Christ in distressing disguise

What a joy to celebrate Christmas as well as year end with my special needs friends!

When I arrived at nine o'clock at the home and school for mentally challenged people, excitement and anticipation filled the air.  After all, today was the last day of school.  In the afternoon the "children", trapped in adult bodies, would go home for Christmas with their moms, dads, grandparents or siblings.  Before, however, their families would receive an oral progress report, have a chance of purchasing hand-crafted Christmas gifts and share a meal of home cooked tamales and chocolate drink.

All of this called for a celebration, accompanied by music and dance.  There was lots of laughter, conversation, embraces and kisses.

While these "children" are nothing in the eyes of the world, they are everything in the eyes of God.  I count it as my privilege and joy to serve and love these "little ones".  These are Christ, in distressing disguise.