Still Going....

Well, it's Thursday now and we are all still doing well. The weather today has been a little chilly since it's been misty raining all day, but we aren't letting that get us down! Our work projects still continued....and somehow a mud football game found its way into the day as well. Seriously, teenagers can find a way to entertain themselves no matter where they are or what they are doing!! (The pictures below were taken yesterday when it was sunny. Today's pictures are still on Mr. Craig's camera.)

We did have some issues with our bus today on the way to the orphanage....um, yeah, it kept stalling, like five times. Eventually, we all had to get off the bus and wait for them to call taxi vans for us so that we could continue on our way. Unfortunately, the last time the bus stopped in the middle of the road so we had to push it a ways so we wouldn't block traffic. This short delay wasn't too disappointing to the students though because that gave them time buy some snacks at a little store close by. =]




Our minstry time at Palo Blanco was a lot of fun today. Since it was raining, we didn't get to play with the kids outside, so we started immediately on our crafts. The older kids made sun visors and the younger ones made clothes pin people and paper bag puppets. Two of our drama teams performed today, doing the "Surroundings" skit and the "Fish" skit. The kids seemed to understand the message and really enjoyed it too. After our program time, we lined all the kids up by grade so that we could give each of them a beanie baby or matchbox car. It was so fun to watch their faces light up as our students presented them with their gift....and then to see all of them running around the yard out in front was just priceless!

(Here are some pictures of our girls sorting out the mounds of beanie babies, matchbox cars and tshirts that our DC students and friends back home donated for the kids here.)

By about 4:30pm today, we were all pretty beat so we packed ourselves back into the taxi vans and headed back to the ranch. Upon arrival, there was a mad dash to the showers since we were all extremely dirty. By now, most people are chilling during free time and enjoying some sweet fellowship with one another. I hear the basketball bouncing and music playing off in the distance so I know they're all having a good time before dinner starts at 7:00pm tonight. Last night we had rice and beans, chicken and salad for dinner so we are hoping that tonight is just as good. Oh, and speaking of food, Heather told you the good news last night that we won't be having mangu for breakfast anymore (woo hoo!) so our morning meal brought many smiles as the team chowed on pancakes and fresh pineapple, cantelope and bananas!! Yum!

Ok, well that's all for now. I will try to post more pictures later tonight or tomorrow. Please pray for our ministry at El Arca tomorrow. It's our last work day (and will probably be the hardest since we are so tired.) Pray that God gives us strength and joy beyond measure.

I will close with some pictures of some of our team members with the kids at El Arca & Palo Blanco....the real reason we are here!! =]