BECA CELEBRATION

In a week with many highlights, today's celebration luncheon with all of the Beca families was a standout. This is the 4th time we've brought all of them together for a celebration meal. As the project has grown, so has the guest list; today there were more than 300!

Many of you know that last year when I was here in San Pedro during Semana Santa (Easter), I acquired the remaining pieces I needed to have the full traditional traje for this village. I wore it for Easter mass in 2013 and today was the 2nd time. I asked a housekeeper at our hotel to help me figure out the folds in the wrapped corte (skirt) and make sure it was really secured with the faja (belt) so I wouldn't find myself and 300 guests in an uncomfortable spot.

I headed up to the Cooperativa Spanish School and checked in on Andrea and Griselda (and a large crew of assistants) who were busy with the largest pot of soup I have ever seen.

As the guests arrived, it was my joy to greet everyone (usually means a hug and a kiss on the cheek) and Mynor handed out information about our schedule for home visits over the next 2 weeks. 

Everyone found a place in the beautiful gardens to chat and wait their turn to eat. The visiting sponsors enjoyed another chance to get to know their Beca kids and the food was delicious. 

I am nearly swept away with gratitude for everyone who makes it possible to help these kids envision a brighter future for themselves and their families. I will fall asleep tonight with a very happy heart.

You can find the complete photo sets for this trip HERE.
Happy trails!