Christmas in Argentina

Christmas was really different for me this year. My friend Joy and I went to a children's home in San Nicolas (approx 4 hours away). We stayed with a lovely family, Tom and Colleen, who work at the home. We arrived on Christmas Eve and had dinner with the children and some of their families in the home. We then all went outside for 'fireworks'...this involved people just setting off fireworks in the street and throwing lit fireworks into the air, was crazy.

Christmas day we took some of the teenagers to a pool nearby. They spent the day in the pool and playing games. The weather was gorgeous and we had a great day hanging out and getting to know some of them. The mosquitos were out in force and despite many applications of mosquito repellent I was attacked, literally.

Boxing day we spent the morning at the children's home with the younger children. We got to have a look around and meet some more of the children and staff, we also gave the children some games and colouring things etc.

This christmas was so different from usual. This was my first christmas away from home and although I did miss my family and friends it was such a priviledge to share christmas with the children and staff at the Sunrise centre. I had previously visited the home and was struck by a sense of hopelessness and sadness however I feel that God really opened my eyes and heart to something new this time. This home is providing shelter, love and hope for these children. The children were so polite and welcoming and showed such a loving and protective attitude towards each other. I was reminded in each of these children that they are loved and precious to God and we are called to love them as God does. It is such a pleasure to have been given the opportunity to get to know them.

Please check out their website if you want to know more http://sunriseofargentina.org .

Happy christmas to all...

Feliz Navidad de Donner!!

Happy Christmas from Donner!!

Just a quick message to wish you all a Merry Christmas, apologies to those who do not receive a card, present or squeeze from me this year. distance is between us, money is short and the postal system (of both our countries it would seem) is crap! Be sure to know that I am thinking of you all and missing a lot of you heaps! I wish that you have a very happy christmas and that 2010 is awesome...Enjoy it!! I look forward to seeing you all in July!!

Besos, Donna xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Thanksgiving At The Beach

So the end of November marks Thanksgiving for the Americans and I am not one to moan about any reason for two days holiday so last week for Thanksgiving myself, Joanna, Clare, Brittny and Candy headed to the coast...hoorah. We went to Villa Gesell, about 5 hours away and was gorgeous. It is still spring here so being out of season and a North american holiday the place was really quiet. The weather was lovely so we just spent all day on the beach, ate well and slept well. Sad to say I got a little sunburnt but had the Thai Aloe Vera on hand (Em and Hel - was not even near the burnage of Thailand!!) so all brown and skin damaged now.

The sea was pretty rough, especially the first couple of days which resulted in me (unexpectedly) losing my glasses and, temporarily, my dignity (enough said). Anywho, I learnt my lesson and I also bought some new shades. Was great to hang out with good friends and just relax for a bit. There are a load of photos on facebook for those who want to see more.

Unfortunately just before we left I found out one of my little kiddies has moved to Brazil so am down to 4! Also Mosquitos are out in force again and are loving me...am now applying Jungle spray every night, looking beautiful!