Crossing the Border: Hearts, Heads and Hands
By Susan Robinson and Mireille Rita Grovier
Photography by Patricia Palacios Cortez and Jay Grovier
Photography by Patricia Palacios Cortez and Jay Grovier
A few years ago, members of St Peter’s Episcopal Church in Lewes, Delaware came to San Miguel de Allende for a “mission trip.’ Their purpose was to help with Centro Infantile San Pablo's (CISP) very impoverished 3, 4 and 5-year old students from the campo. Not surprisingly, the members fell in love with the children and now many members sponsor their education. In addition, each year, the women of St. Peter’s buy or knit hats and mittens for the children.
On Friday, February 6, 2015 husband and wife team Susan Porter Robinson and Douglas Craig brought bags of the hats and gloves from Delaware to distribute to the eager children. The morning's event blossomed into a Christmas celebration all over again. Accompanied by Patricia Palacios Cortez, Directora of the school, and starting in the three year old classroom, each child received his or her hat and mittens individually. Squeals of delight, huge grins and shouts of "Gracias, Gracias" greeted Paty and Susan at every turn as they moved from classroom to classroom fitting every child with his or her new clothes and explaining colors and designs.
For the five year old students, who are learning words and phrases in English, "Gracias" also became "Thank you." A chorus of "I love you" was also the reciprocal gift as the children hugged the grownups.
That morning the children had walked a good mile to school in a very cold temperature. Many of their little hands were icy as they were fitted with their gloves. But the joy in the classroom was warmth itself and nowhere more so than in the hearts of the givers.
Glancing back as they departed each classroom, and in the patio when classes were recessed, the visitors saw the children playing with their new gifts and modeling them for their friends. Indeed, that cold February morning ended in a veritable Paris fashion runway.
The generosity of the parishioners of St. Peter's Church is much appreciated by the faculty, staff, and volunteers of CISP. More importantly, the event will long be remembered by these children, for whom each gift becomes a miracle in their challenged lives. For anyone interested in sponsoring one of the children at CISP (at the equivalent of $40 USD a month), please contact Barbara Espinosa at CISPsma@gmail.com
On Friday, February 6, 2015 husband and wife team Susan Porter Robinson and Douglas Craig brought bags of the hats and gloves from Delaware to distribute to the eager children. The morning's event blossomed into a Christmas celebration all over again. Accompanied by Patricia Palacios Cortez, Directora of the school, and starting in the three year old classroom, each child received his or her hat and mittens individually. Squeals of delight, huge grins and shouts of "Gracias, Gracias" greeted Paty and Susan at every turn as they moved from classroom to classroom fitting every child with his or her new clothes and explaining colors and designs.
For the five year old students, who are learning words and phrases in English, "Gracias" also became "Thank you." A chorus of "I love you" was also the reciprocal gift as the children hugged the grownups.
That morning the children had walked a good mile to school in a very cold temperature. Many of their little hands were icy as they were fitted with their gloves. But the joy in the classroom was warmth itself and nowhere more so than in the hearts of the givers.
Glancing back as they departed each classroom, and in the patio when classes were recessed, the visitors saw the children playing with their new gifts and modeling them for their friends. Indeed, that cold February morning ended in a veritable Paris fashion runway.
The generosity of the parishioners of St. Peter's Church is much appreciated by the faculty, staff, and volunteers of CISP. More importantly, the event will long be remembered by these children, for whom each gift becomes a miracle in their challenged lives. For anyone interested in sponsoring one of the children at CISP (at the equivalent of $40 USD a month), please contact Barbara Espinosa at CISPsma@gmail.com
Fidelity, Flags, and Fiesta at Centro Infantil San Pablo
By Mireille Rita Grovier
Photography by Jay Grovier
Photography by Jay Grovier
"Viva Mexico!" The voices of 61 three, four and five year olds rang out loud and clear. Their flags were in the air. Excitement and enthusiasm captured an equally eager audience. Centro Infantil San Pablo was celebrating Mexican Independence Day, 2014. "Viva Mexico!" A salute to the Mexican flag and a rousing chorus of the Mexican National Anthem resounded. Music abounded. The diminutive scholars waltzed Vienese style. Directora, teachers and children began a lively march. At the bidding of Directora Patricia Palacios Cortez, the audience joined in the march - in place.
