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Topanien Gifts owner, Nadine, speaks of her families first experience in Mexico.

Sabine & Lucy (Topanien Gifts owner's daughters) with their caregiver, Cruz.

Sabine & Lucy with Cruz's mom, Alicia, in her neighborhood store - Aborotes Pati (name of store).

The girls continue to return to Huajuapan for annual visits with Cruz's mom and family.

Nadine, owner of Topanien Gifts with Alicia - 2008.

Posada in Huajuapan, Mexico

The girls were only 5 and 8 the first time that we experienced Mexico. Their babysitter, Cruz, had finally been able to return to her home in Huajuapan and we were down for a visit. Of course Sabine and Lucy were comfortable as they had been speaking Spanish with Cruz and her sister’s family for the last five years; Lucy’s entire little life. And, when they were scooped into the arms of Cruz’s ever so short but overflowing with love, mother, our two girls were home.

Dave and I took a bit longer to adjust. The language, the food, the ‘no toilet paper in the toilet’ policy and the late nights every night were going to take some time to get used to. However, we couldn’t help but be drawn into the culture that is Mexico during a neighborhood ‘Posada’. This celebration takes place in December, a week or so prior to Christmas. One evening, without warning, relatives began arriving. Candles were lit, thrust into our hands and, outside into the darkness we went.

As we moved along a dirt road neighbors and more relatives trooped out to join the fray. We moved together in a happy procession calling out to each other, children running and laughing. Cruz explained that we were re-enacting Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem and their search for a place to stay the night. We sang a simple song requesting lodging as we marched along. Our candles flickered and the noise seemed to recede as we became a part of this life that is Mexico.

We tried two homes but were not let in. Everyone hurried along the road and we suddenly came upon a yard already overflowing with celebrants. Candles were set into sand and warm bowls of Pasole, a traditional Mexican soup, were pressed into our hands. Sabine and Lucy took off with the other children squealing over the pinata while Dave and I smiled, sipped our soup and glowed in the happiness of the night.

We are forever thankful to Cruz and her family for sharing this experience, and many others, with us.

Travel Pages:
*Nadine, (Topanien Gift's Owner) Peru Trip
*Fair Trade in South Africa - NEW
*Artist in Peru
*Jewelry Suppliers, Taxco
*Alebrijes, Oaxaca
*Nadine, (Owner of Topanien Gifts) in Mexico
*Wall Hangings, Kashmir, India
*Posada in Huajuapan