Today was probably one of the most amazing days of my life. We set off early to go to a nearby village to visit the childrens orphanage. We had been told that there was 92 children at this orphange some physically handicapped and some mentally handicapped. So we set off laden with baskets full of gifts for the children. We had been told that the appropriate gifts for the children this time of year would be an orange and chocolate. So the day before we had gone to the city and purchased 92 oranges and 92 chocolate santas. We spent most of the evening wrapping up the gifts.

When we arrived at the orphange we were pleasently surprised as the chief of police and the mayor of the village was there also bearing gifts.

The children put on a christmas pantomime which was fantastic as it was in Bulgarian i couldnt understand what they were singing but they were all so proud to be on the stage.

After the pantomime we we able to meet all the children and give them their gifts each child was so pleased to receive the gifts and we spent many hours hugging and kissing them. Although the children looked well you could see all the really craved was love and some attention.

We were then invited by the director of the orphange to join him the mayor and the chief of police for lunch in his office. After lunch we were able to go and see the children again. They range from 7 - 18 years old many of the children have severe learning difficulties and i noticed in their recreation room they was no toys or any games for them to play with. Also they sleep six to a room and are in desperate need for books clothes and toys. Although the orphanage was quite sparce the children did look well cared for. And we have been granted permission to visit on a regualr basis and help with the simple tasks like feeding the children helping them to wash and dress. Janet one of the English ladies from my village who i went with has contacted a help the children in bulgaria charity based in England and in the new year they will be coming out to meet Janet and myself to ask us what we think the children need and to start supplying it. We are going to ask for medical supplies and hoping they might help with getting a mini bus. We are not going to give the orphanage money but purchase the things they need and then give it to them.

I will be coming home in March so if anybody reading this now and especially at this time of year (Goodwill to all men) would like to donate anything i would really appreciate it as my mission is to get the children books and toys. So dig deep in your pockets and i will be collecting in March.

We are going back on the 28th to visit the children again and this time Ken will be coming and performing his magic tricks (Im sure the kids will love it)

We would just like to wish everyone at home a merry christmas and a happy new year. Especially our families who we especially miss at this time of the year