Well I updated another two sets of photos last night... We've now given out over 950 presents so we're so close to our goal (we're got at least another 200 ready so on Christmas Day we will surpass it. Today (Christmas Eve) is a day off as we really need it, it is exhausting but fantastic work giving the presents out. My hats of to Ali and Jake who have been dressed up as Father Christmas the last 3 days - You're stars! Also huge thanks and appreciation to all the volunteers who have helped distribute and of course wrap all the presents in the first place. It's great all the children just sit there with their wrapped presents on their knees... We have to say 'OK - open them!' to get them to discover what they have actually have. They then run back to their homes and play...

So the last two sets of Christmas ones will be on Christmas day, and then next week I'll try and put up so funny ones of the volunteers as I have a great one of the two Santa's wondering in a field - looks very sureal....

This will be my last chance to say it so... "Merry Christmas everyone!"

Merry Christmas to all who have been helping with the presents. Just think of how many children you've made Christmas for. I am going to print out that photo of that happy little boy and show it to my class of 7 year olds when we talk about what they did over Christmas.

Hi All... I managed to get Christmas Day photos up on the website, I'll wait a few days and hopefully put up some funny ones from the last week...

Enjoy

Come on Rob the big meeting resulting with the final desision was today, are you going to share the outcome with us.
Gooner Fan I am most excellent at drinking games, a landlord you may be bus us X barmaids had a lot of practice.

Lin

fingers crossed for CWT

Well... It's been an odd day... Rushed as usual but some promissing news. We had (yet another) meeting today and were told it would be our last, when we got there however they brought up lots of new points so things didn't seem to be going our way... But mainly thanks to our lovely representative we have come away with a win. We have been given a green light for the mango house. We still have to do some extra bits as they seem to see us as outsiders (being foriegners) but all should be good within the next month!!!:o)

We have been waiting for nearly 14 months and everyone is estatic... I'm still not fully celebrating until we get our pice of paper (or what ever) to say that's it....

Thanks to EVERYONE who has helped us get to this stage, it has been a huge effort, I personally wnat to thank Shermina, the Trustees and all the volunteers and supporters for all their help - Thanks Guys!

Rob
thats the best news you could get! I am so happy for you all.

Rob,
That is fantastic news, you and Shermina desere it.

Alan,Lin has been practising for the past 2 months, so be warned.

Steve

Congratulations,

Lin

I dont think I would bet against Linb, I have seen her with the Honeybee.

Fantastic new Rob - congratulations to all of you on your hard work

Helen

Hi All... Just had two mins before I pick the children up to take them to school... Thanks for all the posts of encouragement, it's a fantastic time for us but I can't see it getting that much easier.. So lots of busy days to come....

fantastic news rob
keep up the good work

Hi Rob, that is fantastic news! We came to see you in the morning (Alex and Tim) and went with you to give fruit out at Karaswada.

We tried to have a word with the owner of the Arabian Beach Shack at Candolim re a kids party but he was away for a few days and not back until after we left.

So pleased you got the green light!!

Cartman - Thanks.....

Blondepuff - No problem :o) - We're planning on going up to Bombay in the next week or two to do another HUGE giveaway... We'll see how that goes.... Glad you enjoyed your visit...

There is a very funny volunteer comment about Christmas on our website

http://www.ChildrenWalkingTall.com/Experiences.htm

Well it appeals to my sense of humour anyway...

Its taken me a couple of weeks but i have finally managed to put together a small video of the children walking tall team delivering presents in the slums.

you will need to follow this link

http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=6130226512573112232

I hope you all enjoy watching it as much as i enjoyed putting it together. if you wish to have your own copy, the site will allow you to download and save.

GM 2006

Goan Mad

What a fab video! Great to actually see the house and lovely for my children to watch in anticipation of their trip in Feb.

Well done!

Louise

I have to say I have never seen such a funny sight in all my life, Jake and Ali you were fantastic, but the real star was the bull, it was the highlight of christmas'

Lin

Fantastic to watch, but very humbling.
Thanks for sharing it with us.