Translate

Friday, December 14, 2018

Salvation Army Children’s Home Comes to Dance at Las Jaibas

It’s been a number of years since I blogged the Salvation Army Kids dancing in the park.  Last year I didn’t know they were coming and although I managed to donate I didn’t attend the performance.  This year I knew and as well John and Sheri who organized the event sent out a notice the day before to remind us.  A very good idea!

P1000493

The performance was to start at 4:30 but they were a little late as one of the girls was injured at the previous performance and went for a check-up at Sharp Hospital.  Not serious…just precautionary.   These kids dance their hearts out all through the Christmas season to raise most of the money for their part of the yearly budjet.  The home is not supported by any government agency but is assisted in various ways with charities from Mexico, the USA and Canada.  They have 31 children in the home and since we first saw them some 8 or 9 years ago the same people have been running the home with the assistance of other Mexican workers. 

                  P1000494

          The dances start…and we had a very good turnout. 

P1000495

There were five dances with each one from a different state in Mexico. 

P1000497

                                     Lovely young lady!

P1000498

They do enjoy themselves and have a smile on their faces but…it is hard work!

P1000499

How lucky they are in many respects to be part of such a kind and caring organization.  One of the young men who just graduated has a sponsor who is paying for his University education.  Two other young ladies who are twins now have braces on their teeth.  Some of the children have individual sponsors to help them move forward in life.  Education is definitely the answer. 

P1000501

The older girls were quite proficient.

P1000502

This dance required balancing a cup on the head. 

P1000505

To start with I though velcro might be involved until a cup from the dancer in blue fell to the ground!

P1000506

You can see the couple on the right who look after the children.  It was explained that a few children had been returned to their families this summer and although they were sad to see them go they were also very happy for them.  Sometimes they are removed because of abuse, sometimes drugs and sometimes the family just can’t feed them.  If they are lucky they end up in this home.

P1000507

Here the children are introducing themselves ….in English and also telling us how old they are.  This little fellow is five and is the youngest child of the Mexican family that lives and works at the home.   Yes….he did steal everyone’s heart!

P1000509

Some didn’t stumble at all and it was interesting to hear their ages.

P1000510

A real showman.

P1000514

The fellow in the middle is only 14 but very tall.

P1000515

Aren’t they lovely.

P1000519

Now for the girls.

P1000520

They all tried very hard.

P1000521

Just adorable.

P1000526

And now for “ Feliz Navidad.”   This is a favorite for the children and they sing with great gusto!

P1000528

They are waving their arms from left to right and I thought they were all looking at something behind me….

P1000530

Well….they were.  The little boy’s father was moving his arms to keep them in time.  Funny!

P1000534

These two did a break dance at one point but I missed it.

P1000535

All the Grammas just wanted to snuggle him.

At one point in the performance many of us were coaxed onto the floor for an impromptu dance….even me!  

P1000537

Sheri has her table all set up with hot dogs, juice, apples and a treat for each child.  She and John organize the event and donate the food with a little help from their friends.   Nice job!

P1000538

Ruth brought her little Mexican rescue dog “ Bella “ and the kids were just thrilled with her.   They are ever so gentle petting her.

P1000539

Bella hasn’t had much contact with kids and she is quite young but she was very patient.

P1000540

While the girls waited to be fed they took the time to practise for their next performance which is likely after they leave here.   No crabby faces, no fighting just smiles and happiness.  How refreshing!

P1000543

She’s petting Bella….isn’t she sweet.

P1000545

I would guess that the children don’t have a dog judging by the way they were so enamoured with Bella and Boscoe. 

P1000546

At the end of Eddie’s leash is a little Yorkie which they got to pat as well.  He was busy lickin them all!

P1000548

Time to eat. 

P1000549

They children all lined up.

P1000551

Girls first.   They all politely took their food and moved out of the way to eat.

P1000553

I thing she’s saying yum!  They haven’t had dinner yet so this is a perfect opportunity to fuel them up.

P1000555

Chatting and eating!

Time for everyone to head back to their rigs for happy hour and dinner.   A lovely performance and when they passed around the donation basket in the middle of the show everyone got a chance to show their appreciation and donate to a very worthy cause.  I hope they were all generous. 

P1000557

Back home and it’s quiet….all the workers have finished for the day.

P1000558

Pretty evening.

P1000559

Another good day! 

1 comment:

  1. Great post on the event. I felt like I was there. A one point we hosted the group here at Tres Amigos RV Park for a few years.

    ReplyDelete