Paneton y Chocolate
December 22nd, 2005 by AliciaWell, its December 22nd and it couldnt feel any less like Christmas! Its so strange. Its not cold enough. It stays light out until at least 630 pm. There are Christmas decorations around, but its different.
As far as our work goes, weve finished our picture frames. We decided to try something new. Instead of having all of them work at the same time, we did only 4 children at once. I was able to maintain my sanity, so I guess it worked! The picture frames are already handed out. It would say that it was an overall success. The children were pretty excited.
Painting the frames
A few completed frames and one plain one
Tomorrow were throwing a party for the children. Its traditional to serve paneton (a giant fruitcake) and hot chocolate for Christmas. Along with the other volunteers and the program directors, weve purchased 13 panetons and enough hot chocolate to serve 200 people! The local women will cook the hot chocolate for us in gigantic pots over fire. The other volunteers will come with us tomorrow to help, but I imagine it will be madness.
(added later) And heres how it all panned out:
| Supplies |
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| Adding the chocolate to boiled water… |
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| and sugar… |
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| and condensed milk… |
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| lastly Cinnamon |
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| Cutting the Paneton |
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| Ready to serve! |
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| The women helping serve the Chocolate |
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| Mike and Allison serving the Paneton |
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| Our party doesnt stop some in the community from still working! |
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| Allison, waiting patiently for her piece. |
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Last night I had a great night. I went with two other volunteers to a Tae Bo class at a local gym. It was a blast! I paid 7 soles (about $2) for the class and for a hot shower. It was wonderful! Hot water with good pressure.
Mikes still sick. Its been about two weeks. Urgh. Were headed to the Pharmacy now. This will be his second round of antibiotics.
I hope you have a great Christmas. Eat cookies for us!
December 22nd, 2005 at 6:41 pm
mmmm chocolate. I will eat lots of sweet treats for you and your fill of ribbon candy! We miss you this holiday season.
Love, Rena
December 23rd, 2005 at 6:22 am
Well, I’ll pass on the fruitcake!! Hot chocolate sounds good though!! I started eating too many cookies yesterday. Now I have an excuse. I am eating for Alicia and Mike too!!! I will say a prayer for Mike in church tomorrow night that he get well soon, like yesterday. I cannot believe you are wishing for colder weather. Enjoy the warmth if you got it!!! Merry Christmas!! Love yas, Jen