NEWSLETTER: JANUARY, 2009

It's January now and Christmas trees are collectors items and Christmas carols are suddenly obsolete. It's January, the month when Christmas and the Christmas spirit is packed away in favor of reality; the countdown begins again ... only 364 more days until Christmas.

Fortunately for us in Mexico, Christmas stretches into a couple more weeks. This year the weather just didn't cooperate—cold wind and rain in the barrios of the poor, where we work, the roads and paths turn into mud, meaning we had to cancel some gift programs.


Wow! I got four new cars! ...

In rural Ejido it was a touch-and-go decision. Thumbs up, we decided ... go! Kids from all over the wide area were there on the windy hill-top to meet the gift bus. It was cold and windy and rain was coming. Boys and girls in sweaters and caps were waiting in line quietly - shivering ... they would get one new toy or blanket of their choice. Just as the last few kids left the "gift" bus it started to rain and the race was on to get onto a solid asphalt road five miles away.

The kids headed back to their homes in the rain holding their blanket, or tarp or toy ... some walking for a mile or two; cold, but happy! A Christmas far different than ours.

For us, Christmas Eve at the kids prison is a big night! That night, young rapists, thieves, robbers, murderers, drug-dealers, suspects, porn-actors, prostitutes ... filed out of their cells and collected in the cold dining hall. A bunch of messed up lonely kids. Singing, prayer and a big Mexican Christmas dinner brought, for a brief moment, a bright, happy time with no bars. Times like these create a credibility as we work with them during the year.


Pepe's Christmas Tree ...

Then, of course there are the special handicapped kids that get a special visit with some special gifts. Pepe was so excited over his special mini Christmas tree, Josue and other special kids hidden in the maze of fragile mismatched little cracker box houses will get their visit too.

Did we have to cut this Christmas? Yes, but not as much as we expected. PTL!

A special thanks to each of you who had a part in this years Spectrum Christmas! We're just a conduit that directs your love into the world of the poor ... especially the kids. Because of the true Christmas we love the least of these!

We're hopeful that your Christmas spirit will extend well into this new year ... come to think of it, that might be a good New Year's resolution.

Von, for all of us working here in Mexico.