I would like to thank Myriam Maytorena for writing this page and sharingit with me and our friends of the
online writing group called The Writer's Life and whose links you can click on and also to Ivan and Janet Elaine
Smith for their devotion to helping those in need and for healing the scars of humanity. Mission Socorro
would not exist if not for them. Please read this page again if you must ...but also tell others and help enlighten the
world.
If you wish to email Janet or Ivan please click on this link
Thank you all for visiting this page . May many blessings be upon you and yours. Not just at Christmas, but each
day of the year!
babs
Feliz Navidad
Today our muse is a bit different. Many of you do not know
this but my father died when I was 11 years old. My mother was not educated beyond the 5th grade and had few skills
except the ability to care for others. My mother worked as a maid and nurse for $15.00 a week to provide for us.
This was not the first time Mother had to experience being a single parent with children to raise. She also had lost
her first husband during the depression with three young children to care for. But through faith and hard work and often
the kindness of strangers she made sure that her family survived. Last night I learned of another mother who has been
abandoned in the blistering cold winter of North Dakota. When my friend Janet Elaine Smith told me of this mother and her
children, I said Janet I know that the people who read the Morning Muse can help. Some may only be able to pray or send
good energy but most can send a dollar or two or five or maybe more to make sure that another mother, like mine, will be reminded
that love often comes through the kindness of strangers.
What follows is the story that Janet shared with me
and that I am now sharing with you:
At Mission Socorro, in Grand Forks, ND, families call the HELP line every day. At Christmas, the needs seem
almost monumental. The premise at Mission Socorro is that if someone comes with a physical or financial need, that need must
be met before they will respond to help with spiritual needs.
Mission Socorro has long had an adopt-a-family program
at Christmas. They try to get everyone's needs in hand by the first of Dec., but there are always latecomers. Unfortunately,
most people don't know ahead of time that they are going to have problems or be in need.
One family just arrived.
It is a single mother (Mexican-American) whose husband just up and left the family. The mother is undergoing counseling to
help her deal with the whole situation. There are four little girls, 9 years old, 7 years old, 4 years old, and 6 months old.
They have no money for any gifts for the children, not much for food, their utilities are overdue, and it is cold in North
Dakota in the wintertime! This is just one of several families.
Now this is where things get a
bit ticklish. A local Grand Forks church who has helped adopt a family in the past was contacted to see if they would take
this family under their wings. They refused. They were already helping someone, so the "respectfully declined." This is a
church that is filled with professional people. They could easily supply Christmas for two families. There is something wrong
when, as the old saying goes, "they talk the talk, but they don't walk the walk."
It doesn't really matter what faith
or belief you cling to, the principle of (in referring to giving someone a glass of water) "If you have done it onto one of
the least of these, my brethren, you have done it onto me (God)" is still a good motto to live by.
I, Myriam, am asking you to please do what you can to help this family and support the work of Mission
Socorro. It is time to walk your talk of light and love. If you cannot afford to make a donation, please send energy
or pray as is your faith to this mother and her children abandoned at this time of the year. of $5.00 using your credit card or paypal account if button doesn't work click on this link
of $10.00 using your credit card or paypal account if the button doesn't work click on this link
of $25.00 using your credit card or paypal account if the button doesn't work click on this link
Send to: P.O.
Box 126 East Grand Forks, MN 56721 Your donations are tax deductable.
I also thought
that you might like to know a little bit more about the traditions of this sweet family that Mission Socorro and you are helping!
MEXICO "Feliz Navidad"
"La Posadas," the remarkable buildup
to Christmas Eve, is perhaps the most delightful and unique Mexican tradition. Beginning December 16th, it commemorates the
events in the journey of Mary and Joseph from Nazareth to Bethlehem.
After dark, each night of the "Posada," a procession
begins led by two children. The children carry a small pine-decorated platform bearing replicas of Joseph and Mary riding
a burro. Other members of the company, all with lighted long slender candles, sing the "Litany of the Virgin" as they approach
the door of the house assigned to the first "Posada." Together they chant an old traditional song and awaken the mast of the
house to ask lodging for Mary. Those within the house threaten the company with beatings unless they move on. Again, the company
pleads for admittance. When the owner of the house finally learns who his guests are, he jubilantly throws open the doors
and bids them welcome. All kneel around the manger scene or "Nacimiento" and offer songs of welcome, Ave Marias and a prayer.
Now
it's time of the "Pinata," refreshments and dancing. The "Pinata" is a pottery (or paper) container, brightly decorated and
filled with candy and toys. It is hung from he ceiling or a tree. One by one, the children are blindfolded, turned around
and instructed to strike the Pinata with a stick. Usually several attempts are made before the container is broken. Of course,
when that happens, there is an explosion of goodies and a scattering of children.
On Christmas Eve another verse is
added to the Ave Marias, telling the Virgin Mary that the desired night has come. Small children dressed as shepherds stand
on either side of the nativity scene while members of the company kneel and sing a litany, after which the Christ Child is
lulled to sleep with the cradle song, "El Rorro" (Babe in Arms).
At midnight the birth of Christ is announced with
fireworks, ringing bells and blowing whistles. Devout worshipers surge into churches to attend the famous "Misa de Gallo"
or "Mass of the Rooster." Following Mass, families return home for a tremendous dinner of traditional Mexican foods. The dishes
vary with the different regions. However, somewhat common are the ,"tamales," rice, rellenos, "atole" (a sweet traditional
drink) and "menudo," which is said to be more sobering than strong coffee.
Christmas Day has no special celebration
though many have adopted the American style Christmas with a Christmas tree and Santa Claus.
Of Special Note...
Mexican
children delight in the game where the "Pinata," a pottery or paper container, many times shaped like a bull or donkey, is
filled with candy and suspended from the ceiling on a rope. Each child is blindfolded and attempts to break the Pinata with
a stick or bat. The child who succeeds is the hero of the festival and the candy is shared by all.
RECIPES...
Champurrado
(Chocolate Atole)
6 cups whole milk 1 cup masa harina--corn flour 2 cups water 1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed 3
oz. unsweetened chocolate, grated 1 cinnamon stick
Heat the mild and chocolate in a saucepan, stirring to dissolve
the chocolate. When chocolate is completely dissolved, remove from the heat and set aside to keep warm. Mix the masa harina
with the water in another saucepan; place over low heat, add the cinnamon stick, and cook until the mixture has thickened
and the masa becomes translucent. Add the chocolate milk and sugar. Stir to dissolve the sugar and simmer for a few minutes.
Remove the cinnamon stick and serve the champurrado hot in cups or mugs.
Arroz Dulce (Rice Sweet)
¾ cup rice 2/3
cup sugar 1 tsp. vanilla 4 cups milk 1 cup rich cream ¼ tsp. salt
Scald milk. Put the rice into a deep
baking dish, cover with the hot milk, and bake in a moderate oven for 3 hours, or until the rice is soft. Stir occasionally
during first hour to prevent sticking. If necessary, add more hot milk. When almost done, add vanilla, sugar, and cream, and
finish baking.
Until tomorrow, may the love that you share be returned to you ten fold.
Please
forward this email to others who might want to share their love.
