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… and if you haven’t already, please consider opening your heart to these wonderful people who have opened their hearts and homes to me.
More tomorrow from Tabasco… in the meantime, from my family to yours we wish you a very Merry Christmas!
Comments (28)
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.
Posted by S | December 25, 2007 10:24 AM
Posted on December 25, 2007 10:24
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
Posted by Deb Gona | December 25, 2007 10:37 AM
Posted on December 25, 2007 10:37
Thank you for all you do Clay.
Merry Christmas to you and all your family, with love
Love you,
Stacey
Posted by Stacey | December 25, 2007 10:39 AM
Posted on December 25, 2007 10:39
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
Posted by Martigyrl | December 25, 2007 11:04 AM
Posted on December 25, 2007 11:04
Thank you for all you do for the children! Safe journeys. . .and blessings to you, Brett, and your mom.
Posted by Janet | December 25, 2007 11:21 AM
Posted on December 25, 2007 11:21
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
Posted by Mary | December 25, 2007 11:32 AM
Posted on December 25, 2007 11:32
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
Posted by Becky | December 25, 2007 11:44 AM
Posted on December 25, 2007 11:44
Merry Christmas to all of you!!!
Take care.
Posted by DAVINA MULIMBI | December 25, 2007 12:08 PM
Posted on December 25, 2007 12:08
God Bless you and the children Clay. And Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Posted by gloria | December 25, 2007 12:11 PM
Posted on December 25, 2007 12:11
Merry Christmas Clay and family.
Have a safe trip. You are a great Ambassador for UNICEF .
Posted by Kathy | December 25, 2007 12:14 PM
Posted on December 25, 2007 12:14
Clay,
Merry Xmas and thank you from all of Mexico!
Big hug,
Y
Posted by Yolanda | December 25, 2007 12:38 PM
Posted on December 25, 2007 12:38
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.
Posted by Adrienne | December 25, 2007 1:15 PM
Posted on December 25, 2007 13:15
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.
Posted by Adrienne | December 25, 2007 1:53 PM
Posted on December 25, 2007 13:53
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.
Posted by andee | December 25, 2007 4:22 PM
Posted on December 25, 2007 16:22
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.
Posted by Flo | December 25, 2007 9:09 PM
Posted on December 25, 2007 21:09
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!
Posted by Vesna | December 26, 2007 4:52 AM
Posted on December 26, 2007 04:52
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
Posted by Bette Lewis | December 26, 2007 7:43 AM
Posted on December 26, 2007 07:43
GRACIAS CLAY POR LO QUE HACES!
Thanks Clay for everything you do.
Posted by VERONICA | December 26, 2007 9:20 AM
Posted on December 26, 2007 09:20
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.
Posted by Linda Casey | December 26, 2007 9:47 AM
Posted on December 26, 2007 09:47
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
Posted by Lillian | December 26, 2007 9:48 AM
Posted on December 26, 2007 09:48
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)
Posted by Cyn | December 26, 2007 4:14 PM
Posted on December 26, 2007 16:14
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!
Posted by Linda Snyder | December 26, 2007 5:22 PM
Posted on December 26, 2007 17:22
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.
Posted by Anne | December 27, 2007 2:37 AM
Posted on December 27, 2007 02:37
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
Posted by Lori | December 27, 2007 10:26 AM
Posted on December 27, 2007 10:26
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!
Posted by mmberkeleyca | December 28, 2007 4:03 PM
Posted on December 28, 2007 16:03
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
Posted by Tracey in AZ | December 28, 2007 5:45 PM
Posted on December 28, 2007 17:45
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.
Posted by Bee Jay | December 29, 2007 8:08 AM
Posted on December 29, 2007 08:08
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.
Posted by shirley -Nova Scotia | December 29, 2007 5:24 PM
Posted on December 29, 2007 17:24