Fiesta de Navidad (la Primera)

Gorgeous poinsettia growing in El Callejon

Today we had our first Fiesta de Navidad (Christmas Party) of the week, with the Women and Young Women’s groups.  It was a time to look back on all that has happened in the Site over the past year. 

Daisy reminded the women of the many activities, the students and others who have come to share and minister, the things the women have been learning about Jesus, the changes in some of them as they have sought to grow in Christ.

Caroline and Daisy, two amazing Christ-filled women!

It was also a time to say goodbye to Caroline.  In two weeks she, Ryan and sweet baby James will be leaving for the U.S.  As Daisy said, we are crying with sadness because she is leaving, but we know their families will be crying tears of joy to have them come back. 

The women sharing how much Caroline has meant to them.

The women expressed their thanks, commenting on what a blessing she has been, and how much they appreciated her help and patience.  Caroline thanked them for caring for her, allowing her into their homes and hearts.  She told them she is leaving part of her heart in El Callejon. 

Caroline and Daisy have been a wonderful team, complementing each other’s gifts, both with a passion for seeing the people of El Callejon grow in Christ.  Caroline, thank you!  You will be missed, but are a part of El Callejon, por siempre!

Another  special moment was when Daisy presented a small gift to one of the women.  “Some women are concerned with making sure their craft is done right.  They finish and then don’t worry about anyone else. 

"But, there’s a woman here who brings a group from near her home.  When we worked on our Christmas flowers, she took time to make sure that they finished their flowers, too.  Who do you think it is?” 

Elena being thanked by Daisy

Several of the women called out, “Elena!”  And that’s who it was!  Daisy challenged all the women to follow Elena's example of what it means to selflessly serve others.

Like most things at the Site, it was crowded, and somewhat chaotic, with kids from the community peeking in the windows and trying to snatch snacks.  And, as often happens, everything didn’t go as planned.  Our laptop wouldn’t work, the person who was coming with his guitar to sing with us didn’t make it…

But, everyone seemed to have a good time anyway.  There was food prepared by Ramona, a Raffle for some fun prizes, and a gift bag for each woman. 

Each Christmas SI prepares a small bag of gifts for each person who regularly participates in the Sites.  Our women received everything from toothpaste and a toothbrush to a Beth Moore booklet (in Spanish) and a pretty piece of jewelry.  We are so grateful to those who take the time to bring down – and send! – gifts to make Christmas festive.

We ended our time with a few of the women leading us in praise songs, a little bit of dancing and being silly together, and then praying as sisters in Christ.  Please pray for these women, that they will continue to desire to learn more about Jesus, and to be friends and encouragers for each other.