DAY OF THE CHILDREN

Hilda had fun helping decorate for Children's Day.

Mexico celebrates Children's Day, "Dia del Niño,"  on April 30 every year and it's a very important time for everyone.  The day is always filled with activities and children look forward to a holiday all their own with fun, gifts and special events.

In larger cities there are clowns, magicians, music and shows.  Amusement parks, zoos and children's museums usually have special deals for children on this day.  It's a festivity that's quite unique, full of laughter and play, when adults are reminded of the importance of childhood.

Alondra and Francisco try to carry balloons between their legs in a relay race.

Bethesda Church of God in Nuevo Progreso celebrated Dia del Niño Saturday afternoon, May 3, with a big party with lots of decorations, balloons, games and food.  Lloyd and I enjoyed watching the women of the church bring in steaming kettles of food, baskets of fresh green salad and containers of tacos and chocolate cupcakes.  The children, approximately 25 of varying ages, were called to the driveway where relay games were played.  Inevitably there were screams and laughs as balloons were carried, passed along and popped rapidly.  Tiny green key limes were carried on plastic spoons from one end of the driveway to the other.  Who would be successful in handing over their lime before dropping it!

This baby opossum was no bigger than the hand that held it.  It was a special guest at the party!

Even the adults enjoyed the fun and laughter while they watched their children or grandchildren play until exhausted.

There was one special guest at the party, a baby opossum that had been abandoned by it's mother and siblings in the dense tropical back yard where the party was held.  The opossum was no bigger than the hand that held it cradled in an old wash cloth.  It didn't seem overly moved by all the activities and noise.  After hissing and showing it's tiny baby teeth in mock hostility, it snuggled down and went back to sleep in it's temporary nest of cloth.  And soon it was forgotten as everyone was called to the table for a feast.

Nine year old Francisco is someone we've known for about five years.  We have watched him grow into a handsome and well mannered young man.

Treat bags, candy, cupcakes and more!  It was an impressive celebration of Dia del Niño!

She obviously enjoyed her cupcake!