Hopeful Friday

This is my first Hopeful Friday post and I would like to tell you about The 4th Barking Brownies who came last evening to visit the residents of Thames View Lodge (Sheltered Housing Accommodation). The Brownies, ages 7-11, have visited before and because they were so friendly and took the time to chat to each resident I welcomed them with open arms when , Mary - Brown Owl, asked if they could come again.

They sang carols and encouraged the residents to join in with them.

Ruth, Daisy and Eva showing their gifts

The Brownies presented each resident with a gift which consisted of a Christmas decoration and card, which they had made themselves and a bar of chocolate - all beautiful wrapped up and tied with ribbons.

Rose, Tom and Doris with some of the Brownies

Then afterwards the Brownies spent time chatting with the residents. They had obviously spent time beforehand preparing their questions 'What did you get when you were my age for Christmas?' 'Did it snow on Christmas day when you were little?' 'What was your favourite toy?' They sat very patiently as residents shared their Christmas memories with them.

The highlight for me was one 8 yr old Brownie who came rushing over to her mother, who I was talking to at the time, and said "Mummy, mummy you must come and meet my new friend - her name is Rose."

Every generation has something to offer but sometimes we forget that the old and the young can mix together and learn from each other.

Especially for the evening - one of my ladies from Christ Church, Barbara, made this beautiful cake.

I came across this prayer which is a 'Christmas Prayer'

Loving Father,
Help us remember the birth of Jesus,
that we may share in the song of the angels,
the gladness of the shepherds,
and worship of the wise men.
Close the door of hate and open the door of love all over the world.
Let kindness come with every giftand good desires with every greeting.
Deliver us from evil by the blessing which Christ brings,
and teach us to be merry with clear hearts.
May the Christmas morning make us happy to be thy children,
and Christmas evening bring us to our beds with grateful thoughts,
forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus' sake. Amen.