Danny's Birthday

Up next to our property site for "Santiago Apóstol" live Naty and Justo, a young couple trying to get ahead. They have build their sillar block two-room house now, and their first child, Danny, has just completed his first birthday. A big decision for them was whether to have a ritual hair-cutting ceremony (Quechua tradition) or a more urban "birthday party." City culture won out!

María Andia, Vicki, and I headed up for the fiesta. I couldn´t help but note that even here, in the dry, dry neighborhood, Naty had a nice little flower bed beside her doorway. The human spirit strives for beauty, hope, and peace- even here. Justo, judging this a momentous occasion, had bought a piñata bigger than Danny and eventually the party got going with guests arriving and eyeing the gringos in the room. Popcorn and toasted corn nuts were passed around. This was followed by chicha morada, a purple corn drink. Nervously Naty kept asking, "When do we do the cake?" as she was wanting everything to be just so. As it was getting dark, I blessed Danny and we said our goodbyes to everyone around the little room. It cost an incredible $1.20 or so for Justo and his family to get to church, but they show up frequently at church with big smiles for everyone. I think the Lord has plans for them and they are certainly in our hearts, too. Happy birthday, Danny!