Merry Christmas!
What an incredible afternoon we had with the kids of Siempre Para Los Ninos. 15 or 20 of us were greeted at Siempre by a full house of kids and guests. Pastor Dean Witkop, of Glendale Community Church of God and his family were visiting and by the time we arrived cookies were out of the oven, the beds had new comforters and there were more presents under the tree. We pulled up in Jackets for Jesus 15 passenger van, pulling our trailer absolutely stuffed to the limit with toys.
Siempre Toy Delivery
A large wrapped box was prepared for each child and each family to hold all the gifts they received during our toy drive. Every box was packed to overflowing and we had hundreds of gifts remaining that had not been specifically earmarked for any particular child. The response was overwhelming and needless to say the kids were excited as they helped us carry the presents in.
before we arrived
AFTER we arrived!
It was literally hard to get all the toys into one corner of the room! The kids were going absolutely nuts. Pastor Israel's wife, Vanessa, who cooks many of the dinners for the kids, said, "Every morning the children wake up and ask, 'Is this the day we get to open the presents? Is this the day?'" Vanessa said she was ready for Christmas to arrive.
We all wanted to watch the kids open each present... but thought it more important that they enjoy the anticipation of waiting until Christmas morning and have the bonding experience of opening them together as a family. But it seemed so cruel to come so far and not watch them open even one... so we had all the kids and the staff as well, choose a gift from their box and open it. Wish you could have been there.
Lupita got a doll
Danny got Hot Wheels!
Enrique got a remote control truck
Noemi loved her doll
Arturo- enjoying his fire truck!
Hernon and Luis enjoy their new toys- the two are like brothers!
Everyone was wonderfully pleased with the gift they received. I'm not certain that they grasp the full extent of what still awaits them under and around the tree. These kids who last Christmas lived on streets or in shacks with dirt floors are now experiencing a Christmas that many of our kids would envy. But each of them would gladly trade it all to be able to have the joys of their family together. Thanks so much for helping us give these kids a taste of the love and family so many of us take for granted each Christmas. Your generosity was so great that we had some CASES of new toys donated! Where we had multiple copies of the same toy we wrapped them and set them aside for a Christmas day gift to the community. We have toys for Siempre to distribute to well over 100 children in need in our little village. God is too good!
Everyone at Siempre is excited because of two newest residents on the grounds:
They are two of the cutest little goats- now living with the children's chickens and rabbit
The goats were orphaned when their mother was killed- and Siempre seemed the perfect place for them. Alajandro was lovingly feeding them from a bottle- telling the story of there mother's death. I was moved. Then he said they'd both be big enough to eat by May! Good Luck! Guess it's an important lesson in 3rd world rural provision for our kids to learn but I think this city boy may make sure the goats are "cared for" on any day but Wednesday.
We spent the day playing with new toys, hugging kids, eating cookies and generally being amazed at the goodness of God. There's not a time I step into the Siempre House that I don't feel at home. It amazes me that God has opened this door of love for us to share. Had the opportunity to take my niece Erica with us as well as a couple of her friends.
Erica and Arturo making friends.
It was wonderful to have a THREE people with us this week who are fluent in Spanish. Half questions and conversations suddenly take on an entirely new dimension when someone actually understands every word. Elisa Denton, (no relation but a member of Central Community), has interpreted in the courts of Santa Ana for years and her expertise came in handy yesterday when some rather serious issues needed to be discussed.
Marion, Elisa and Lupita
The day wrapped up with an AMAZING sunset. The kind of ending to the day that was an advertisement for someone wanting to be a missionary.
Becca is mugged by Luis, Enrique and Juan
We closed the day with our traditional group shot- I happen to be in this one- because the photo our Associate, Ken McDaniels, shot was so much better than the one I took! Ken took all the good pictures in today's update. I took the blurry ones!
A great group of people! Wish you could have been there.
My families heading down Christmas Day to hang out with the kids, spoil them with some really fun toys and have a feast together. No room left in my car- but your more than welcome to join us. We can caravan- or meet at an off ramp before the border and you can follow us the rest of the way in. Let me know if you're interested.
Special thanks to all of you that participated in Jackets for Jesus Christmas party. What an amazing night! We gave out over 500 stuffed filled backpacks and 300 wrapped presents and still didn't meet the need. God blessed and it was an amazing night. Check out this shot from inside our 40' rented truck!
pretty cool- thanks so much
Merry Christmas! Thanks so much for your part in Siempre Para Los Ninos. Now more than ever I believe we need to purchase the adjoining land and build a second living unit this coming Memorial Day Weekend. Hope you'll plan on joining us! It's a huge vision God's called us to and I just feel so fortunate to play my small part.
siempre,
Eric M. Denton
ps
if you'd rather not receive this long rambling photo filled update each week- let me know. No offense taken. If you know of someone who'd like to get on our email update just have them contact me. blessings
Thanks so much- Lupita
I'd send the pictures all day! Danny