The Pan de Vida, Levi Youth Group had a very special Christmas party to wrap up the year 2009. The leaders thought it would be a great idea to have a "White Christmas". Since we do not get snow in Querétaro and all but 2 involved in youth group have never seen snow in person, the leaders went and got lots of shaved ice for the activities of the night.
They had a snowman building contest using the shaved ice, slices of carrots and some beans. Some of the kids rounded up other materials to add to their creation. Then the youth were allowed, after specific instructions to rules since ice is much harder than snow, to have a snowball fight. The kids had a blast and as the "snowballs" burst, it looked so festive under the lights. Everyone involved got soaking wet from being hit so many times. They then had sled races. They took the donation crates and tied ropes to it as teams worked to pull each other across the auditorium. Then they were sprayed by Kike with the white silly string and had a piñata bust. For a snack they had starwberries topped with cream for the appearance of snowcapped in keeping with the theme.
They then had a photo slideshow that reviewed 2009. The kids absolutely love pictures. Elena then gave the message of the night from Psalm 51 that through the sacrifice of Jesus who died for our sins, he was resurrected to come and save us from our sinful nature and make us "white as snow". It was a true blessing for the kids to have the physical symbolism of the shaved ice to picture the purity and whiteness of the snow. Afterward, Paco led the group in a prayer of Thanksgiving to Jesus.
I am sorry my posts have been brief and far between but I have technical difficulties. In addition to not having regular internet service, both my cameras decided to be moody on me at the same time leaving me with few photos. The internet service is still "sketchy" but I was able to find a signal on the patio of the consturction site but being outside makes it hard to see the screen so I wanted to quickly add a couple of posts to wrap up the year.
The children of Pan de Vida auditioned for the Symphonic Choir of Querétaro to participate in the Christmas concert that was going to be held in one of the parks of the Historical Center of the city. There were 24 children selected according to vocal skills and dedication to practices to join the 300 person choir. During practices, there was much time spent on the tone of the voices along with posture and presentation.
We made sure we got to the park early so we could get good seats. When the kids saw us there, it really encouraged them and my heart burst when they came to the bleachers for positions and they would look for us and give us the waves to confirm they were so excited. The park was packed with people and there were large screens set up for people in the back to see along with it being aired on a local radio station.
The kids sang so beautifully. It was nice to hear the familiar Christmas Worship songs to our Saviour. After the concert, the children then had a special supper with the Govenor and all the organizers of the event. It was indeed a special day and it absolutely made the kids all feel special in what they were doing...as they should have...I wish you could have all heard it.
Let the parties begin!! The older youth of Pan de Vida took on the task of decorating the auditorium. It is really nice to have the lights, wreaths and tree to give special atmosphere to the season. Having come from Canada where we almost always have a White Christmas, it is exceptionally welcoming to have the decorations to give the feel of Christmas in 25-30 C (80-95F) temperatures. As I type this in our apartment above the kitchen, I can hear the kids in the dining room practicing for their Christmas Cantata. Another reminder that the day of our Saviour's birth is quickly approaching. Plus~ what is more angelic than hearing a choir of children sing for the Lord?!
Many local businesses and organizations have been hosting parties for the kids. Some come to the Orphanage and do puppet shows, games and always have piñatas full of candy. They also present each child with a personal gift. One business gave much needed toiletries like shampoos, deodorant, hair gels etc. Another company had "Adopt a Child" program. The employees received a picture of the child they were sponsoring and were also given the sizes necessary for clothes. We went to the business and they had organized for the kids to have a small snack lunch and be entertained. Afterward, each employee was able to give the gift personally to their child. In addition to balls, colors and other toys, the kids mostly received shoes, shirts and jeans which they can always use.
It is a true blessing for the kids to receive these gifts as they are things they can use but at the same time, we all anticipate Christmas Eve where we will gather for a special meal together and the children can perform their concert for us. That is the night where the true meaning will be revealed to us and that we will embrace so the kids will understand the significance of the gifts. In the meantime, we have 130 kids bouncing off the walls from sugar overload :)
The last couple of weeks Pan de Vida was bleesed to have some individual volunteers come and serve. The 1st week was a couple from Alberta, Ron and Jackie. They had been to Pan de Vida several times before with the last time being 7 years ago when the boys dorm had been built. While they were here, they built door frames and the doors themselves for Justo and Elia's apartment. They were able to get them stained and installed in their short time here. It was a real blessing for us to meet them and have fellowship. I love the way God connects us.
The other group consisted of 5 men from Manitoba. (Glen, Doug, Bob, Jack and Ron) The majority of them have been coming every year with larger teams for about 10 years and there was also one member for which it was his 1st visit. They had heard that Justo and Elia's apartment was almost ready except for some of the detail work but what they mostly needed was kitchen cupboards. After some discussion among themselves, they decided they would come down and build them with hopes that Justo and Elia could be in before Christmas. They will also be returning the last day of January with a team that has been scheduled to work other projects. Again, it is a huge blessing to Pan de Vida to have people willing to give their time and services to help progress in the ministry. It is especially meaningful when many come year after year to help in that growth.
