Santa Maria del Mexicano de Colon, QRO. I.A.P.

APDO. Postal No. 13, C.P. 76270

Colon, Queretaro, Mexico

To dial phone direct from U.S. 011 52 429 20245

Direct FAX from U.S. 011 52 429 20046

Mexico: LADA (91-429) 20248

DEAR FRIENDS AND BENEFACTORS: JANUARY, 1997

A SHARED THOUGHT

I Love, peace, joy, security, tears and happiness are the wonderful experiences of the Christmas season. It is a time of so much happiness for our children. Many of our little ones who came to us this past year never had the opportunity to really feel that they were loved and appreciated. Because of your love and concern in sharing with them through our program, you have made it possible for us to be instruments in channeling this lifesaving and energizing element of love to them. We find so many of our children, upon arriving here, crying out in desperation for love and acceptance, for affirmation and recognition. God works through you to us and through His grace we do our best to respond to their needs. Our responsibility is awesome and most challenging, but it is such a joy when we see growth and happiness and hope in the eyes of the little ones. This is what life is all about: Loving, serving, helping those who cannot help themselves. Thank you so very much for being part of this wonderful family of God. What a joy Heaven will be. I can't imagine a heaven without the beauty and innocence of children. Thank you so very much in giving us a glimpse of what heaven will be like.

DECEMBER 24TH

The preparation for this nights' celebration begins the day before. We had fed our two pigs into an edible size arid December 23rd they were butchered and prepared. Bright and early on the 24th our older children and workers from our four homes gathered together to prepare for the Christmas dinner. During the course of the day with much laughter and joy more then 3000 tamales were made., Twenty five cakes and gallons of hot chocolate also will be served. The little ones are put to bed at 4:00 p.m. for a siesta, wakened at 6:00 p.m., bathed and dressed and ready for Mass at 8:00 p.m.. All is now in readiness. Our beautiful crib which the older children have helped construct along with our very creative artist Sister Martha is brightly lighted with no other lights in the entire church. The procession starts with all eyes on the child Jesus being carried to and placed in the stable. In the background the drum is heard and this intensifies as the drummer approaches the altar. Not one little eye is shut in the entire congregation and the wonderment continues to unveil as we continue the wonderful celebration of the anniversary of Our Savior's Birth. After the soul is nourished we retire to the dinning room where hundreds of tamales and gallons of chocolate and the 25 cakes are heartily consumed. It was such a Holy Night, Christ was reborn within all of us and all of you were in our thoughts and within our hearts.

DECEMBER 25^TH

At 10:00 a.m. I began to make the rounds to all the homes and distribute the Christmas presents. Our custom is that every child receives a complete new outfit of clothing. On the feast of the "Three Kings" we then give toys to the children. Once again, thank you so very much. You can't imagine the great joy and happiness that you gave to so many very grateful little ones.

DECEMBER VISITORS AND HELPERS:

During the entire month of December we had the great help and assistance of Roger Ruybol from Avondale, Colorado who has been one of our supporters from the very beginning of our program. Roger left his family to share with our children his time and energy. It was a real sacrifice for his family during the Christmas season. His help and constant involvement in everything was really a blessing for everyone and especially for me.

OTHER BENEFACTORS AND FRIENDS:

My brother Ray from California visited us again for 10 days during this season. He continues to work on some fund raising projects for us. He believes that his involvement with our children prevented his home from being inundated during the recent flooding in California. Hopefully his projects will be providing funds for a couple of operations which our children are in need of very soon.

FRIENDS AND BENEFACTORS MARRIED IN SANTA MARIA

On December 31st David Radtke and Jeannine Willett were joined together in marriage in Santa Maria. David and Jeannine are agronomists living and working in Monte Vista. They have both been part of LeRoy Salazar's group of friends who have been coming to Santa Maria and helping with many projects for the past 15 years. It was a beautiful occasion and a joy for all of us.

MINOR MIRACLE IN PROGRESS:

We continue to struggle with the building of our elementary school and the restoration of a roofless and floor less abandoned building named San Jose. How all of this will be finished by next August is God's secret. I am hoping to house the 4th, 5th and 6th grade boys in the abandoned home adjacent to the school. The new school is being built on the property of Santa Maria, located about five files from the village where we have our Nursing Home, Boy's Home and Girl's Home. Once the school is operating we will be confronted with the salaries of eight teachers etc. Anyone who would have just ordinary common sense would consider this project as a total impossibility. We feed and care for 325 daily at the present including all that accompanies this logistical mess and now, a school. All of this is only a small proof that God is good and faithful to his promises. I have no doubt whatsoever that it will happen. God will care for those who surrender to Him. He only asks that we give Him a chance to prove His love for us. (He might send a lottery our way)

SANTA MARIA BRIEFS:

Our staff and members oil the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity is doing an outstanding job along with other long-term volunteers and some who have been here many years. Lots of flu, mumps presently in the homes. Coldest winter in years Average of 8 visits to dentist each week. Children still eating more than the horses. Difference is: Children don't like alfalfa.

With every best wish and prayer each and everyone of us sends to all of you our sincerest love and gratitude. You make the difference.

Children, Staff, and Father Cliff Norman