchen to be used for firewood; while the third group was preparing ground for planting new groups. The final group was working on getting plots ready for Form 4 agricultural projects which are part of the secondary school curriculum requirements of the Ministry of Education. They had an enjoyable day in which they achieved a great deal.
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