NOTE: This story took place before the COVID-19 pandemic
What do you remember about your birthday when you were a child? The excitement, the birthday cake, the presents, the warm wishes from friends and family? We want the same kinds of happy memories for every child in YWAM Mercy’s Community-based Children’s Homes.
In December, in addition to a wonderful Christmas party, we also had a joint BIRTHDAY party. The children really look forward to this special party.
We live together at the Children’s Home, so we decided to celebrate together and today is “our” birthday.
From the youngest (7 years old) to the eldest, Mrs. Oanh, (Home Staff), all the children’s home members came together to celebrate the new year of life ahead with wishes for happiness and success. The Commune People’s Committee brought candies cookies and other treats for the children. Each child received their own personal birthday cake with candles commemorating their age.
This is the 10th time I have celebrated my birthday in the Home. My birthday is not only when I become 1 year older, but also a step towards my more mature life. Thanks to my sponsor, for giving me the opportunity to celebrate this special day with all the members of the Children’s Home every year. Only since living here, have I and all the children here, enjoyed this wonderful thing.
Though it’s not part of Vietnamese tradition to celebrate birthdays, it’s become a tradition in the Home. Vietnamese people usually advance their age each year at Tet (Lunar New Year) so we usually do this in December or January.
This year, we also celebrated the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Van Hoa Children’s Home, 19 years of establishing the Tan Linh Children’s Home and 18 years of establishing the Phu Chau Children’s Home.
A big thank you, to our sponsors who made it possible for the children to light up with joy on their special day.
