Trinidad 04/08

Trinidad started off our season of Days of Celebration with their event on April 5th, 2008.

In our Angels of Hope program we host an event once a year in each country called the Day of Celebration. It is a day dedicated to all of the amazing children in our sponsored children's homes. All of the homes come together for one large celebration. The day includes food, snacks, gift bags, prizes, trophies and medals, competitions, children's games, clowns, music, dancing, talent shows, parades, and lots more. Each country organizes and plans their Day of Celebration individually, so each event has its own unique touch.

The event in Trinidad was hosted at our largest Angels of Hope home, St Dominic's Children's Home. The event hosted approximately 400 children and 50 staff and volunteers. The day started off with a parade/march pass. As is customary in Trinidad, the children organized themselves into teams and prepared a coordinated march pass in front of the audience and judges. The passes included some acrobatic tricks and dance moves. It was an exciting, entertaining, and very loud start to the event.

The rest of they day included a magic show, sports competitions, an appearance by a popular Soca singer (Blue), dance competitions, drawing competitions, prize give-away, goodie bags, and tummies full of sweets and fried chicken. Each home received a box of FFP donated basketballs, soccer balls, and volleyballs along with three brand new bicycles.

The children really enjoyed themselves and searched me out all day to ask about their sponsors. They always want to know if I know each one of them individually and they want to know when they will be receiving their next letter. This program is really important for these children and they relish in the attention they receive from their individual sponsors.

I also had the opportunity to visit a couple homes that are new the Angels of Hope program in Trinidad. After a long drive to the country-side I received a warm welcome and a tour of our newest addition. The home was beautiful and the children were truly adorable. They were many smaller children at the home and they all wanted hugs and kisses from the visitors. We evaluated project needs and possibilites and promised a return visit soon.

I love Trinidad for its unique blend of cultures, music, food, and energy. One night I walked down the street and sat in on a pan presentation in a local yard. The band played quite a few warm up numbers of loud, rapturing pan music. Then the judges arrived and arranged themselves at a little table lit up by a gentleman holding a flashlight in the night. The band started up again to play the featured song that was to be judged in the on-going competition. The drummers were jumping and dancing with so much energy, it was impossible to keep your feet still. The song ended and the judges piled back in the van to head to the next yard.

I spent all week eating curry goat and roti, akee and saltfish, beef and cheese patties in coco bread, and all natural juices. I even ventured to try some pig tail. The people are such a beautiful mix of Indian, African, English, and Chinese. The most adorable little children with dark skin and light green eyes. I love visiting Trinidad and I look forward to going back on my next trip.