The 2010 Christmas Distribution in El Talon has been one of the most successful events I have ever organized. Not only did Beyond the Wall help the needy with clothes, shoes, and toys, it also had a celebration for everyone, including the children and adults. I had the honor to have Miss Colombia 2010, Natalia Navarro Galvis ("one of the fifteen most beautiful women in the universe"), Miss Turbaco 2010, Nadia Milena, the Colombian National Police of Turbaco, and the official journalist of the Beyond the Wall Campaign in Colombia, Samuel Alvarez of Cartagena's main newspaper, El Universal. I also had the pleasure of introducing my family to the residents of El Talon.
The preparation for the distribution event began at 8:00 AM at the kiosk I have always used for my distributions. I had volunteers and family members in charge of specific areas of the distribution; some were in charge of decorations, others in charge of the food, and the rest were in charge of the donations and the transportation of the sound system with the chorus. While everyone was helping with the preparations, I was in charge of picking up Miss Turbaco 2010, Nadia Milena, journalist Samuel Alvarez, and meeting up with Miss Colombia 2010, Natalia Navarro. Luckily, I had the support of the Colombian National Police in Turbaco, who have always helped me since my campaign began.
Finally, after two hours of rushing, everything was ready in El Talon at 10 AM. When I arrived with my special guests, we were greeted with a live chorus singing "villancicos" (Spanish Christmas carols), as well as a cheering crowd. It was very exciting because Miss Colombia took presents for the children, and everyone was very happy. After the guests spoke, we decided to raffle the presents that Miss Colombia had taken to the children. After the raffle, we decided to have somewhat of a dance competition for the adults, and the music they danced to was Champeta (Afro-Colombian music of Cartagena), Salsa (from Cali, Colombia), and Cumbia (folkloric dance from the Caribbean coast of Colombia). The adults were so excited, that even some members of the Police asked my father to dance Salsa. All in all, the environment of the distribution was so happy, that I didn't see anyone not enjoying themselves. Later on, I presented my parents and sister to the residents of El Talon, which was very exciting since nobody in that town had ever seen them (except my father a couple of days before during the census).
During the actual distribution, everyone received their donations calmly and in an organized manner. The chorus continued singing their Christmas carols in order to maintain a good mood among the residents of El Talon. Towards the end, we continued to raffle toys for all the children, which was a success as well.
After the distribution, my guests and I all went to my family's house and had lunch, which was excellent because we had the opportunity to reflect on our successful project. The 2010 Christmas distribution was not only perfect for my standards, but it was also beneficial for my parents and sister to see all of my social work in Colombia. Most importantly, the people of El Talon had a very good Christmas, because even during difficult times such as Christmas, Beyond the Wall will always be there to support and help them. I am very proud of all of my family and friends for all their hard work and patience to help me...since I do have a short temper. I will defintely be returning to El Talon in 2011! Thanks to all my followers, supporters, and volunteers both in the United States and Colombia!
