[In the Field] Christmas Greetings from Clay Aiken in Mexico
UNICEF Ambassador Clay Aiken is visiting UNICEF projects for children affected by the recent floods in Mexico. He sent the following post from the field.
Merry Christmas to all from Mexico!
The past couple of days have been crazy ” from delayed flights to lost luggage (yes, the airline lost all our bags ” mine, mom’s and Brett’s ” and mine’s STILL missing, so if you see it, could you send it my way?), to missed flights – if it could go wrong it did! But despite everything I couldn’t be happier than to be with my family and UNICEF in Mexico sharing the Christmas holiday with the people of Chiapas and Tabasco who have suffered such tragedy.
They have lost so much (much more than a few suitcases) but they have an unbelievable spirit and contagious joy. This is the holiday season and the spirit of family and giving is alive and well here.
Yesterday we were privileged to travel with the First Lady of Chiapas to the mountain village of Ostuácan. People here were severely affected by the recent flooding and mudslides. In fact, more than 2,000 people, many of whom are children, have lost their homes and are celebrating Christmas in shelters this year. But, they rolled out the red carpet for us and we celebrated the holiday together singing Jingle Bells and other holiday songs and even taking a whack at a piñata (and, believe it or not, I didn’t hit anyone!).
As upbeat and positive as the people are they still need our help. There is much to do to reconstruct their village and get their lives back to normal. Thank you on behalf of myself, UNICEF and the people of Chiapas for your generous donations
Thank you Clay for spending your holiday with these families.
It’s important to spread the word and let everyone know what Unicef does…and you do so beautifully.
Checking in this early Christmas morning after Mass, and what do I find but the “present” of a blog. What a set of memories you are creating this year!
But, hopefully, you will remember the celebration with and the spirit of the people of Chiapas long after you’ve retrieved your luggage … which, quite frankly will likely be a long …long….long… time. ;-)
Thank you for keeping us informed as you and your family make your journey.
Merry Christmas, Clay.
Love and prayers,
Deb
Thank you for all you do Clay.
Merry Christmas to you and all your family, with love
Love you,
Stacey
Merry Christmas Clay,Faye, Brett, and all the children of flood torn Chiapas and Tabasco.
With everyones’ help monetarily, these children can look forward to a bright future, and hopefully new homes.
Give Claynation love to the kids, Clay!!
Portland,Oregon
Thank you for all you do for the children! Safe journeys. . .and blessings to you, Brett, and your mom.
So proud that Clay and his family are giving of themselves this Christmas to spread joy and hope for those in such tremendous need in Mexico. Making people aware of the tragedy and the need is so important. Being a fan of such a wonderful and giving man is a real pleasure.
Sorry about the delays and luggage, hope you get it back Clay.
Mary
Merry Christmas to you, your family and the children of Mexico. Hope you find your luggage…but you are right, the kids of Mexico lost more than clothing
I am so proud to be your fan
Merry Christmas to all of you!!!
Take care.
God Bless you and the children Clay. And Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Merry Christmas Clay and family.
Have a safe trip. You are a great Ambassador for UNICEF .
Clay,
Merry Xmas and thank you from all of Mexico!
Big hug,
Y
Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones, Clay!!!
I am loving watching your UNICEF total grow.
I’m so very proud to be a Clay Aiken fan…for so many different reasons….your humanitarianism being only one of them.
You have integrity and character and class.
God Bless, and safe travels to you and yours.
Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones, Clay!!!
I am loving watching your UNICEF total grow.
I’m so very proud to be a Clay Aiken fan…for so many different reasons….your humanitarianism being only one of them.
You have integrity and character and class.
God Bless, and safe travels to you and yours.
It is so great to know that you and your family arrived safe and sound. Despite losing your luggage (and I hope it’s found soon) you have a postive attitude.
What you are doing here is wonderful. Building memories for the children of Chiapas. Thanks for setting an example and reminding us what Christmas is all about…sacrifice.
Wonderful to hear that you arrived safely. Sorry about your lost luggage..perhaps you should check E-Bay for it. Lol!
