This year, Mayor Jaime Zea threw a huge party for all of the seniors the "La Programa Especial de la Tercera Edad" or the special program for those in the third age. All of the groups were invited, the Martincitos and 8 or 9 others. The Mayor gave a wonderful speach saluting the elders who are, in fact, the people who first made Villa the place it is. Many of the group were with the original settlers in 1971.
Baloons were given out, gifts were given out, hot chocolate was distributed (they drink hot drinks all summer), and everyone got a Panetone (it's traditiional sweet bread with dried fruit).
Entertainment was provided by the inimicable Martincitos Dancers, as well as other dancers and singers from other groups.
In my mind, the tribute from the Mayor, recognizing these seniors as very , VERY important people was the best gift. The gift of self-esteem starts with the estimation of a grateful community.
Please see the pictures below.
Monday, December 27, 2004
Christmas Eve at the Program
On Friday the 24th, there was a special Mass at the program, with Joseph, Mary, and the Baby Jesus in honored spots. For breakfast we had the trditional Peruvian hot chocolate (it tastes different here) and Panetone, a sweet bread with candied fruit). After the Mass, we waited outside while the strong ones, rearranged the tables for Lunch...that's when I noticed our Christmas rose in one of the small garen plots. Dinner was also special because Cross Cultural Solutions bought Turkey for all. Here, the traditional Christmas Eve dinner is Turkey. We just ate a little early.
visit www.adopt-a-grandparent.org
visit www.adopt-a-grandparent.org
Sunday, December 26, 2004
Please view photos...
at Ofoto.com. I'll be setting up all the Christmas shots tomorrow or the next day and will invite you to see them. Unfortunately the picture part of this news update isn't working as I would hope, so all I can say to all of you, besides I hope that your Christmas was everything you hoped for, is please see my invitation to Ofoto.com coming in a day or so.
We who work as ambassadors for the elderly poor, wherever, in this world, know that one of the hardest things for them is to remember Christmas the way it used to be. As someone who also remembers, I know that this can be a very bitter-sweet time. I know that we are keeping the holiday blues away for many of our seniors, and I ask you for any help you may give, spiritually, religiously, monetarialy, or morally.
Thanks to you, we can fell like we make a difference, thank you for that gift!
May you have a happy and HEALTHY new year.
We who work as ambassadors for the elderly poor, wherever, in this world, know that one of the hardest things for them is to remember Christmas the way it used to be. As someone who also remembers, I know that this can be a very bitter-sweet time. I know that we are keeping the holiday blues away for many of our seniors, and I ask you for any help you may give, spiritually, religiously, monetarialy, or morally.
Thanks to you, we can fell like we make a difference, thank you for that gift!
May you have a happy and HEALTHY new year.
Saturday, December 11, 2004
Last week the Martincitos went to CIFO, which is a private High School in San Isidro, one of the wealthier suburbs of Lima. Kids from Cifo have been working one on one with the elders for several years, and many have made new friends that span the age difference. This year, as they did last year, the school threw a Christmas party for the Martincitos. So we all got into three busses, and went to the school. The Martincitos were very excited, and you could see that they put on their finest clothes. The gym was set up with tables, and some students were at each table. the students who were at the tables served Hot Chocolate and Panatone (the Christmas bread which is a cross between Chalah and fruit cake), and even offered seconds. We can sometimes give them a little extra call "yapa" in Quechwa, but can rarely offer to completely refill a cup or give a second piece of bread. Each of the Martincitos also got a gift, and we didn't find out until later what the gift was...
visit www.adopt-a-grandparent.org
We also had Padre Juan join us for a mass at the end of the day. Although I'm not Catholic, I found this mass to be very moving, and brought me closer to all the other members of the team. It reminded us that no matter that this was being run as a business, it was also a spiritual endeavor.
visit www.adopt-a-grandparent.org
aT THE BEGINING OF THIS MONTH THE wHOLE mARTINCITOS STAFF WENT TO A DAY LONG RETREAT. wE BEGAN WITH A QUICK SKIT WITH EACH OF US PLAYING SOMEONE ELSE. tHEN WE DID A LOT OF BRAINSTORMING, COMING UP WITH VISION STATEMENTS, MISSON STATEMENTS, LIST OF STRENGHTS AND WEAKNESSES, AND WE WILL MEE AGAIN TO COME TO SOME CONCLUSIONS ABOUT THE WEAKNESSES WE DISCOVERED.
visit www.adopt-a-grandparent.org
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