The Reason for the Season

As a child we are always told that Christmas is about giving and not receiving--a hard message to understand, but one that is important to learn. Yesterday in spirit of Christmas and the birthday of the founder of NPH we (the 100 kids here at NPH for Christmas and the volunteers) headed out for a day of community service.The night before we gathered in the section and each child picked out two or three items that they did not need or use to give to children less fortunate then them. Even though many of the kids come from hard backgrounds and poverty they were all eager to share with others. We filled trash bags of unused clothes, toys, candy and stuff animals.

We spent the morning in three very poor neighborhoods throughout Parramos. We brought candy filled piñatas to share with the children and the kids from NPH handed out clothes and stuffed animals to the families in need. The morning was filled with smiles and laughter and nothing but the joy of giving. As I watched the kids from NPH playing with the other children and helping them pick out toys they like and clothes that fit--it  hit me that this is really what Christmas is all about.

The girls walking to a neighborhood down
a long and windy dirt road.

Kids from NPH handing out clothes to boys and girls.

Piñatas!

Rushing for the candy

Mariela giving away her old toys to a little girl.

A little boy with his new truck

The kids from NPH and some of the children from
the neighborhood showing off their gifts.

My donation of the day--the blue bunny that I received
in an Easter package from home. This little boy
could not have been more excited--between the
 candy, the peanuts and the bunny his day was made.