Merry Christmas from Neema Village!

Our 59 babies and children are nestled all snug in their beds, while visions of mangos dance in their heads… Well, it may be something like that.

Christmas is a big holiday in Tanzania and we don’t neglect it here at Neema Village. Our staff payday and Christmas celebration was held on Thursday, and it was quite an event. Everyone pitched in to prepare more food than we could eat. We killed the fatted goats, and everyone received a Christmas gift. Thank you to the many who contributed to those gifts! As we read the story of Jesus birth on Christmas Eve we are most thankful for that one special baby who came.

Following the lock-down last year in 2020, this year has been much better. We have loved the return of many volunteers, and look forward to even more volunteers in 2022. If you haven’t made your plans to come to Neema Village to help out next year, it is not too late. Honestly, Dorris and I feel safer from Covid here in Tanzania than we did in the USA.

This month, December, has been a month for receiving many new babies, like our newest baby, Edison, whose mother was trying to sell him in the market. The police brought him to Neema Monday night. Rescuing babies who are orphaned or abandoned, or at-risk is why we are here, and even though we are often over capacity, we will continue to make room for one more. We know that God will provide a way and we are dependent on his Grace and Mercy.

Dorris and I are so thankful for the many people who donate to keep Neema Village running. We truly live by faith month to month and God has never disappointed us. Thank you for allowing God to use you to care for these precious babies and children. Although others may not contribute funds, we know there are many who lift up Neema Village in prayer. Thank you for doing that. From the first day until now, almost ten years and 380 babies later, prayer still sustains and encourages us.

Dorris and I are blessed to serve God as volunteers at Neema Village, and we are happy to spend Christmas with the babies and staff.  We do miss our children and grandchildren, but we pray that you and your loved ones will have a very Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year!

Praying for God’s Mighty blessings to be upon you,

Michael and Dorris Fortson, Co-Founders

Neema Village