On Saturday, the fifth of January, nine YAYA members drove to Homestead, Florida to attend a Three Kings celebration at the Farm Worker Association of Florida (FWAF).
Three Kings Day, which takes place twelve days after Christmas, celebrates the time when the three wise Kings presented their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to Baby Jesus.
YAYAs brought gifts for children that were collected through a toy drive, donated clothing, and infant supplies, which were distributed at the event. We also brought candy to fill a piñata, and face paint for children.
FWAF provided two bounce houses and a cotton candy machine, which were a lot of fun for the kids present and the YAYAs who came. There was a lot of delicious food like pop corn, jello, and sweet breads, as well as pozole, a traditional Mexican soup of hominy and pork. The Farm Worker Association presented everyone with a slide show highlighting all of the work they had accomplished over the past year.
This event was important because we were able to meet new people, learn new things, and share new experiences. Personally, I enjoy going to Homestead to visit the farm worker families and children that I have met on past visits. When I go to Homestead I like to entertain the children by painting their faces with hearts, butterflies, and Batman signs. I also like to play with them in the bounce houses. I also like talking to farm workers and feeling a connection with them. Even though our lives have many differences, the relationships I make in Homestead reminds me that we are all people, and that we can build connections on many levels.
Delanie McGuire
14 years old
Orlando YAYA
Photos courtesy of Melissa Maniau and Nicole Godreau
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