Hi there!
One of the ways NPH raises funds is through their "My Good Shop" website. Here, you can donate money for a specific need in the different NPH homes. Currently, the Chico's seccion (where I work) is in need of a washing machine. We have been without for the majority of my time. Because the boys are so young, my fellow encargados and I are responsible for hand washing the clothes.
http://www.mygoodshop.org/int_en/living/a-new-washing-machine.html?kinderdorf=10
Thanks for looking!
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Friday, December 24, 2010
Merry Christmas Eve to you all! I am still in Miacatlan, but will be heading home tomorrow afternoon. I am VERY excited to see everyone (and sleep in my own bed, walk around barefoot without wanting to dump bleach on my feet afterwards, shower in a functioning bathroom, etc. etc.)
The past couple of weeks have been very fun for the kids here. The traditional posadas have taken place every night for the last 9 days, and we have had many visitors bring gifts and candy. Tonight, we will be celebrating mass at 8PM in the farm. :) The animals will all be out to help set the mood. I am really looking forward to it.
Here are a few pictures from the Christmas program the kids put on earlier this week:
Sending my love to you all. Merry CHRISTmas!
The past couple of weeks have been very fun for the kids here. The traditional posadas have taken place every night for the last 9 days, and we have had many visitors bring gifts and candy. Tonight, we will be celebrating mass at 8PM in the farm. :) The animals will all be out to help set the mood. I am really looking forward to it.
Here are a few pictures from the Christmas program the kids put on earlier this week:
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Yesterday was a big day here at Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos. We opened our doors to over 1500 donors, benefactors and godparents. The day began in the school where everyone was given a ticket, redeemable for different treats. There were games, activities and different displays for the visitors to check out. The top Tae Kwon Do students put on a demonstration complete with breaking wooden boards and one on one "fights". *Side Note* I don't know if I've mentioned it before, but we have an awesome TKD program here. All kids from kindergarten through about 4th grade attend classes twice a week. It is optional for the older kids. The program was started by an Icelandic volunteer several years ago and is a great opportunity for the kids. As you can imagine, the classes are always eventful with 30 some 6-9 year olds!!! It's a great outlet for them and teaches self control, discipline, and respect among other things. We have had kids go on to compete internationally, and regularly hold belt exams. Okay, back to yesterday's event...
We spent MANY hours preparing for the big day, doing everything from painting to scrubbing the cobblestone walkways. One of the first things you notice about this place is how well maintained it is. This is very important to the home, and goes hand in hand with their philosophy.
In the afternoon we celebrated Mass for the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe and ate a special lunch. Later, we held the first posada procession of the season. Posadas is a yearly tradition for many in Latin America. It is a procession that reenacts Mary and Joseph's search for shelter. Children dress up and play the roles of Mary and Joseph (donkey included). The group travels from "home" to home, singing the Song of the Pilgrim. After several tries, they are welcomed in and a big party ensues. Yesterday, the kids performed dances they had been working on for weeks, and then piñatas were broken. It was very special to take part in this tradition.
The best part about yesterday was seeing how excited the kids were about their godparents. One of the main forms of funding here is through sponsors. The money donated goes into a general fund, and in turn you are assigned a godchild. Most kids here have several, but each and every one is special to them. Having Mexican godparents is especially important, as they are able to visit, and the children often relate to them more.
The one on one attention is SO important for the kids. I smiled yesterday as I watched one of my little guys performing in the TaeKwonDo demonstration, looking at his godmother and waving every 10 seconds. The kids pray for their godparents daily and they are truly considered part of our NPH family. (Can't resist...to find out more information on becoming a godparent visit this website)
I hope you are all enjoying this special season of preparation. It’s strange seeing Christmas trees and decorations in this climate. I am very excited to come home (Christmas Day-January 3rd) and celebrate with my family. While there I will be collecting shoes for my boys, so please contact me if you have any!
P.S. feel free to leave a comment, want to make sure people are still reading! :)
We spent MANY hours preparing for the big day, doing everything from painting to scrubbing the cobblestone walkways. One of the first things you notice about this place is how well maintained it is. This is very important to the home, and goes hand in hand with their philosophy.
In the afternoon we celebrated Mass for the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe and ate a special lunch. Later, we held the first posada procession of the season. Posadas is a yearly tradition for many in Latin America. It is a procession that reenacts Mary and Joseph's search for shelter. Children dress up and play the roles of Mary and Joseph (donkey included). The group travels from "home" to home, singing the Song of the Pilgrim. After several tries, they are welcomed in and a big party ensues. Yesterday, the kids performed dances they had been working on for weeks, and then piñatas were broken. It was very special to take part in this tradition.
The best part about yesterday was seeing how excited the kids were about their godparents. One of the main forms of funding here is through sponsors. The money donated goes into a general fund, and in turn you are assigned a godchild. Most kids here have several, but each and every one is special to them. Having Mexican godparents is especially important, as they are able to visit, and the children often relate to them more.
The one on one attention is SO important for the kids. I smiled yesterday as I watched one of my little guys performing in the TaeKwonDo demonstration, looking at his godmother and waving every 10 seconds. The kids pray for their godparents daily and they are truly considered part of our NPH family. (Can't resist...to find out more information on becoming a godparent visit this website)
I hope you are all enjoying this special season of preparation. It’s strange seeing Christmas trees and decorations in this climate. I am very excited to come home (Christmas Day-January 3rd) and celebrate with my family. While there I will be collecting shoes for my boys, so please contact me if you have any!
P.S. feel free to leave a comment, want to make sure people are still reading! :)
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