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That's Danna Paula, giving Valaria, or Vali as the kids
call her, a big hug against the chilly evening. Valaria
is Pastor Israel and Vanessa's youngest daughter.
She was born on our campus and has grown up with
the children of Siempre. Her older sister, Marian, was
born before Siempre was built. Their Dad's the
pastor. Mom's the cook. Escaping church or
Siempre would be tough for them. Their little house
is neatly snuggled between the two. Growing up a
preachers kid, I learned both the blessings and the
challenges of a life that lived in the orbit of our
church family and events. Early memories of
Christmas are all mixed up with early memories of
church and of church family that loved us. This
Christmas, our church family, Central Community, has
a big box with a picture of every child. I plan on
buying presents for our preachers kids. I've watched
them grow up, fallen in love with their family and
have learned to remember the good things about
being surrounded by the church when I was a child.
They're great kids. Wish you knew them.
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We all know how to shop - but it can be pretty hard
to know how to buy a gift for someone you don't
know. Looking at this weeks group photo it's hard to
imagine even one of our kids going without a gift. If
you're planning on buying a gift for one of Siempre's
kids - get something practical - everyone loves
clothes... or get something fun - kids have to have
toys at Christmas... or get something for everyone-
go overboard and shop with each little face in mind.
Or get something for the house - did you get a new
plasma tv? Donate that old big screen to Siempre.
And don't forget our workers. They've earned their
gifts. Not one of them deserves coal in the
stocking. Wrap up something they'd love and put it
under the tree. Then plan on joining us on December
20th for our Christmas Party. We'd love to watch
you experience the joy of Christmas at Siempre.
One group of kids that will definitely go without are
the kids surrounding Siempre and living in poverty. If
you feel so moved, don't be afraid to shop large -
buy all you can - don't worry about sizes or
wrapping - we'll take care of that. And after the
party at Siempre we'll make sure that kids living in
poverty are remembered this Christmas. Debi and I
will be down there Christmas Day just to celebrate
and follow up with last minute families. If you'd like
to join us - let me know - but if you ride with us, it
might be a late night... there's dinner involved! I've
discovered that most of us assume someone else will
make sure the kids get a gift... hopefully we're right.
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Without your financial support, our doors would close. Because of your gift at Christmas, kids will not only have a party, they'll have a roof over their heads, a bed to sleep in, a table to eat at, a family to love them, a church to attend and school to take a vacation from. I can't imagine a better way to spend our hard earned income than on loving kids who'd be lost without us. Your support is more valuable than you'll ever know and the kids need it at the holidays, when little hearts hurt for old memories of home and family, even in the midst of the celebrations. Thanks so much for helping us keep the promise of Siempre - always - this Christmas.
siempre,
 It's not too late to join us for our Kenya trip! Eric
Siempre Para Los Ninos
email:
eric@centralcommunity.com
phone:
office - 951-689-5806 - cell - 951-907-9100
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