Making taquitos de frijol (little refried bean tacos) -
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A couple of days ago, one of our volunteers, in anticipation of the upcoming holiday, asked me how Valentine's Day in the United States compared to Valentine's Day in Mexico. Hmmm...I didn't know how to answer. You see, I haven't been in the U.S. for Valentine's Day in 11 years; I'm not even sure what they do up there anymore for it. Oh, I've seen pictures on the Internet and ecards, of course, but I don't think that necessarily gives a true picture of what it's like.
I do know, however, that in Mexico, a lot of emphasis is placed on friends for Valentine's Day. Around this time of the year, you'll see stores and street stands selling balloons, candy, treats, and gifts geared toward celebrating amistad (friendship).
At our girls' school, each class celebrated the day with a friendship meal. Kids were assigned a dish or drink to bring (thus the early morning taco making session for Trin's class; Noelle took a jug of mango juice, which I let her pick out at the store). They also took a lollipop along for a lollipop exchange, and a gift for their teachers.
The girls were pretty excited about it this morning. Here's the haul before we got in the car:
The girls came home with pictures they colored of Valentine's Day. They also had a lollipop from the exchange, candy from their teacher, and some other treats from classmates.
Between school and a few other gifts they received for the day, I thought it went pretty well. My hunch was confirmed as I heard Trinity's prayer tonight: "Dear God, thank you for a wonderful Valentine's Day, and please let it come again soon."
From our hearts to yours, Happy Valentine's Day! Hope it was wonderful, whether you celebrated it with taquitos or chocolate, or better yet, both :).
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