Casa de Niños y Ancianos Santa Maria de Mexicano, A.C.

Hand of Help

APDO. # 13, C.P. 76270

Colon, Queretaro, Mexico

Telephone Direct: 011-52-429-2-02-48

New Fax Direct: 011-52-429-2-00-46

Dear Friends and Benefactors:

SUDDEN AND TRAGIC DEATH OF STAFF MEMBER JORGE BAUCHE

It was a typical work assignment for Jorge, including coordinating administrative objectives and initiating legal transactions. Jorge often traveled to the nearest border crossing in Laredo, Texas, for one reason or another. He arranged for shipments to pass through customs, mailed letters or brought back medical supplies. Most of these trips Jorge and I traveled together, but since Christmas was approaching, it was impossible for me to travel along with him on December 10th. On his return ride, Jorge's bus crashed into a large trailer, killing Jorge and 13 other people. Death came suddenly "like a thief in the night." It is impossible to express adequately the loss and sadness his death caused within the entire program. Jorge had a great love for all the children and high esteem for the entire staff. Those of us left behind will continue our struggle to guide, protect, educate and love all those in our care as Jorge Bauche did. His love was a beautiful reflection of the Lord Jesus and he will be most difficult to replace. In reality, he will never be replaced since he continues to live among us in spirit. His body limited him but now that he is freed, he continues to help us in a even greater variety of blessings and problem solving. We now meet Jorge in the morning dew, the warmth of the sun and the smile of a child's face. Joy abounds in all of us knowing Jorge is in the love and friendship of His Heavenly Father. We praise and thank God for the 16 years of service and love that He allowed Jorge to give us and for the wonderful preparation for death the All Merciful God granted him. That is our consolation!

THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH FOR THE INCREDIBLE JOY OF CHRIST

There is nothing as joyful and moving as the celebration ofChristmas here in our homes. Everything is prepared with great--are and expectation. Our mass celebration begins at 8 p.m.,December 24tb and it is followed by a beautiful candle light supper of hot chocolate, tamales, cake and soda. Christmas morning, presents are distributed with Joy, gratefulness, tears and laughter. Our staff says they get their best gift just seeing the children's faces light up with such beautiful smiles. Through your generosity and many of our local friends, each of our children receive a complete outfit of clothing and toys. The happiness you are giving those children is immense. For many it was the first real celebration of Christmas in their lives. Thank you so very much for aiding us to bring love. hope, security and Joy to the little ones the good Lord sends us.

A BRIEF GLANCE AT OUR PROGRAM

From small beginnings the Lord has blessed us in so many wonderful ways. Over the years, we've grown at an amazing rate. These past two years, we increased from 150 to the present enrollment of 275. This year we accepted 102 new children andare almost 100 over capacity. Sadly, we were compelled to turn away more than 120 children these past three months. And,therequest keep coming.

Why the refusal? Lack of staff and space. Food is not a great problem. When we don't have it, we cut back until we get more. Our 275 children range in ages 4 tb 18. Then there are the additional 23 elderly, not to mention staff and families.In the approximately 300 cases we have, 95% are case of absolute necessity. If they weren't with us. they would be out in the streets. The poverty here in Mexico is like a cancer. It lingers on, never going away, constantly eating away at life and hope of living.

Our mission is a serious one and we are held in strict accountability with God. We have an extremely dedicated staff and without them we couldn't continue this work. The life one must lead to be an effective member of the staff is based on profound love for the defenseless and the. poor, a strong faith that Christ exist in each and every one of us, a work ethic that is a bit superhuman and a sincere love for God and daily My point is, life has no valuable meaning without the daily sufferings and the sharing of one's complete self with the others. Everyone is not called to do this type of work. We have accepted the challenge and you are the instruments helping us make it happen.

ERLINDA MOSCOSO AN OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEER Erlinda Moscoso of Denver Colorado spent three exciting and productive months in the "Boy's Home,"' helping Sr. Marie Teresa in caring for our 48 boys, ages 4 to 10. There have been 7 yearly, visits before this for Erlinda. Her consistent love and sharing, as always, made a tremendous impact on all our children. Her final comment before leaving "How can anyone continue this pace day after day?" Erlinda, with the help of God, anything is possible.

STAFF MEMBERS

It is amazing how beneficial it is having a doctor and two nurses on the staff full time. Dr. Douglas Hughes, his wife Eileen and Sr. Maria Teresa are all here. Doctor's bills, and prescriptions have been reduced 85%. Dr. Doug will be here until September. We are looking for a replacement. Any offers out there?

SOCIETY OF OUR LADY OF THE MOST HOLY TRINITY

We are very happy to relate that good progress is being made between our program, Fr. Jim Flannagan and Sr Mary Redemptress of Our Lady's Society. We are so pleased that continuity in the program will be guaranteed for the 21st Cehtury. Contracts should be signed in the very near future. Thank you for your prayers.,

THANK YOU FOR YOUR LOVE, KINDNESS AND GENEROSITY. WE REDEDICATE OURSELVES TO THE SERVICE OF THE UNWANTED AND DEFENSELESS CHILDREN OF GOD. WITH GOD'S BLESSINGS, WE REMAIN.

Children, Staff and Fr. Cliff Norman