Day 2 Pit of despair

Official wake up call was 7:00AM, although the pequenos were up and full of energy by 5:00.  We had a great breakfast as a group in our dorm.  We had fresh papaya, eggs, black beans, salsa, and fried plantains.  Shortly after we were greeted by the director and staff of the home.  They gave us a wonderful presentation about the history of the home.  Each staff member told a bit about what they do, and we saw a short video about the orphanage.  By coincidence, the head of the MN branch of Friends Of The Orphans was in town and gave a short presentation on how we can be of help when we get back home.

After breakfast we went to work.  And work did we ever.  Our job this week is to help in the construction of a new pigpens.  We arrived at the "Pit of Despair" to see what resembled a small forest in a gorge.  By lunchtime, we had cleared an area approximately 150 feet by 40 feet using shovels, pickaxes, wheelbarrows, and our own hands.  Everyone agreed that it was much harder work than anticipated, and we were greeted in the field by creatures such as jumping worms, neon-colored spiders, centipedes, snakes, and even a praying mantis.  We started to confuse our tan lines with dirt lines.  We were later informed that Andy Witchger fell down the hill as he unloaded one of the wheelbarrows, no witnesses in sight.  

Lunch was a delicious meal of rice, chicken, potatoes, and corn tortillas.  It was fun to walk into the dining hall being greeted by the kids.  We have been trying to split up our group from MN for our meals with the pequenos, so we have made many new friends.  Those who didn't know Spanish before are starting to pick up some of the language.   

After lunch, part of the group went to set up the kids camp to be held later in the afternoon, while most of us went back to the "Pit of Despair."  A few of the girls were lucky enough to get their hair done by pequenos who are currently learning in the beauty school for their skills training.  Others went to the Castillo Magico which is the house for kids with special needs.  Another group went to the Baby House for kids ages 1-7.  

Kids camp began at 4, complete with coloring, pipe cleaner bracelets, and crazy eights (or loco ochos).  Today was just for the boys, and we will be able to play with the girls tomorrow.  This was a great opportunity for us to visit and meet new kids.

Dinner consisted of tostadas and mysterious mash, which was delicious.  Kids are starting to know our names and ask us to sit with them at meals.  It is neat to see how they are learning English from us and we are learning Spanish from them.  

It rained after dinner so our free time was spent mostly inside playing games and TAKING SHOWERS!!  We started our devotion around 8:30 with singing.  The St. Paul and Holy Family group are having fun getting to know each other.  Patsy, our residence nurse, has been waiting on our every medical need with her overfilled backpack of supplies.  During devotion, we shared our highs, lows, and "Yay God!" moments of the day.  A big high for Becky and Nathan Kennedy was meeting the girl that they have been sponsoring for almost a year, Mariella.  

Its still raining as we write this and we are excited to get to bed.  We love hearing comments, especially from parents and brothers and sisters, on the blog.  Thank you to everybody who sponsored us for this trip both financially and through prayer.  We are praying for everyone back home and please continue to pray for us.  

P.S. Happy Birthday to Alex Hanel from Dad, Sam, and Sara!!