On the plane coming back from visiting family, friends, and our St. Spyridon family I was thinking and praying about Panaghia’s Pantry and planning for my return to Ecuador and Christmas that was soon upon us. My thoughts immediately went to Dos Mangas, a community inland from us. When I arrived at the airport Vasili and Alfonso were waiting for me and before we even pulled out of the parking lot Vasili said he’d been thinking we should go to Dos Mangas this year, Alfonso agreed.
The next day I asked Mabelin to reach out to her cousin Melani who lives in Dos Mangas and ask her to help get the names of all the children ages 2-10. She called her and she was able to answer in an area that never has cell service! Mabelin told her that Panaghia’s Pantry had decided to bring gifts to the children of Dos Mangas this year. Melani began crying, she was on her way back home after spending a long day walking in different towns trying to get donations so the children could at least have a gathering. Every place she stopped told her they were already committed.
The following day the 2 girls walked through the village and wrote names, ages, boy or girl, and approximate sizes. After 5 hours I had a list of 216 children.
On December 1 we went Christmas shopping for all the gifts of outfits and wrapping paper. On the 11th we shopped for toys and candy. All gifts and all candy were bagged and ready to go by the 14th. Then the decision was made to portion and give each family a food kit, a double delivery. There are 175 families in Dos Mangas and each family received.
Our team and Papa Noel along with a pick-up truck and extra volunteers that our dear friend Marina arranged delivered everything on the 17th.
Papa Noel and all his helpers got out before entering town and walked to where everyone was gathered. There were children outside their homes excited and greeting him as we walked.
The welcome was wonderful and the children were so very happy as each name was called and they sat on Papa Noel's lap for their gifts. The looks on their faces was something to really touch our hearts and bring all of us much joy as well, a truly special day!
Papa Noel changed back to Vasili and handed out the food kits from the back of the truck as each family's name was called.
I truly feel that a whisper or a thought that comes to mind and touches our heart is an answer to a prayer. Guidance from those prayers is something that makes our journey a true blessing for ourselves and many times for others.
Continue to pray and listen. Thank you for giving from your hearts, your generosity and kindness has touched many lives in so very many ways!
God bless you all and may you all have a blessed and prosperous new year!
Love in Christ,
Yota
If you would like to contribute to our Panaghia's Pantry Ministry you can do so online HERE, or by placing a check or cash in the Philoptochos Poor Box, and memo Panaghia's Pantry.
You can see more photos from the day by clicking below.
