With the asístance of Frida, our ever supportive host, we were able to get in touch with Captain Raul and Itzel Rodrigueuz and do some helpful things in Durango. Oddly enough Raul was impressed with our rather simple website and appreactived the time setting one up and working through the many different functions and options. When Raul has had some time up loading and updating, we will include a link from our site.
In Mexico the people not only celebrate Christmas in a huge way, but also something called Dia de Reyes, known as the three kinas day. Twelve days after Christmas, Magi arrived bearing gifts for baby Jesus. In Mexico children receive gifts on this day, brought by the three kings, los Reyes Magos, Melchor, Gaspar, and Baltazar. Some children receive gifts from both Santa Claus and the Kings, but Santa is seen as an imported custom, and the traditional day for Mexican children to receive gifts is January 6.
So we spent the better part of the next day exercising our creative jueces and decorated the church hall for the party. It was very ´chido´ (cool) hanging out with the many children at the orphanage and even managing to squeaze in a game of soccer to complete the day. Amazing that we can play soccer on a basketball court surrounded by traffic dodging our many astray balls.
The Salvation Army plays a critical role here in Durango, as the Mexician government takes care of guardianless children up to the age of 12. Once this age is reached funding and support stops and the Salvation Army steps in to ensure the well being of these children continues.