We are so proud of you..and also your family, for helping out in these areas. It will certainly make their Holiday a little brighter. I will be looking forward to your blogs on your progress in Mexico.
God bless you and your family..and have a very Merry Christmas.
Every person in the world look nice with a smile on his face.
Smile of a child, especially in those difficult circumstances, is priceless.
Let’s make people, especially children smile as much as we can!
Merry Christmas Clay and family,
I am praying that we will be able to raise the money these wonderful people need to rebuild what they have lost. It is wonderful that they can continue in the spirit of Christmas and have the strong faith that allows them to do that. I pray that everyone makes a really generous donation to UNICEF for this area. Some day we could find ourselves in this position, but we live in a country where there is help. UNICEF is the hope of these children. I am challenging Clay Aiken fans to make a donation now. You receive much more than you give when you realize that you are helping. Clay Aiken, thank you again. I am so happy that you and your family are doing this together. Sorry about the flights and the luggage, but what a wonderful Christmas memory you are making. God bless you all.
Bette Lewis
North Port, FL
GRACIAS CLAY POR LO QUE HACES!
Thanks Clay for everything you do.
Clay, I’m glad that you were able to share this amazing experience with your mom and brother. Christmas is definitely a time to share and show love for your neighbors and you are doing just that with UNICEF.
I hope you get everything out of this trip that you want (especially, your luggage!). Travel safe and looking forward to hearing more about your travels this holiday season.
How wonderful that Clay and his family have reached out through Unicef and joined the families that have been severely affected by the flooding and mudslides in these villages of Mexico.
Clay has asked us to reach a goal of $100,000 by the end of December. We are on our way to doing that and hopefully Clay’s Christmas gift for those less fortunate than us will be given through Unicef.
Thank you Clay, Faye, Brett and Unicef!
Lillian from Baltimore
Clay, Mama Faye, & Brett,
Thinking of you and wishing you safe travels!! Thank you for all you do!! Clay…have they found your luggage yet?
Love,
Cyn (Ohio)
Thank you, Clay for the work you do for so many less fortunate, and for sharing your love of this work with the world. As for the luggage, it will probably turn up on e-Bay! LOL! Safe travels!
I hope people see your challenge and rise to it to raise the funds needed to help these kids. We have so much and they have so little. Thank you for giving of your time to raise awareness of the profound need to bring some relief to these victims.
I’ve left another contribution.
I’m so delighted for you all that your Mom and brother Brett were able to make this trip with you this time, Clay. Not only is it a great learning experience for Brett especially, but a wonderful memory of hope and endurance in the face of adversity.
My sincere congratulations to you for walking the talk; you are an amazing example to our youth and your fandom.
Lori
Clay, Mrs. Parker, Brett and UNICEF:
The best gift I received this Christmas was a chance to do a little something for those less fortunate than I am.
Thank you for your service to the children of the world. I was so pleased to see that “Entertainment Tonight” brought news of your visit to Chiapas and Tabasco to its millions of viewers. I hope the information that is reaching the press will bring you closer to the $100,000 goal.
I’ve written a third blog on this fundraiser at The ConCLAYve. Just click on my name below to see it.
¡Gracias y felicidades!
What a rich and rewarding experience for you and your family You give your time and love helping make the children’s Holiday special, and you get back the benefit of open and welcoming arms and much love and appreciation. Pictures and actions say a thousand words!!!
I’m praying that you make your goal this year and then some
Tracey in Arizona
May the joy of the season surround you and your family Clay. What a wonderful trip for UNICEF and very selfless. Hope you have a great time with the children and people of Mexico. Safe travels for you, your Mom and Brett – and your luggage too – lol. Break a leg in Spamalot – whoops – maybe I shouldn’t phrase it that way – but don’t be afraid to “dance”. Bless you.
Bee Jay – Ontario, Can.
All the best Clay, from my family to yours and may your New Year be blessed with health and happiness.
I am so proud of the work you are doing and have already done for UNICEF.They are so involved with helping children wherever and whenever the need arises.It is truly an amzing group of people.