Memories for a lifetime
Last weekend we had a working day over at the centre where we keep our pigs. There are now twelve individuals and families involved and we're looking forward to having thirteen pigs this year. We're getting them very soon so needed to do some last-minute repairs on the enclosures and it was a good opportunity to get everyone together.
It was a beautiful day. The sun was shining, the woods were full of bluebells and the orchard full of blossom, the birds were singing and the butterflies flitting around, and everywhere was bursting forth with gorgeousness as it does at this time of the year. As soon as we arrived the children ran off into the woods for their games. One of the children had brought some face-paints so they tumbled back out of the woods some while later with their faces covered in flowers and butterflies, matching the world around them. After a little while, some of the girls went down into the long grass of the orchard and sang together and practised their handstands.
We were also joined by some of the guys who live at the place (a residential centre for adults with severe learning disabilities). Over the last few years we have been gently getting to know them; giving them hugs, chatting with them and letting them accompany us when we walk over to feed the pigs. In return they have taken on some of the responsibility of feeding the pigs each morning and taking care of them. It was wonderful seeing them joining in with us while we banged in nails and fixed planks and it is a privilege to be part of something that has adults with such disabilities as an integral part of it.
For some random reason there was an old comfy sofa and chair in the field where we keep our pigs, situated under the bright green trees. I watched Mali and Jemba sitting there with their friends - chatting, playing and enjoying the sunshine - and reflected for a moment on how wonderful it is that they are able to do these things. I know that we are giving them memories that will last the whole of their lives, and that when they are grown up they will tell their friends and partners about these days. I hope these memories inspire them always to love God's world and the things that live in it
Last weekend we had a working day over at the centre where we keep our pigs. There are now twelve individuals and families involved and we're looking forward to having thirteen pigs this year. We're getting them very soon so needed to do some last-minute repairs on the enclosures and it was a good opportunity to get everyone together.
It was a beautiful day. The sun was shining, the woods were full of bluebells and the orchard full of blossom, the birds were singing and the butterflies flitting around, and everywhere was bursting forth with gorgeousness as it does at this time of the year. As soon as we arrived the children ran off into the woods for their games. One of the children had brought some face-paints so they tumbled back out of the woods some while later with their faces covered in flowers and butterflies, matching the world around them. After a little while, some of the girls went down into the long grass of the orchard and sang together and practised their handstands.
We were also joined by some of the guys who live at the place (a residential centre for adults with severe learning disabilities). Over the last few years we have been gently getting to know them; giving them hugs, chatting with them and letting them accompany us when we walk over to feed the pigs. In return they have taken on some of the responsibility of feeding the pigs each morning and taking care of them. It was wonderful seeing them joining in with us while we banged in nails and fixed planks and it is a privilege to be part of something that has adults with such disabilities as an integral part of it.
For some random reason there was an old comfy sofa and chair in the field where we keep our pigs, situated under the bright green trees. I watched Mali and Jemba sitting there with their friends - chatting, playing and enjoying the sunshine - and reflected for a moment on how wonderful it is that they are able to do these things. I know that we are giving them memories that will last the whole of their lives, and that when they are grown up they will tell their friends and partners about these days. I hope these memories inspire them always to love God's world and the things that live in it
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