April 11th was a special day for angels of Swanthana.

It was long awaited picnic time when children of Swanthana and Kolbe home (http://www.prisonministryindia.org/kolbe-homes.html) could come together and have fun through different activities.We had to plan this only during summer vacation as other time of the year children have the regular school to attend.The volunteers were preparing both the homes on who they will be meeting and the excitement was palpable.

It all started on April 11th at 10:15 AM when the Swanthana angels welcomed the Kolbe boys (aged 4-14 years) who reached on time with a prayer and “Good morning” song.This was followed by a round of introduction by each of the children.It was heart warming to see the children keenly listening to know each others name. This was followed by action song and dance by both the homes and they even sang in unison for one of the song known to both of them.

The next part was the most exciting for the kids where one of the guest invited by the volunteers narrated the story of “Jonah and the fish” so beautifully that there was pin drop silence to know the sequence of events from all the kids.There was even active participation by each of the kid in creating the sound effects of rain and thunder storm using their fingers, hands and feet. Truly story telling is an art which gifted few possess.

Then was the games time where the children were divided into four teams of Voyagers,Spartans,Rangers and Titans. The games played were dumb charades, hot potato and customized version of lemon and spoon race where the boys held the spoons with beads to be balanced and wheel chairs of the girls sitting to be driven too.

The children mingled well and helped each other beautifully and there was a harmony seen even while there was competitiveness. All the teams were rewarded for this wonderful co-operative gesture.

Time flew away very soon in the company and it was lunch time which the children spent having the meal together.Though the children had to part ways to their own homes they would have certainly realized that friendship knows no boundaries. This will linger in their memories for a very very long time and we thank all the volunteers and Sisters of Swanthana who graciously agreed to be wonderful host.