Project Report
| Dec 18, 2013
Christmas Reflections from La Paz
When we think of Christmas (or "Navidad," as we say here in La Paz) some of the first things that come to mind are time with family, the birth of Jesus and what presents we are going to give. Here in Bolivia, it is summer and the school year is finishing; the girls, boys and teenagers are starting vacation. On one hand, it is a time of joy as the streets of La Paz are filled with people returning home to celebrate the holidays with their families. But, at the same time you find many boys and girls performing in the streets or knocking on doors to get money, toys and used clothes. Others beg for change or do acrobatics at stop lights to earn money to help their families to buy food and other necessities.
As we look at this reality and the differences between those who have plenty and those who suffer, Christmas can be a sad time. However in all the time I have worked with the boys and girls who have lived on the streets or in extreme poverty, I have learned that Christmas is a time of hope. This hope we bring to those who suffer. Thanks to God and those of you who support Kaya, we have the great pleasure of bringing joy and hope to our boys and girls.
We see the eyes of the children glisten as they ask us if we will be able to buy presents for Christmas and if they will be able to ask for a certain toy. Christmas is one of the only times when they will be able to receive a new toy. At Kaya, we take the kids out to select presents and many choose to buy gifts for family members, especially their siblings, with the money that they are given. This is why it means so much to us here, in La Paz, when you support Kaya Children with a donation especially this time of year.
Christmas is a day when our kids can be kids, without the worries that their complicated lives bring. The children are always so excited to participate in the Kaya Center activities at Christmas time. Their faces are filled with happiness. Their smiles fill my heart with joy! Until one feels the true joy of Christmas, it doesn’t exist. All the rest is just "appearance" and a lot of ornaments. Christmas is the warmth that changes the hearts of the people, the generosity of sharing with others and the hope to continue forward.
You, who support Kaya, are part of the team that brings this joy to the children’s eyes, smiles to their faces, dreams, hope and this precious moment of happiness! Some of us are close by, while others help to make all of this possible from a distance, but all are part of the Kaya Christmas.
Gracias por ser parte de la familia Kaya!
(Thank you for being part of the Kaya family!)
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