Today we followed a friend to a Posada. It’s a big deal in Mexico, some kind of re-enactment of Mary and Joseph looking for room in Bethlehem. Here it was fairly different. Something like 250 children gathered on a basketball court and circled (well, squared really) around a group of young people who led them in summer camp- ish songs with accompanying dances. Afterward all the children received a cup of hot chocolate and a piece of sweet bread. 200 children also received gifts that had been donated- little balls, Barbi dolls, plastic pots and pans, toy cars. The expressions on the children’s faces were precious.

Afterward we met the Catholic priest, Jorge, who was very gracious and seemed eager to tell us about the work he is doing with the poor here. We took the leftover bread to some of the poorer families of the town- living in straw homes without water or electricity. It was exciting to see the young people that were working with Jorge—Peruvians helping Peruvians, reaching out with compassion to their own people. One of our goals is to take what is already working and multiply it, so we have our eyes open for good ideas.

We are enjoying our time in Puerto Supe and keeping good notes of the needs, the passions, and the ideas of the people. We are doing some significant scheming and will be sure to share soon.

0 comments