You have been following the project of the youth in creating a community field in which they can be involved in healthy activity as young people. The young people of Proyecto JOEL have worked hard to get this field ready. 
They have still to level the field so they can play soccer. They held their first community event on Saturday. They were able to speak to between 30-40 parents from the community about the idea behind the community youth field and the kinds of programs they wish to lead and the benefit to their children and their community. They shared the idea of a recycling center that all children and youth playing in the field would participate in as their “user fee” for the field and programs. Those recyclable items will be sold to support their field maintenance and programs. Tere Montoya manned the booklet table and about 35 moms took material that would help them be better mothers, 
wives, members of their community. There were also childrens coloring and activity books available free of charge. Pastor Abdiel and his family set up a food booth providing delicious food for a modest price and had the opportunity to engage the community that showed up. Menu? Burritos, Chimichangas with pork rinds that are soaked in vinagre, chimichangas, and tongue tacos (yes, you read right..beef tongue…mmmmmgood!) Legna and Johselyn spoke to young people who were excited about the youth events they could be part 
of. The Proyecto JOEL kids showed up to also talk to other kids.
In the spirit of collaborationwith a message to the community that together they could accomplish much to strengthen their families, their children and their community, Proyecto JOEL raised funds by providing backpacks (with school supplies), hygiene kits, schools kits, underwear and t-shirts at a fraction of the cost. For example, a box of crayons was 70 cents, a new t-shirt was 70 cents, $1.60 for a backback with school supplies or hygiene kits (toothpaste, toothbrushes, small shampoos etc.) or child fleece blankets . All these funds –$2,000 mexican pesos by the end of the afternoon — were raised to be able to flatten the playing field. The gentleman with the heavy equipment was present that day and the approximately $150 dollars were turned over to him. This week the work will be done. What a wonderful day…..so much was accomplished.
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