Los Vargas Dos: Payasos

My parents didn't use Spanish as the first language in our home, but they sometimes had spanish nicknames for us. Chiquitita, Mija, Chon, Leche Man, Chamaco - to just name a few - and now that I am here in Mexico learning and re-learning Spanish, I find myself understanding the meaning of some of these nicknames my parents had for us. One of these nicknames was "payaso" and until today I had no idea that I owned such a name!

One of the sisters here in the church (Beatriz) is the director for one of the Kinder schools here in Mexico, and asked Sarai, Karina, and I to dress up for the Christmas party they were having this morning. Little did I know that my costume involved red nose paint and funny clown colors. Yes, you read right! I spent this morning helping out with the kids dressed as a "payaso" or "clown." Laugh all you want, I guess, but it really was a fun time. They had a little drama prepared for the kids, a pinata, delicious tamalas for lunch, and also some great candy grab bags for the kids. We were just there for crowd control, but the kids loved it! Karina and I were dressed as clowns, and Sarai was dressed as Strawberry Shortcake - the cartoon character. The kids would come up and give us high fives and hugs and even when Karina were taking a short break in the director's office, Beatriz came in and said they kids were just begging to see the clowns again. I must have eaten 10 tamales out there, too. And afterwards we went to Rut's house for fellowship and she served us tamales, too. I bet you are jealous! I know I'd be jealous of me! I've eaten way too much food and candy today, but it was totally worth it to be able to have some fun with the girls and also brighten some little kids lives.

Tomorrow we have the youth rally out at KM 10 Church of Christ at 9am. I'm so excited! Pretty much from here on out my entire rest of the year is packed with amazing activities! I know we are leaving for Monclova pretty soon (within the next day or two). Entonces, I'm not sure when I'll be able to update this blog next. Hope the pictures give you some enjoyment!

Be Strong in the Lord,

Rachel