Alice Gartell
First of all, I was just amazed and overwhelmed by
the changes in the Hekab Be Biblioteca. Yes, I have heard about them
and seen photos, but seeing the improvements in person just did my
heart good. I remember when the library was one room, with no electric,
no computers, less than 50 children's books in Spanish, no kids
programming, no outside patio, etc.
Now, the rooms that were wrecked have new roofs and paint and
everything and are fully functioning as an extra classroom and an
English section. The children's section is filled with fabulous books--
probably the best collection in Q.Roo. Plus more and more adults are
using the library and there are lots of books for them.
The kids had decorated everything with old fashioned do-it-yourself
decorations - Remember those construction paper chains -- they were
everywhere! Along with Feliz Navidad signs, holiday paintings, and a
sweet Christmas "tree" made out of twigs wrapped in cotton and hung
with hand-made ornaments.
Maggie put Christmas carols in Spanish on the boom box, and Carlos
helped put tarps for shade over the patio. Tables were set up for the
kids on the patio, plus more chairs and tables all over the yard.
Balloons were everywhere and the kids loved popping them and scaring
each other. They swarmed over the swing set and popped balloons while
waiting for the star attraction.
Then with a jingling of bells (by Maggie) in came Santa (Bart from
Turtle Bay with a pillow stuffed in his belly, a Santa beard, and Santa
suit) and Senora Santa (his wife dressed in a sexy red dress with white
"fur" trim), Elf Kelly and Santa Pup, Daisy. I asked Santa (when the kids were not listening), how a fat old man like him could get such sexy helpers. He smiled, his eyes
twinkled, and said "I have tricks." LOL
Anyways, with lots of ho, ho, ho's and Feliz Navidad's, and kids going
nuts, the party really began. Carlos tried to herd the kids into 2
lines of boys and girls under 8. It was a bit like herding cats, but
eventually there were neat lines of boys and girls. They really were
amazingly obedient and waited their turn, with sparkly eyes as they
watched those in front of them get a toy. Each sat on Santa's lap, had
his photo taken, and got a present.
The littlest ones were a bit scared of Santa. But Santa was a trooper
and carried on. As the children got older, there was a real look of
wonder and excitement in their eyes as they sat on Santa's lap and each
got a hug, a kiss, and a present!
Next came the older girls and boys, 8-14. It was funny to watch the
older boys who definitely wanted a present, but did NOT want to appear
like "babies" sitting on Santa's lap. They stood next to Santa and
crossed their hands over their chest in a very macho pose for the
photo, and then resorted to little boys again as they couldn't wait to
get their presents.
Ok, on another thread someone asked if they had ever seen the library
kids use their donations. Well, here's an update. Each kid got a toy
and candy and a fun meal and a seat on Santa's lap.
Thanks to all who have donated, I saw lots of dolls, baby dolls, and
fashion dolls, and little ponies with long hair, and paint sets, for
the girls. For the boys, I saw one little boy who got a yellow dump
truck. I asked him if he liked it or if he wanted to trade with someone
else. He said no way would he trade because he loved the truck! What a
happy face. My personal favorite was the Superman "doll" complete with
cape that was made to "fly" everywhere. There were lots more toys and
backpacks and stuff, but those are the ones I remember most.
Maggie, and I and some of the moms were busy handing out food and
drinks, while the kids ate and ran around like crazy. What silly fun!
Turtle Bay Bakery donated two huge and gorgeous cakes, decorated with
real red hibiscus flowers. The moms and kids gobbled them up, and of
course the older boys managed to sneak seconds or maybe thirds -- which
was ok but we had to wait until everybody had firsts! Hmm -- boys are
boys everywhere.
Oh, and not only did the library look great, but the kids looked great
too. I remember after 9/11 when tourism was down, the kids looked
raggedy with mismatched clothes and only the cheapest flipflops. Now
some of the kids wore fancy sandals or sneakers, most wore matching
nice clothing, some of the girls had gold earrings and ribbons in their
hair. They looked so cute. (Ok, I am a wannabe grandma, so most kids
look cute to me.) Also, at the party in 2001, most of the children did
not open their presents. They wanted to save them to open at home on
Christmas because they knew there probably would not be any others.
this year, with a bit more prosperity, the kids ripped open those
presents with glee! I loved it.
My gift to the library this year was a 6 volume children's encyclopedia
-- which was appreciated but lost in the excitement of Santa and cake
and presents.
Watch on the blog, www.hekabbe.blogspot for more info, a wish list, and
eventually some photos.
Muchisimas gracias to all of the library helpers! And blessings to you
all in the new year!
Alice in Az
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