Here in Ecuador Santa Claus is called Papa Noel, a little over a year ago we had some expats relocate from Texas, and they brought costumes with them. The little kids, and adults absolutly love it when they dress up, and these two had many many engagments. They went to five different schools, giving out bags of candy and taking pictures, did two (at least) parties in Centro and also went with my friend Leo and I to hand out food boxes to a very needy village.
Someone was having a birthday party the day we showed up, and word spread when Papa and Mama Noel drove up in a taxi!! The kids came running down the hill, so excited.
We had been a day or so befor and knew there were 24 families that lived in this village, and 38 children between 1-10 years of age. Since the birthday party was going on, there were more children than we had candy bags for...but they were so well behaved, and the older kids made sure the younger ones got one first. We also had brought toys, but again since there were more kids, we opted to give them to the school house, and the whole community could play with them. Everyone said thank you and no shoving. Even my kids in San Jacinto arent as well behaved...
Bringing smiles and a bit of joy to these families made the season worth it. We will certainly do it again next year, and maybe adopt another village also. We made $10 gift boxes with rice, lentils, oil, sugar, flour, coffee, milk, yogurt and tuna...not much, but $10 they can now spend on something else. Such a small thing, but so appreciated.
I will try to be a better blogger, I have been lazy...but it’s a new year so, stay tuned...the adventure continues!
