by Rosie Thandu
Today was a holiday, and with schools and colleges closed for the Muslim festival, we decided to make the most of the day.
The morning weather was absolutely beautiful—cloudy skies, a lovely breeze, and just the kind of morning that makes you want to get outside. So we looked at the kids and said, “Hey, why don’t we all go to the park?”
We have two parks about 25–30 minutes away, and the moment we told the kids, they were ready! Within no time, they had packed the sports equipment, water bottles, snacks, and everything they thought we might need. There is something so special about how quickly children get ready when the destination involves fun! We thought we were going to have a cool, cloudy day, but by the time we reached the park, the sun had come out bright and beautiful. But nothing was going to stop these kids.
We started at the first park, which had beautiful flowers, gardens, and lots of space to run around. The kids played volleyball and badminton, enjoyed the slides and swings, and came up with their own games and activities. Some were running around, some were playing, and some were simply enjoying being outdoors.
Then came the boys’ request: “We want to play cricket!” That was the reason for our second stop. The second park had a much bigger open field, perfect for cricket, so off we went.For me, one of the best parts of the day was simply sitting back and watching them.
They have been working so hard. The academic year is well underway, the first tests are being conducted, and there are always so many things happening on campus. We are constantly busy with studies, schedules, responsibilities, and everything that comes with caring for so many children. I loved watching each child enjoy the day in their own way.
Some played sports.
Some played cricket.
Some enjoyed the playground equipment.
Some walked around.
Some sat and talked.
Some simply found a shady spot and relaxed.
And the best part? They were so happy.
Because it was a holiday and we went during the day, the park was almost empty. Usually, evenings can be very crowded, but today we practically had the whole place to ourselves. It was peaceful, relaxed, and completely different from our normal routine.
And I realized again how wonderful it is to see these children simply being children.
We don’t have to constantly worry about them. They are so well behaved, they look out for one another, and they know how to enjoy themselves. Watching them laugh, play, run, and just be together was such a joy.
There were plenty of snacks, a couple of ice creams, some special treats, lots of laughter, and memories that will stay with us for a long time. Even though the day became quite hot, we had plenty of shade, and the kids didn’t seem to mind at all.
Sometimes, you don’t need a big event or an elaborate outing. Sometimes, you just need a park, some snacks, a few sports, good weather, and a bunch of happy children.
It was a simple holiday, but it was exactly what we all needed. And when we finally came back to campus, there were two very excited dogs waiting for us. They were super pumped that their family was finally home!
A beautiful day. A much-needed break. And five hours of watching our children simply enjoy being children.
Make Joy Possible
A day at the park may seem like a simple outing, but for the children of Children of Faith, it is a day filled with laughter, friendship, discovery, and precious memories. Your generosity makes these special experiences possible, alongside the everyday essentials that help children thrive. Would you consider making a gift today? Your donation can help provide opportunities for the children to learn, grow, play, and simply enjoy being children. Every gift helps create moments of joy—and invests in brighter futures.
