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 .