Day 5 - New Year’s Eve!

 ¡FELIZ AÑO NUEVO!

Time for PARTY PREP!  This year our menu was pulled pork, mac 'n' cheese, coleslaw, and an Oreo pudding dessert.

Everything was delicious, but to be honest the dessert was almost a huge disaster.  We were supposed to be able to get it ready in about 3 hours or so.  Um, not so much.  Ingredients are a bit different in Guatemala!  First, we discovered that the pudding mix was actually flan mix, which is quite a different texture (more gelatin-like).  Next, when we read the directions it said it had to be boiled on low to medium heat until thickened.  Well, there's this other difference at Casa Bernabé called altitude.  Everything takes longer (or doesn't work) at a higher altitude.  After 2 hours of stirring we had burnt pots and pudding the consistency of chocolate milk.  To say I was freaking out would be an understatement.  In a last ditch effort to save the dessert, we stuck the pots in the freezers and hoped for the best.

Thankfully this little guy stopped in to help dry dishes and provide some comic relief. 

Thank God for these young men working in the bakery making rolls to go with our dinner that evening.  They completely saved the day.  They know what they are doing and are the best bakers I've ever met.  To taste their creations is to taste a bit of heaven.  Seriously!

They laughed at me when I showed them the brand of whipping cream we had.  They said it's the most expensive brand and it only whips up when you place ice in a bowl under it.  Tom ran to the store and got a few bags of ice and when he got back these gentlemen got right to work.

By now, we were all laughing at all the problems we were having.  Silly gringos (a term they use affectionately at Casa Bernabé for Americans).  I literally saw a miracle with my own eyes for the first time when the dessert came together and was edible... and the kids loved it!  

Next up, skit!  To be honest (again), I'm never that in to the skit, but always end up being a leader in this area.  This year we decided to do Noah's Ark and I was a little worried it would be kind of boring for the kids since they've heard the story so many times.  Well, the Cornerstone team did not disappoint and it was the best year ever!  All of the actors did their best to learn their lines in Spanish (normally I narrate most of it) and the mistakes here and there made it hilarious for the kids.  I was so impressed by the hard work leading up to the presentation and I know it was an unforgettable way to learn about God's promises and love for His people.

Now, for the party!  The elementary aged children got their faces painted, made animal masks, played ring toss, painted dove ornaments, and so much more.

The older kids love competitive team games.

Listen for the words head, shoulders, knees or cup.  The first person to grab the cup wins the round and continues on.  They went crazy over this game!

How long will your teammate be able to stick to the wall after the chair is pulled out?  

After the fun and games is over, Casa Bernabé holds a church service to thank God for his many blessings over the past year and to start the new year praising Him and giving Him the glory.  Couldn't imagine a better way to spend the last hour of 2025.

Then, there's the fireworks.  This year, Hannah and Timmy were able to go shopping with the director, Edgar.  They had a blast visiting various firework stands and he treated them to milkshakes afterwards.  

Happy New Year!