Campanas de Belen

We will not be home for Christmas. Our Christmases will not be white! While we miss our families, and our hearts ache a bit to be away from them, it is a beautiful experience to be here.

Most of the people that we know in Suchitoto do not have money for gifts. Some children might get new clothes for Christmas eve. Others just look forward to eating tamales or chicken sandwiches and dancing the night away in their homes.

The Christmas tree just went up in the plaza! It's so exciting to see it. Usually by December I'm tired of seeing trees since we are so inundated with Christmas commercialism in America. It is refreshing.

We have gone to the posada the past 3 nights. It is a beautiful tradition. The first night they started in Barrio Santa Lucia and walked to Barrio Conception. A large group gathers, singing Christmas carols and blowing loud whistles as they walk. In front are four women carrying the manger scene. They arrive at a house, and knock on the door. There is a song between the people inside and the people outside. This is a reenactment of Mary and Joseph needing a place to sleep and being told "there is no room in the inn".

Finally the door opens, the nativity scene and all the people enter. Everyone sings:

Enter holy pilgrims, 
receive this corner
not this poor dwelling
but my heart.
Tonight is for joy,
for pleasure and rejoicing,
for tonight we will give lodging 
to the Mother of God the Son.

Everyone listens to a short homily and juice and cookies are served. It has been fun to feel the rhythm of this tradition as we near closer to Noche Buena (Christmas Eve). Check out the videos below to get a glimpse of the experience.