Freezing Christmas, maybe not so, but definitely a GREAT christmas! And, MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!
I think Christmas was really fulfilling this year, not in the sense of materialistic presents, but of learning to give and share and help. I think it really means sharing your happiness and joy with others, and at the same time keeping close to faith and learn to forgive and forget. This year brought new purpose for Ennen's family, as they've decided to adopt a child from Bethany's Orphanage. The child is a 9-year-old blonde. She was sent to the orphanage when her mother died while giving birth, while her father simply went missing. Originally, she was taken care of by her only kin, her grandmother, but she had died of old age just a year ago. Mr McGowan had decided to change her name from Sherra to Elise McGowan. Ennen had told me that Elise was elated to have her new name, as Sherra was simply a name given by the nuns from the orphanage as she reminded them of the actress of the same name. Such great act of love is simply rare and hard to find nowadays. I am really inspired by Mr and Mrs McGowan for being so compassionate and caring.
Therefore, following the adoption, Dallia and i had decided to visit the orphanage to help out today. We reached in the morning, only to see the adorable children learning to sing christmas carols with the caretakers. Glimpsing through the window, a surge of emotions passed by me. In this fast-paced, competitive and harsh society, it is almost impossible to find the busy slowing down their footsteps to experience love and faith. People have been too caught up with their lives, caring only about monetary matters, even christmas seems to have been downplayed. Money seems to be the only thing holding our society now. The visit to the orphanage really left me in deep thought. As the orphanage is Ireland-based, many of the children hail from the war-torn Northern Ireland. Differences between different religions have caused plenty to flee, and childrens to lose their parents in the war. Thus, some of the homeless children would be sent here to seek refuge and to have a chance of being with a family again. Many children in the orphanage had only one simple wish. For those who were separated from their family as it was simply unsafe for them to remain in the country, wished that their family would be safe and to be reunited again. For those who have lost their parents in the war, had hoped for a family to take them in. Some instead prayed for strength to go through this ordeal and to eventually take down the army which had brought violence to their country. While many of us here enjoy a hearty dinner with our families on this day, these kids have to suffer something so heart-wrenching and painful at a young age. Count your blessings, people.
After that, we headed to Ennen's terrace for a visit. Rebe was already there when Dallia and i arrived. Our first impression of Elise was that she looked nothing like an orphan. Dressed in a pink flower dress, she jumped around and laughed and did all the normal stuff that a kid her age would have done. It was heart-warming to know that she was fitting in well, and leading a happy life. However, we soon found out that Elise had required lots of persuading and nudging to open up. The first day with the family was spent rather gloomily with the McGowans trying very hard to communicate with the shy and quiet Elise. She had a rather bad recollection of her grandmother passing away in her sleep, when she only had her all her life. Nonetheless, a few days later and some adjusting to the new family did the trick, and the family began to see more smiles and laughter from her. After a sumptous lunch of fish and chips, Rebe, Dallia, Ennen and i decided to rent a dvd to watch in my house. We ended up watching old films, White Chicks and Material Girls. We also had The Devil Wears Prada, but the disc didn't fit, so we skipped that one and went on with our gift-exchanging!
This Christmas, lovely gifts for all the lovelies! For Rebe, i got her a pair of Guess silver stilettos, perfect with the glittering little straps and shiny silver hue. For Ennen, i think i got her something she had always wished for, the limited edition teal pashmina shawl! I had saw it online, left with only piece, and didn't even think twice before i clicked the 'Buy' button. In addition to that, i also got her a new pair of yellow headphones from gAGa. And Dallia! I had saw this really cool and slouchy beanie and knew immediately that it would be a perfect addition to your extensive headgear collection. Plus, the beanie always looks good on her and her bob ;) That's not the end, i also added in a vintage charms bracelet that i had handpicked the charms myself!
And the gifts from the lovelies! From Rebe, i had received this furry pink fairy 2011 planner, complete with a pink ball-point pen adorned with a pink fluffly ball. In it, there were 10 pages of decoration stickers, each sticker different from the other! I just love all these fancy and gorgeous stuff, thank you Rebe! And to my amazement and excitement, Ennen had got me this totally fantastic, wonderful and brand new polaroid camera!!! I had wanted something like this for a long time, but didn't really express my thoughts to others before. Hence, it was such a surprise to receive it, and in the orange and yellow shade i desired for! Thank you, ENNEN! And lastly, i received this super cool silver ribbon necklace, complete with ribbon earstuds, that i know i must wear it out one day! Thank you, Dallia! I love all you, lovelies ;) and Merry Christmas again!