The Revolution was reminisced. Five year old replicas of Corregidora, Juan Aldama and Ignacio Allende, all in costume, met. The letter of warning was delivered to Father Hidalgo by horseback - sort of. And young Father Hidalgo, with wig of a bald head fringed in white, climbed the Church Tower in Dolores to ring the bell and start, again, the march to Mexico's Independence.
The Revolution was reminisced. Five year old replicas of Corregidora, Juan Aldama and Ignacio Allende, all in costume, met. The letter of warning was delivered to Father Hidalgo by horseback - sort of. And young Father Hidalgo, with wig of a bald head fringed in white, climbed the Church Tower in Dolores to ring the bell and start, again, the march to Mexico's Independence.
"Viva Mexico!" The children of Centro Infantil San Pablo once again honored their country with patriotism, energy and fervor. "Viva Mexico!"
Centro Infantil San Pablo (CISP) provides early education for underprivileged children. Founded by St. Paul's Anglican Church and in existence since 2001, over 240 five year olds have successfully completed our three year program. A sponsorship for a child is always welcome. Donations are also appreciated. Advisory Committee Members are often needed. For additional information, go to www.centroinfantilsanpablo.org or email us at CISPsma@gmail.com.
Centro Infantil San Pablo (CISP) provides early education for underprivileged children. Founded by St. Paul's Anglican Church and in existence since 2001, over 240 five year olds have successfully completed our three year program. A sponsorship for a child is always welcome. Donations are also appreciated. Advisory Committee Members are often needed. For additional information, go to www.centroinfantilsanpablo.org or email us at CISPsma@gmail.com.
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A Beginning and "Passing the Torch"
By Mireille Rita Grovier
Photography by Jay Grovier
Photography by Jay Grovier
The Merriam - Webster Dictionary defines "commencement" as the "time when something begins." For the 5 year old graduating class of Centro Infantil, the "beginning" of their continuing educational progress occurred on Sunday, July 13th of this year at St. Paul's Anglican Church. During La Misa at 10:30 AM, the graduates entered the sanctuary in their blue and white caps and gowns. They then performed a vibrant and exhilarating dance to the appropriately named tune of Vive. Following their dance, Bishop William Gregg, Rector, and Directora Patricia Palacios Cortez presented the children with their diplomas.
All in attendance were festively attired from head to toe for the grand occasion.
Following the service, on the lawn of St. Paul's, the torch was passed. The graduates presented the flag of Mexico to the graduating class for the coming school year. The Mexican National Anthem was sung and the flag saluted. The graduates then waltzed to Los Cañones de Navarone. Graduation gifts from both the school Advisory Committee and their Art and Opera Project were distributed.
Thus concluded another year of the continuing excellence in preschool education that defines Centro Infantil San Pablo. Centro Infantil San Pablo (CISP) provides early education for underprivileged children. Founded by St. Paul's Anglican Church and in existence since 2001, over 240 five year olds have successfully completed our three year program. A sponsorship for a child is always welcome. Donations are also appreciated. Advisory Committee Members are often needed. For additional information, go to www.centroinfantilsanpablo.org or email us at CISPsma@gmail.com.
Thus concluded another year of the continuing excellence in preschool education that defines Centro Infantil San Pablo. Centro Infantil San Pablo (CISP) provides early education for underprivileged children. Founded by St. Paul's Anglican Church and in existence since 2001, over 240 five year olds have successfully completed our three year program. A sponsorship for a child is always welcome. Donations are also appreciated. Advisory Committee Members are often needed. For additional information, go to www.centroinfantilsanpablo.org or email us at CISPsma@gmail.com.
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By Mireille Rita Grovier
Photography by Barbara and Marco Espinosa, Jay Grovier
Photography by Barbara and Marco Espinosa, Jay Grovier
Keep up to date with the activities at Centro Infantil San Pablo!
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