Santa Came to Chambrun!

So the Pierre’s asked Aaron to dress up as Santa.  The idea was that people could pay a small amount (the price of one ticket…10 gourdes) to get their picture taken with Santa during the holiday festival at the campus on December 24th.  This is a BIG DEAL as most people in this community have:

a.       Never seen Santa in costume

b.      Never seen a picture of themselves

c.       Never seen a picture of themselves with Santa

As I donned the suit and started to head out, I got the idea that I should drive around on the back of a pick-up truck throughout the community.  This could draw attention to what is happening at the campus with the festival, and possibly share some holiday cheer in the process (It also kept me away from the crowds that would swarm for a few more minutes).  

2 hours later, and quite a bit of sweat (90 degrees, Santa suit...you get the idea), I had made my tour of Chambrun and Despinos.  Typically there was one of three reactions…sometimes a combination of all three: 

1.       Pure shock.  Long stares, disbelief, sometimes jaw-dropping, my brain is not computing what I am seeing right now, utter shock. 

2.       Joy.  Especially from children who chased the truck, for long distances, often singing and making motions to see what was stuffed in my jacket (it was a pillow). 

3.       Anger.  Unfortunately a few people (only a few) were a little perturbed that I had nothing to give them.  One lady in particular kept asking for $10 dollars, and was quite put off that I didn’t have any money to give her.  Next year we will insure whoever goes out will go with a bucket full of candy. 

So here are a few favorite pictures with Santa!

These two girls had their best dresses on!  They were the first pictures of the day. 

This is Lupson on the left, and Jean on the right...two of the great staff at NVM. 

This is Mierta.  She makes her way around in the cart and is a personal favorite of Santa.