CHRISTMAS IN SANTA MARIA

Chaska with cousins, Roberto and Juana, next to our tree

                              Jairo, our nephew, plays the keyboard in the plaza before the drama,
                                           THE STORY OF CHRISTMAS, begins.
          The photographer was helping with the play, so, sorry, no photos, but the kids did a great job.

CHASKA LOVES DOGS!

Chaska with the three dogs who live here, YE-yo, Ne-RON, Alaska, and a neighbor's dog who sometimes comes to seek refuge during thunderstorms, of which we have our share.

Chaska with YE-yo, who has been known to terrorize the cuy (guinea pigs) and rabbits.

The remedy for Yeyo. Sorry, buddy, but you just can't eat the guinea pigs.

MORE CONSTRUCTION

The county sends a dump truck full of dirt for the construction.

 

Alfredo climbs the ladder with a bag of dirt on his back.

 

He reaches the top.

Ready for the roof

Family and friends work together for two days to put the roof on.

  This is a VERY SPECIAL OCCASION!

We cook for the workers and their families, who join us in the evening for a great meal.

Adela brings wood for the stove

Augusto's only surviving aunt comes to help cook.

She and a sister-in-law peel the potatoes.

Editcha chops the onions.

                            Augusto and two of his brothers, Agustin and Jorge, stop to get a drink.
                                     All four of his brothers, along with four nephews participated.

Lifting the drink up to the second floor. They are thirsty, too.

Sending mud up to the second floor...

...where our nephew and a pastor from down the road help fill in the cracks.

                                          After two days of hard work, the roof is finished. 

Now Carolyn is on the balcony, getting ready to throw wrapped candies down to all who have participated, along with their spouses and children. This, along with the delicious meal so many helped to prepare, is our way of showing our thanks to all who stepped up to help.

THANK YOU, ALL!

 

A TIME FOR SOWING

 

Adela, our sister-in-law, and Roberto, our nephew, planting corn across the street from the house