Catherine's Cafe Vocation Blog

I experienced a variety of different traditions in preparation for Christmas in Mexico.  One of these beautiful Christmas traditions was the Posadas, (inns).  The tradition involves families with children dressed as shepherds in a procession singing songs re-enacting Mary and Joseph's search for a place to stay in Bethlehem. They take place for nine nights leading up to Christmas Eve.   Another traditional celebration is la Buena Noche (Christmas Eve).  Families celebrate by gathering together, adoring the baby Jesus and singing traditional songs.  The celebration continues with food like tamales, buñuelos, drinks of atole and rompope.  The preparation for these traditional events is as important as the actual events. All family members participate, work and spend time together.  The focus is sharing with others and celebrating the birth of el Niño Jesus (the child Jesus)….all are welcome. I experienced this “welcome” thro...

I boarded a flight to Mexico this past Saturday.   As I buckled my seatbelt, I realized I had two empty seats next to me.   Woo hoo, I thought to myself. Then I heard a flight attendant ask a man in the next aisle if he could move to the aisle seat and let a little girl have the window seat.   The girl looked afraid and was traveling alone.    I asked the attendant if the girl wanted to sit with me.    The attendant was elated and said yes.   She was appreciative I could accompany Stephanie on the four hour flight.   Stephanie, 7 years old, spoke Spanish.    I was thankful God placed me on Stephanie’s journey to help her. We soon became compa~neras (companions) on a journey to Mexico.   We shared snacks, talked about flying, the clouds and shared about family.   She couldn’t wait to hug her mami (mother) and see her abuelita (grandmother).    I was on my way to Mexico to study Spanish for a few month...