23-12-2010

One of the groups who came to the home and brought gifts to the kids.

Franklin, Yoanka and Alonso all looked different in formal wear.

Franklin was so excited and kept making funny face.

Alonso looked really smart in suit.

Right after the celebration of NPH Perú sixth anniversary, we have a series of events all along December. First, the kids finished school, and for those who finished kindergarten, 6^th and 11^th grades had graduation ceremonies and proms. It´s funny that a poor country like Peru would organize such extravagant, if not a little excessive, events for even the smaller kids. Our kids also participated, with a price of tickets of course, but somehow it was a good experience for them too. And they all dressed up for it, which made them feel quite special as seldom do they dress up like that.

Then, a series of visitors came to the orphanage and organized some Christmas parties called "chocolatada" for the kids. Chocolatada means there´s chocolates or chocolate drinks, but they also gave the kids gifts and some played games with them. It had been a lot of fun for the kids, and they received new clothes, toys and treats. They also arranged a Santa Claus to come and give them the gifts. Some of the younger kids were really scared of Santa and wouldn´t want to go near him nor sat on his lap!

The rest of the time, since they had finished their school year last week, they get to have a bit of free time and play, which is very rare and a good thing for them. I also got to do more stuff with them, such as playing games and do exercises for those who are interested. It will maintain this way for the next couple of weeks before we start our summer programs in mid January. Couldn´t believe it´s been almost a year now since I came here and it´s coming to an end. Sometimes when I look at the kids, and when they told me they love me or when they hug me so tight, somehow I don´t know how I could leave.