Feliz Navidad!

Wow! Christmas in Mexico is quite a beautiful experience. After all the hustle and bustle in the days preceding, everyone gathered in the chapel on Christmas Eve. A quiet, candle light service was held, while boys concealed their excitement. In our humble, yet beautiful chapel in Mexico, one couldn’t help but feel like they were taken back 2,000 years to the cave, the stable, and the manger scene.

For me, this season has been quite an experience for me. It’s wonderful to see this celebration of Christ’s birth cherished by people of other countries. To hear, read, and even see pictures of it is one thing. But to experience a culture holding onto this holy celebration, is far better. As I listen to hymns that I know in English, being sung in Spanish, I could not help but smile.

Christmas morning, we woke up, and celebrated the Christmas liturgy. The boys all dressed up, were a very handsome bunch. After the morning service, we headed over to la cocina (the kitchen) for the Christmas feast! And what a feast it was! Tomales, piled high, meat, rice, and of course beans as always. It was a fantastic Mexican smorgasbord!

Following the meal, we all sat, patting our full stomachs, as Luis Sanchez (our Mexican orphanage director) handed out gifts to all the boys. Each boy had their picture taken with their respective gift. Afterwards they would go back to their seat and sit with their present on their lap. Finally, when all the boys had received their regalos (gifts), Luis counted down quickly, UNO, DOS, TRES!!!

In one unforgettable moment, I was able to witness an explosion of boys, presents, paper and excitement. Paper was literally flying around the room, as the boys masked exhilaration was let loose. A pogo stick, a Chargers jersey, night vision goggles, and game boys! The highlight for many, were the new nerf guns they boys received. Personally, I wonder why I didn’t get one. I find myself a rather vulnerable, defenseless intern who has quickly turned into a favorite target. Ah, well, I’ll have to put that on my list for next year.

In the end, many would agree that Navidad in Mexico was a wonderful experience for all involved. Thank you to everyone who has donated to Project Mexico, and especially to those who sent Christmas gifts. I can personally testify that the boys loved them, and are very grateful for your generosity!

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On a more personal note, I ended up staying at the ranch until early afternoon. However, at that time, the boys took off to play with their new toys. Suddenly with free time on my hands, I decided to go up and spend the evening with Papa, Grammy and some of my extended family in San Diego. Since I hadn’t been planning on going up, I decided to not call ahead and come as a surprise. It turned out to be just that, as everyone was very surprised when I pulled up. Looking back now, I feel very blessed. I was able to experience the full Navidad celebration in Mexico, a surprise for my grandparents in the States, Christmas in two countries on the same day, oh and I have to add… a CHARGERS WIN!

Feliz Navidad! Merry Christmas! Dios Benditio! God Bless!