Celebrating Christmas

The first night back into Guatemala, I had a slumber party at the house of a couple volunteering with the orphanage. We went shopping, had a few fun meals together, and got to visit church Sunday morning before getting back into life at Casa Shalom.

When I got back, I felt drained, low on energy, and had 3 suitcases to unload and unpack. That afternoon/evening, I saw one girl who caught my arrival, who happened to leave the orphanage 4 days later. I didn’t go down to dinner, I just wanted a calm, peaceful night to enjoy myself and reorganize new additions to my wardrobe (and pantry) I brought back with me.

Monday morning, I woke up full of joy, wanting to give hugs to each and every kid. Yet, when I walked down to work, all were inside their houses. Aside from a few 10-year-old boys who watched me take every step down the hill. They screamed my name and I knew I was home. I went to lunch with excitement, only coming to see that the cafeteria was empty, with all the kids eating in their houses.

Later that evening, I got notified that the big gas station of Guatemala was giving tamales to each of the homes around Guatemala as a Christmas gifts. I quickly ran down the hill and saw the cafeteria packed with kids. My heart jumped for joy.

I walked passed the windows and got big smiles and waves from the older girls. I was met at the door with open arms from the pre-teens boys. The teen boys gave me a few waves and handshakes, as most aren’t as affectionate. I hid behind the cafeteria column to surprise the littlest boys with big hugs and a few silly faces thrown in. The little girls surrounded me with hugs on their way out. Although I was too late to receive any food, the love and joy shared that night was more filling than any tamale will ever be.

I got all ready for bed and headed down to throw my laundry in from my visit to the states. My hair was wet from my shower and I was dressed in my jammies, thinking everyone else would already be in their houses for the night. On the way, in the middle of the sidewalk, the little boys had set up a bonfire on a piece of sheet metal. I threw in my laundry as quick as I could to join them in the heat by the fire.

That evening was indescribable. We were all kept warm in the 50 degree windy weather by the heat, not only from the fire but each other. It was full of marshmallows and hot cocoa, smiles and laughter, dancing and joking, young boys and teenagers, kids and house parents, teaching and learning, love and friendships. A perfect evening to get readjusted to life with 100 kids.

The following day, Tuesday, was the start of our visiting Christmas team. They raised the money to purchase gifts for not only the kids of Casa Shalom, but also a local village (of almost 400 kids) where we minister to. School supplies were also given as gifts to the village. The kids were more excited for the opportunity to attend school the upcoming year than they were for their new toys. Although I didn’t get to participate in the gift giving there, I assisted in wrapping the 400 gifts, as well as those for Casa Shalom. Two evenings were devoted to gift wrapping, Tuesday for the village and Friday for the orphanage.

The Christmas party Saturday evening was one to remember. We celebrated Christmas early with pizza, a reading of the Christmas story and a bunch of gifts. The Grinch, Santa Clause, and many smiles and laughter made an appearance that evening. Everything from perfume and lotion, to baby dolls, kitchen sets, race cars, sugary snacks, clothing, stuffed animals, backpacks, and sports equipment surrounded the tree. It was a joy to see the cafeteria filled with kids ages 2 to 17 all so excited to enjoy the party.

But my favorite part was the following day. The preteen boys were dressed in their new soccer jerseys, gloves, and cleats, the little boys were racing their new cars down the hill, others were shooting their empty soda bottles with their new nerf guns, so many soccer balls were being inflated, and the girls were too busy trying on their new clothes and playing with their new barbie dolls to leave the house. Thanks to the Mill Church for providing funds to provide multiple gifts to each of the 84 boys and girls, as well as house parents, maintenance workers, cooks and staff members who call Casa Shalom home.

More photos here