2008 December Work Week

25th Anniversary of Project Amigo’s Fiesta Navideña

December 6-14, 2008

“What a marvelous experience. This exceeded by far any trip or vacation we have ever taken. We shall remember our time in Cofradia and Colima long after the memories of other adventures have faded.” Ron Nicholson, Valley of the Moon Rotary Club, Santa Rosa, CA.

“I don't have words - in English or Spanish - to tell you how profoundly grateful I am for the opportunity the four of us had to briefly be a part of [Project Amigo]. I have told several people since our return that our week in Cofradia was the happiest I can remember ... and I mean that sincerely.” Diana Crane, Seattle, WA

Two hundred children stomped on balloons tied to other children’s ankles, raced for the last chair when the music stopped, and leaped and bounded (and fell) down the relay lanes in their burlap bags. And 27 volunteers helped them have the time of their lives!

The 27 volunteers came from the northeastern and northwestern corners of the US to work together to prepare for and “throw” the 25th annual Fiesta Navideña for 200+ children. This family-oriented work week included a grandmother and two teen-aged granddaughters, parents and their two teen-agers, an aunt and her teen-aged nephew, and a teen from Susanville, CA who was sent by her mother’s Rotary Club (Susanville) under the guardianship of veteran December work week participant Boyd Taylor, DVM. (This was Boyd’s 11th consecutive Fiesta Navideña!)

This service work week, dedicated to preparing for the annual Fiesta, combines work with tradition and culture to give visitors an inside look at Mexico. Volunteers have the opportunity to learn about The Virgin of Guadalupe and her importance in Mexico’s history, to make chocolate from cocoa beans, to visit ruins that pre-date the Spanish influence in Mexico, and – most importantly -- to spend meaningful time with children and higher education scholars who are working hard to do what it takes to move their families out of poverty.

Thanks to all who sponsor children, and to all who contribute their time and effort to make this annual Fiesta possible. We’re already receiving reservations for the December 2009 work week. Please e-mail susan@projectamigo.org or click on Reservations to sign up. This is the first work week to fill up each year.