Christmas down here in México has been so much fun this year! Although it is different being away from family and friends in the US, we have had such a blast here with all of the kids at Niños en Victoria!
La Cena Navideña (Christmas Dinner):
For the first time in my life I prepared Christmas Dinner! For 30+ people! In less than 4 hours our team prepared: 2 turkeys, 1 ham, mashed potatoes, corn, french bread and a cake for all of the kids and workers at Niños en Victoria! It was such a blast cooking for the kids a real Christmas dinner! There is a Mexican saying "Ya estás lista para casarte." "You're now ready to get married." And basically they say that to you when you know how to cook a good meal. All of the kids told me that on Christmas night! I loved it! So apparently, I'm now ready to get married... haha ;)
Posadas, Posadas, y Más Posadas (Parties, Parties and More Parties):
The kids have been celebrating Christmas for about 2 weeks now! They have had about 2+ parties daily! These parties include piñatas, candy bags, gifts, and amazing food! These kids have a better Christmas than I ever had growing up! Christmas parties daily with 30 siblings! I love it!
Christmas Gifts:
We've been planning a "Christmas Project" in trying to get some basic things that the kids at the orphanage need and God provided!!!
-new bunk beds + new mattresses
-new sheets, new pillows, new down comforters
-new lockers
-basic cleaning supplies for the orphanage (toilet paper, trash bags, etc)
The kids are so excited! Before there were a bunch of kids sleeping on the floor and a lot of them without blankets. Also, there was always the problem in the orphanage of kids losing and/or stealing other kids' things, because they have never had a special place for them to store their own stuff. So we were able to buy them each a locker where they can store their clothes, new Christmas gifts, etc. The kids are so excited to really have a place that is "their own"!
Also, the surprise Christmas gift of the year was 2 goats! hahahahaha Only in Mexico does a father give his 5 year old son 2 goats for Christmas! The goats have been running around the patio since Christmas Eve. There are just some things that I'll never understand about Mexico! :D
Once a year vs. Throughout the Year
These kids have been so blessed this Christmas! Numerous groups have come to visit and be with the kids and give them gifts, but one group has really stuck out to me. Every Saturday at 2pm a family comes to the orphanage. 52 Saturdays a year. They never miss a week. They come to spend time with the kids and to serve them the "comida" (the biggest meal of the day). They buy and prepare the food and desserts and drinks and everything. And they serve the kids. Every week. This family is so dedicated to these kids. They have been coming for a few years now and have really immersed themselves into these kids' lives.
Yes, the groups that came for Christmas have really blessed the kids and it has been great, but I was really challenged by this family that comes weekly. They are committed. Even though it may be difficult at times, they are committed to loving and blessing these 30 kids.
Thank you all for being so committed to supporting me financially and prayerfully. Even though it may be difficult for you at times, I truly appreciate your commitment. I appreciate your commitment to sending me down here to Guadalajara to start an orphanage. God sees your heart and your commitment.
"You have searched me, LORD, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you, LORD, know it completely. You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain."
Psalm 139:1-6
