FOR THE CHILDREN FROM PARADISE- A DREAM BOAT RIDE

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The children were taken for a boat ride on the Mandovi river. All excited, they boarded the boat each with a ticket dished out by Ebu & Meher at the gate. Being the first for many of the children they were stunned by the size of the ship. As soon as it was announced by the compere that they could dance to the live music, it was just footloose... stunning many people with their steps. Flashbulbs clicked their dancing by many tourists.To entertain them further, there were local cultural programs that lasted for an hour. On disembarkment the children were looking very sad as they wanted to have more fun. However on seeing Ebu & Meher on the dock they were all smiles as they rejoined their Bahiya & Didi again.
Submitted by
Rajan Welingkar
Brett Rodricks
Edited By
Francis Fernandes.

FR JOE A TRUE YOGIC - SAYS CHILDREN

Although having an occupied schedule shuttling from meetings to conference and being with the children, Fr. Joe was dedicated to his yoga practice, this fascinated the children and even the elders around. All would sit in amaze at the flexibility and discipline of Fr. Joe practicing his asanas.

Submitted by
Rajan Welingkar
Brett Rodricks
Edited by
Francis Fernandes.

CHICKEN AND FRENCH FRIES..OOH! WE ALSO DANCED AT THE SIDE

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At lunch it was announced that the children would be going to the park and later to KFC for a treat. After a good time on the beach the children were taken to KFC by Ruby, Ebu & Meher. Even before the children could settle down on their seats the food was served chicken, fried chips and a Pepsi with crushed ice. The children had a good time even dancing in the corner. Later the children were taken at the adjacent mall were they played on games and ran around with fun on the escalators, the security too had a soft corner and let the children enjoy themselves....
Submitted by
Rajan Wellingkar
Brett Rodricks
Edited by Francis Fernandes

A MID-SUMMER NIGHT DREAM-EBU'S BIRTHDAY AT 12 MIDNIGHT

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So auspicious 25th Feb -25th Birthday -that was Ebu Bhaiya's birthday date. The children all together planned with Mummy, Papa, Ruby Didi, Meher Didi to suprise Ebu to cut a cake at midnight. All excited they were wondering how to get him down to cut the cake. They came out with a brilliant idea, the youngest child Amaan was thought to pretended and cry, the child did a fantastic job a great actor in him, his wailing got Ebu down from his bedroom running and worried...Imagine the roar, all were there to greet him his Parents, Rubina, Meher and 16 special guest. The glow and broad smile on Ebu's face said it all. later Ebu mentioned that this was his best birthday prayer for him, being with these little children and thanked his parents and Fr. Joe for letting it happen.The children went off to sleep after some dancing and eating the birthday cake.
Submitted by
Rajan Welingkar
Brett Rodricks
Edited by
Francis Fernandes.

THIS IS MY SONG....

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The Birthday party cake was cut with great fun and excitement, even the party poppers going off before the cake was cut. Beaming with happiness Ebu shared his birthday cake with his near and dear ones, making a point too see that no one was missed. The most touching was to see Ebu walk up to his grandmother and make her the center of attraction at the cake cutting.
Submitted by
Rajan Welingkar
Bret Rodricks
Edited by
Francis Fernandes

THE GREAT DAY..TODAY IS EBU BHAIYA'S BIRTHDAY

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On the 25th morning the children were all excited, after a dip in the swimming pool they dressed up for the party. The children wore party caps and danced to the best of Hindi tunes. What a joy to see them dance so well especially acknowledged by Mrs. Mariola Mathais and Fr. Joe. Mrs. Mathais even danced a few steps with them. There were games of passing the ball and musical chair. A great sight to see the children enjoy, cheat, run, laugh and even get sad as they were eliminated. What a consoling sight to see Ebu, Ruby, Meher at their side and make them smile. Mrs. Rehana Ebrahim had gifts for every child and saw to it that each child was a winner.
The Special birthday cake was out and all stood round it, his Parents, Grandmother, Uncle Razak & Family, Aunts, Mr. & Mrs. Joe Mathias, Ruby, Meher, the staff of their house and the special guests 16 children along with Rajan, Deepak, Khemchand, Mr.& Mrs. Agnel & Pamela and Fr. Joe. A joy to see Ebu share his birthday cake bite with all present . The children and guest were treated to a sumptuous lunch and delicious dessert all cooked by Mrs. Rehana Ebrahim. The party got more vibrant with the arrival of Meher's Parents and Grandfather.
After lunch the children were all looking sad, as they had to leave for Mumbai. But a great host that he is, Ebu diverted their mind by letting them take a dip in the swimming pool. what a perfect ending to a grand celebration.
Submitted by
Rajan Welingkar
Brett Rodricks
Edited by
Francis Fernandes

GOODBYE MY LOVE GOODBYE......

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The dawn had risen when the children had to return to Mumbai. After a grand birthday party and sumptuous lunch, the children started packing their bags to get back home. It was very painfull for all to depart. All were moved to tears including the staff of the Ebrahim's. The children on the way back mentioned that they would never forget this trip all their lives. As a little child said " MAY ALLAH BLESS THEM FOREVER, Thank you Mama, Thank You Papa, Thank you Ebu Bhaiya, Thank you Ruby Didi, Thank You Meher Didi, Thank you Rajan & Deepak Sir and Thank You Papa Joe for loving us so much. WE WILL MISS YOU ALL"-AMAAN
Submitted by
Rajan Welingkar
Brett Rodricks
Amaan
Edited by Francis Fernandes