For me Christmas began when I walked over to my host families house and found the kitchen a buzz with ladies cooking.
I was worried about my Christmas in Haiti being away from family and friends. How would things be different without all the traditions I am used to back home. Would it even feel like Christmas, the anticitpation you usually have with the Holidays wasn't there.
But when I heard the ladies talking and laughing it brought me joy. It made me think of my aunts and I knew it would be a good Christmas. The ladies were making a meal for the 200+ kids that attend the Peace Pals Christmas Party. Peace Pals is a program that takes place every Saturday for the children of Mizak and the surrounding areas. They do a wide range of activities. The best way for me to describe it is similar to our Vacation Bible Schools in the US.
I helped do some decorating and helped slice up carrots and onions for the meal. As I was cooking I heard the noises start in the Peace Park under the new pavillion the kids were singing Christmas carols. I headed over to see the kids and take some pictures. The kids were all dressed up for the party and the place looked great.
They had singing, dancing, stories and even a puppet show for the festivities. The kids all participated lively with joy and excitement in their hearts for the day. Later there were toys given away to all the children from Papa Noel.
After this a hot meal of rice and beans, chicken, fried plantains, and salad were given to all the childer and the yourng adult leaders.
The kids left singing a song and with a bundle of energy playing with their new toys and laughing and talking with each other.
What a joyous Christmas to be a part of in Haiti. A truly Joyeux Noel.
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