It’s Christmas time! This is truly the most special time of the year; I
love every part about it. The lights, the music, and the foods that are only
traditional to Christmas, the parades, the idea of having family and friends
together. I try my hardest to be as honest and open as possible in these blogs
when I’m speaking from my heart, and so that’s why I have to admit that it is
especially hard for me to be so far from home this month. I just recently Skyped
with my family and they showed me the tree and decorations that they’ve put up,
and it made me sentimental to think about it. Through these past few months,
through the most challenging times involving my friends and the accident, I do
feel as though I have a family here that is close and that I can rely on. But
with that being said, there is no one like family. I am going to take advantage
of every opportunity here to soak up the traditions and customs...including the "grandmothers" dancing in the streets (women who dress up as grandmothers and dance to typical music!) I’ve had many
invitations to visit homes and celebrate Christmas Eve and Christmas with; I am
thankful for that!
This is one of the busiest months for me, as the school year begins in
January. Half of them can register and gather materials this month, and the
other half in January. It is also the most difficult months for the poorest of
families. Sometimes the only reason the children cannot attend school is
because they cannot afford the materials required for classes, as basic as they
may be. God is amazing and smallchangeforbigchange received a $4,000 donation
for whatever projects we see fit! We will be using a part of that donation to
provide students in the project with what they need to attend school. We will
have a distribution of these supplies at the end of this month. I am confident
in the students for the coming year! We will have 3 students studying at Maximo
Nivel, the intensive English language program, 2 students beginning at the
University, 5 in high school, and a family of 3 in elementary/middle school.
(As of right now!) I do pray, and it is from the bottom of my heart, that God
uses education and the relationship between the sponsors and students to change
the course of history in these children, teenager, and adult’s lives. Thank you all for your prayers and support, I
can never say that enough.
