This month has been a blessing to the children of the Shelter. Right from the beginning they have had one occasion or another to celebrate. Health has been good apart from a few cases of common cold and mild fever. Two of our girls under treatment for skin allergies have responded very well to medication. Filaria tablets were given to children and staff and also this month onwards B-Complex tablets were given to children. Unfortunately due to lack of staff we had to bring fieldwork to a standstill and the result of this was less children coming to Asha Deep. On an average we had about 35 children attending everyday. The ones going to formal school are doing pretty well and the ones who spend the day at the Shelter are learning alphabets, numbers, solving puzzles, painting and drawing.

Ramdas is at the helm at Asha Deep and he is well assisted by Karuna, Yvonne and Lawrence. Our cook Salim has been transferred to Shekinah House. Our dear Dadima had a fall and is recovering from a hairline fracture of her rib. Children and staff miss her dearly as she is of great assistance to us. We pray for her quick recovery. All staff take equal responsibility in running the Shelter and we are like a family.

Children had a month packed with partying. The new celerations went on till mid-January. On the 2nd Past pupils of Peoples High School and friends organised New Year’s party for our children with lunch at AD and later in the afternoon a grand party at Menezes Braganza hall. There were lots of games, gifts and prizes. Since children had a good sumptous lunch at noon they only had soft drinks at this party which were available in plenty. On 4th Mrs. Beena Thomas sponsored lunch and icecream. On the same day Dadima chipped in with cake and one food delicacy on the occasion of her daughter’s birthday. On the 5th Lions Club of Mala/Fontainhas visited us to wish us a good year with sweets. On the same evening our children went to a New Year’s party organised by Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Panaji at the Church Square. They were served snacks and fruit drink. There were games, gifts and prizes. The president of the society encouraged the children to study well and become good citizens. Rachel’s friends Dan and Becky visited and organised games for the children and asked us to serve sweets and icecream to the children. They spent half a day with children and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Through these parties our children are learning proper behaviour, etiquette and sharing.

Plenty of visitors have blessed us with their presence and donations this year. Pam Francis expressed her desire to be with us twice a week. Her friend Julie donated stationery to children. Heidi and Krista who are with Mother Theresa’s Orphanage visited us and recommeded us to friends who will be visiting in October. Pastor Micheal Whittle from UK spent two days with us and also donated towards the needs list. Rachel Akers assists us every Friday. Plenty of locals this month have donated clothes, shoes, chocolates, eatables and a few provisions. We thank them all as they have put a smile on the faces of our children.

This month of January has simply flashed by and it has been a fantastic one. We could not have asked for a better way for the year to begin. The children are now concentrating on their studies as the term and final examinations are fast approaching. We hope with the help and assitance of our friends and well-wishers and the Grace of God we will be able to touch many more lives in the coming months of this year. We hope we can share the joy and love of God with those who need and deserve it the most…….our children.

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