Birthday Party at the Family Support Center--Let's Party!

Let's Party!

Photo Credit:  Caroline Yung 

On August 29, Pop Wuj held a huge birthday bash for fifteen of the students at the Family Support Center.  This party celebrated all of our students who will have their birthdays in the months of June, July, August, and September.

There was a festive mood in the air during the entire week leading up to the birthday party.  All of the kids eagerly anticipated the upcoming celebration as the week progressed.  Oscar, who was about to turn five years old, asked each day, "¿Hoy es mi cumpleaños?" or  Is today my birthday?

Oscar getting ready for his turn at the piñata; Photo credit: Caroline Yung

The party included key birthday activities: piñatas, cake and birthday presents.  While the coordinators and Pop Wuj students prepped the piñatas and stuffed them full with candies and peanuts, the kids relentlessly played tug of war - what strength and determination!

Jonathan, Evelyn and Oscar giving it all they've got!

After a lengthly game of tug of war, finally came the piñata.  The little ones were surprisingly good at this, and the piñata broke open after only several hits.  The older ones took a bit longer, but perhaps it was because even after blindfolding and spinning the students around, we also tied the piñata to a wheel, and the kids were faced with a perpetually moving target.  

Finally, the second one fell to the floor and the older kids scrambled to pick up the contents.

Anibal - ready to strike!

With bags full of candies and peanuts, we all returned inside to sing happy birthday, cut cake, and distribute birthday gifts.  Presents had been selected for each of the birthday students, but everyone went home with at least a 'goodie bag'.

After an afternoon full of candy, cake and laughter, the volunteers, coordinators, and Carmen returned to Xela.  

Ingrid, Evelyn and Amy - full of cake and candy; Photo Credit:  Caroline Yung