Opened in 1936 the Girls Home has been home to hundreds of girls over the years, including three women who, having given their lives to God and the Army, have risen to the rank of Colonel in The Salvation Army, alongside these women, many are serving in Churches all around the island.
We were met at the gate by five beautiful little girls who placed garlands around our necks, and then the Hewasi Band, (drums, flutes, tambourines and horn) led us down the driveway and into the Chapel. It was an overwhelming welcome: the honour they paid us was undeserved but awesome.We led the first session and following a talk about the Maori Kete and Pounamu by Major Gay we had the girls and women doing an aerobics workout to the action song, “From your head to your toes, you’re special”. Ian followed this up by wowing the crowd with his Chemical magic once again.
After lunch the current girls went inside with the Gill, Gael and Gay to do some craft whilst Ian and Daryl led the Old Girls in some games. As usual the games were serious business, and the rough play would have got any international soccer player yellow carded.
The atmosphere at this institution is fantastic. The place is clean and the girls obviously happy and well cared for. The theme for the day was “God loves you, and you are special” – no one, including our team left in any doubt of that. It was a great way to finish the adventure.
