Thursday

Thursday was a busy day! Lots of projects going on around here on site. The team was once again split into girls and guys (by choice of most of the guys, mostly the younger more energetic ones!). The girls went back to the hospital to continue priming/painting. We finished the first coat on the second floor and, when we asked if we should go to the third floor, we were told to go back over it and put the second coat. Okay! You got it! We had a great time yesterday. We weren’t quite as productive as there was a lot more socializing involved, singing, some dancing and just being goofy. Natalie and Brenna were harmonizing while waiting for Giovanni to get more paint. They would also burst into song after hearing certain phrases that would remind them of songs. Angelica was one productive chica! Angel and Angel were a great mix of stories, laughter and productivity. There were serious talks and silly talks. It was a great time!

The boys spent the morning and a few hours after lunch helping the construction crew lay the foundation for a house that will be built next week. They unloaded a truck of concrete blocks. They mixed concrete. They moved the blocks AGAIN. They made rebar. They said that they really did have a good time and it was easier than the rocks! Haha! I think they would say almost anything was easier than the rocks! The guys have bonded really well. The Vernon boys are honorary Trenary boys on this trip. The five of them have bonded and are always together! The bonding is one of the things that I love about being on these trips. You come down here with a group of people that you barely know and leave as a family with memories and inside jokes.

The afternoon WIPED. US. OUT. We brought the entire orphanage to the pool. We had such a great time. It was crazy keeping track of the kids but they had a blast. Aaron describes the pool party as chaotic! Angel A’s observation is that most of them don’t have bathing suits and she found it interesting that they just swim in their clothes. A couple of the girls were swimming in jeans! They love the hot tub, too! They swim and wrestle in it just like it’s a regular pool. A lot of them also got coffee or were eating the creamer. It did get a little crazy right before dinner but we made it to dinner. We had a pizza party for them – Domino’s pizza. We sat them all down, handed out plates and the team members helped pass out pizza, two slices per child. They also handed out cups and poured Pepsi for the kids. Most of the kids were putting ketchup or green hot sauce on their pizza. They LOVE it!! We all ate the pizza (or peanut butter sandwiches) as well and I have to tell you. Most of us thought it tasted just like the Domino’s we know in the States! We had such a great time with all the kids. It was so fun to treat them in a way that they don’t often get.

Today we are doing some food and hot meal distributions and then free time. It will be an emotional and memorable last day. Please continue to pray for good health, especially as we are nearing travel day. No one wants to be sick and travel! Also that we would have chances today to share God’s love through our actions and smiles and words.