I mentioned in my last blog that I would be preparing for another Tamar Christmas party, but this time triple the size. I forgot to mention that I would also be helping with another Christmas party on Thursday for the women who are victims of physical abuse. Needless to say, it’s been a busy week.
Things I did this week to prepare:
-Cut out around 300 adornos (ornaments) in the shapes of balls, stars, angels, and stockings. Honing my art skills.
-Cut out three life size trees for the activity. The tree, in case you are wondering, represents life, and by putting their ornaments with their names on the tree, they are acknowledging the fact that all of their lives are a gift to God.
- Cut out Feliz Navidad six times for different departments in the office.
Basically, I went through a ton of paper, and the cutting muscles in my hand are incredibly tired, but everything turned out beautiful! Thank God.
During these Christmas parties, or any party at the office really, I wear many hats. I’m the official carrier of the tampón (ink pad) for the women to sign their names when unable to write. I’m also the official PowerPoint slide changer (intense, I know), and the backup photographer. I help hand out all the food and pour all the drinks... and then refill all the drinks (I can pour a mean cup of juice). I am then the official garbage receiver and sweeper. As you can see, I am acquiring many new skills, and perfecting others! The good thing is that there is never a dull moment, and the women and children really enjoy themselves.
One thing that I think is very important is the fact that I serve the women and children. First of all because almost all of these women and children come from extreme poverty, and are normally the ones serving others. Secondly I think it’s important because I am a “gringa” or person from the United States. There is a way of thinking here, and in many other countries, that people from the United States are better and should be treated extremely well, better than everyone else. I love breaking that stereotype. I never say a thing, all I do is serve them and clean up after them. It seems small but I pray that it speaks volumes to them about the fact that they are just as valuable and special as I am. That my white skin and green eyes don’t make me any better, or display that I deserve better treatment that them.
This coming week is filled with office parties, which means lots of panetón and hot chocolate. I did learn how to make the hot chocolate from scratch though. Super easy and incredibly delicious! Then on Friday, Sean, one of the other YAVs, is coming to celebrate Christmas with my host family in Huánuco. Then it’s off to Lima to meet my family! Thank God for family vacations in Peru!
I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Much love from Peru!
Everybody can be great... because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love. –Martin Luther King Jr.
You've expressed well the call to serve and for everyone to be treated as special! We love how you are serving. It's January 7th here, and we're taking down the Christmas tree the day after Three Kings Day. We saw how important Epiphany was in Spain years ago. Parades, gifts, feasting, etc. Was it that way in Peru, also?
ReplyDeleteHave a great 2012!
Barry and Denise