An Alternative Christmas

Holidays are Here!

The holiday season has rolled into House of Joshua with a flurry of excitement, bustle and a few renditions of Christmas song mashups heard echoing down the corridors from the showers (with interesting melodies!)

It is naturally a time of mixed emotions as our kids are fueled by the cheer of the approaching holidays, school parties, and extra visitors to HOJ, alongside their thoughts, longings, and memories of their own families. This will be our new children's first Christmas at House of Joshua, who have yet to experience being part of a giant family for the holiday.

We try our best to keep a sense of balance amidst the busyness and work to create a sense of belonging together at a time that can sometimes feel vulnerable and overwhelming.

Decorating Competition Underway

Our kids are once again split into teams and have been allocated different zones in the house to decorate for our annual competition. This year they may only use recycled materials and scrap paper to create original decorations.

Last year we had a bamboo tree, plastic cup chandeliers and various dangling creations from every available ceiling space!

Last year's bamboo tree!

Photographs of this year's creations will follow in our next post once the artists have completed their masterpieces!

Alternative Gifts or Cards

A few supporters have recently asked if we facilitate charity gifts that can be made in honour of a friend or family member instead of giving them an actual present for Christmas?

It is not something that we officially organise or particularly publish for fundraising, however we have received donations previously from those who have asked and then given for a specific need such as a rice cooker in the name of a friend, or who wished to give a donation for House of Joshua instead of spending money on Christmas greeting cards and postage.

For those who are interested: All charitable giving for House of Joshua can be made via The Conroy Rendon Charitable Trust, our partner charity in the UK. 

What You Could Donate Towards:

Rice - 1 x 50kg sack lasts for 3 days to feed 22 children.
Approx cost: £30 GBP or $40 USD.

Bedsheets - 1 set of bed linen sheets, pillows, and cases.
Approx cost: £10 GBP or $14 USD.

Toiletries - Shampoo, bath soap, deodorant, toothpaste, laundry soap, and feminine hygiene items.
Approx cost per child per month: £5 GBP or $7 USD.

Bathroom Repairs - We need to repair the boy's shower room and toilets.
Approx total cost: £450 GBP or $600 USD.

Donations can be made using the PayPal or My Donate options available via the UK website link if you would like to consider House of Joshua at any time of the year!

THANK YOU for all your prayers and support for us!