RANCH NEWS
Happy New Year to all! There are many stories and celebrations to tell you
about since the last newsletter. First of all, thanks to all who donated
money or gifts to Hogar’s Christmas party. Your generosity and prayers are much
appreciated, and even the smallest thought or wish for peace for the kids makes
you part of Hogar’s extended family. Although the overall attitude this year
has been to spend much more conservatively, the ranch
had a wonderful party with
plenty of gifts and fun. The kids once again benefited from the company and
service of David and Leslie Guinn, along with several of their friends who
visited for the first time, and also local friends and graduates of Hogar. A
beautiful advent mass was celebrated in Hogar’s chapel, with Christmas plays,
dinner, presents and piñatas afterwards. It was a wonderful evening.
Some funny things happened that night. The new triplets, after showing much hesitation about approaching Santa, snatched their gift bags and ran back with beaming smiles to their house mother, shouting “Tía Ramona! Look what Santa brought!” even before looking inside their bags. One new boy who speaks almost no Spanish was first up to hit the piñata, but apparently he had never seen one and didn’t know what to do. Finally after lots of hand motions from everyone, he understood that he was to hit it, but because he didn’t know what was inside he hit it very softly and shyly. Luckily, after seeing all the candy, he had more turns with a heartier swing as the piñatas kept coming all evening.
Hogar friend, Michelle Morman, took on the task of preparing the gifts for all the children, staff and local board members. But only three days before the party, no gifts had been purchased locally and Michelle was starting to get a little nervous. Then something happened that felt like nothing short of a miracle. See her account of what happened in our Winter 2009 newsletter!!
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