Mr. and Mrs. Claus of Our Village

Do We Look the Part?

   
    We got up early on Christmas morning because the kids were outside waiting for us. We hurried to leave with the first load of gifts for our neighborhood kids. It didn’t take long to get ready because we don’t have to dress up anymore; the white hair and white beard are the real deal.

     Jaime was waiting at his gate and was all smiles when he saw us. He was just two years old when he was found alone on the street in the city. He  had been in an orphanage for two years when our neighbors inquired about him and began the process to adopt him. We were privileged to have a part in his adoption. Even though our neighbors are considered a poor family, the government is happy to place children in a Bolivian home rather than have them in an orphanage. We helped to buy a bed and clothes for Jaime; it was one of the requirements for the adoption. He is blessed to be in a Christian home now and his dad, Julio, is a leader in our Quechua church here in our village.

     Next door to Jaime is a family of eleven, with eight little ones. A few years ago they requested a visit from the church and most of the family accepted the Lord that night. The father, Daniel, has helped in the construction here in Rumi Rancho. They live directly across from our classrooms.

        Little Sherry helps to take care of the baby, but she still likes baby dolls. Her bothers and sisters help with the cows, cutting alfalfa and feeding the cows. They are all sweet kids.

      The kids greeted us with a gift of homemade cheese. A Christmas gift straight from heaven. It makes great lasagna and warms the heart too. A gift of love.

      They love to have their picture taken with us and they love their gifts and Christmas food.

     Nathaly is the daughter of one of my students. Her mom, Elida, quit school and had Nati and got married. When she was a teen I spent hours and hours trying to convince her to stay in school. Two weeks ago we attended her graduation, finally. She went to night school and got her diploma. She is even talking about going on to become a nurse. God answers prayer.

      We gave many gifts in our village and we were blessed with milk, cheese and eggs from the people here. Both of our churches had special kids' programs on Christmas day and shared the Gospel with many. Our city church gives out breakfast every week and on Christmas gives food and gifts to over one hundred kids. It's a joy to have a part in all they do. The mountain trip is this week and Rumi Rancho will have a big part again this year. We are thankful for God's people who help to make this all possible every Christmas. God has blessed again this year so we can bless many with Christmas gifts and the Christmas story, here in Rumi Rancho, and in hard to reach places in the mountains.