A post from Barbara:
It was hard to take photos of the pleasure that the girls apparently
got from opening their gifts as the area became crowded with on-
lookers. One annoying woman, who may have been an older relative of
Crismairy's, for some reason leaned all over Leydi and tried to check
out each gift and immediately placed them back in Crsmairy's bag until
I asked her to please let us take the photos. Dulce and Leydi were
excitedly opening and displaying each gift themselves without
interruption. Dulce obviously liked the Princess stationary set
whereas Crismairy and Leydi were more taken with the High School
sticker books and Dora piggy banks.
When they opened their Olympic Mascot T-shirts I asked them to try
them on and then hold their stuffed mascots over their heads for a
photo which they did even though mystified as to the meaning of it
all. The annoying woman was finally removed when the staff asked me
to joing the three girls for a photo. Another tip if you have a
digital camera. The children were delighted when I took a photo of
them and showed the their photos. Crismairy's little brother,
Franklin, had received a cap and funny sunglasses in his own treat bag
and now wearing both he gently asked if I could take his photo in
them. After I stopped laughing because he looked so cute I tried to
oblige but his cheeky cousin deliberately stood in front of him just
as I clicked the camera. He was about to do the same again until older
brother, Jeffrey, stepped in and the two brothers had their photo
taken together - one of the best photos of the party.
As the party wound down children began asking for the last ballons on
a stick with Franklin getting the very last one. Then a small group
surrounded the chair where a few small winner gifts remained and asked
what would happen to them. I was quite impressed by the good
behaviour of even the smallest Dominican children. Not one thing was
taken or even touched until they asked permission. I distributed the
last few things for their honesty and patience. Another thing that
struck me was that, unlike many over-excited Western children, there
were no temper tantrums, jealously of fighting amongst each other.
Quite the contrary.
All gifts distributed, admired and repacked it was now time for the
party group to get back to their individual homes. Since Leydi's
group had the furthest to travel they were the first to leave. Leydi,
happily clutching all her balloons and gifts came to give me her
heartfelt thanks and a farewell hug but her last thoughts were for
Heather for as she turned to wave goodbye she cheerily shouted.
"Please say hi to my sponsor!" She is an absolute delight always
cheerful and outgoing in spite of her illness.
Dulce was the next to also say thank you. Evidently she had been
worried that there wouldn't be any cake left to give to her relatives
so was relieved to find that the remaining cakes had been divided
amongst them to take home. Now satisfied, I asked her if she had ever
had a birthday party before and whether she had enjoyed herself. She
replied that this was her first birthday party and it was evident from
her expression that she had really enjoyed herself in spite of not
feeling well.
Gradually the festive room was stripped of balloons as each child
received one or more to take home. They began to file out each
happily clutching their balloons, treat bags and cake. The logistics
of the transport must have been a real headache for the CI staff but
as Leydi's group set off the rest waited patiently downstairs for
their own van to take them home after a very happy and enjoyable
party.
I hope that I have been able to convey some of the joy that the
children experience and that you have enjoyed the rather long ride.
The photos will give an even better idea. On that note I would like
to thank Bernie very much for posting the photos for me. Also, many
thanks go to the wonderful CI staff, both in Kansas and Santo Domingo
without whose valuable assistance the party would not have been the
huge success that it was. And I mustn't forget the financial
assistance of many of you and, of course, Heather
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