Monday 16 April

Today was to be our first day of 'work', with the plan to head out to the Technical Institute to help work on the wall that surrounds the property.  But before we left on the hour trip to get there, we joined the children and teachers at the Monday morning opening assembly and devotions, as well as being formerly introduced to the school body by Claudia. 

 

We had a private meeting with Claudia after this where she told us some of the stories of the 28 new children that are in El Hogar this year.  Heart wrenching and emotional stories of the desperate situations that these children come from.  Desperately poor with living situatuiions that we cannot fathom.  She empasized that our presence is important to these children to be part of their family and to be part of their developement.  Most important is the love that they receive from her and all the teachers that work each day with these children. 

The journey out to the institute seems quicker and smoother this year with new roads.  We have strong memories of the bumpy ride in the back of the van last year during its construction!  Touring the workshops, we found that these young men are receiving wonderful skills in their electronic, woodworking and machine shops. 

Chris even had a chance to show his skills in this area and I know they were really impressed.  We had more of a chance to interact with the students at lunch time and after classes. 






 
It was nice to see some of the young men continuing on in these skills who we knew at El Hogar.  They are challenging us to a soccer match later in the week!

 Also had a little time to do some 'shopping', where Jane and Erika bought their gifts from the machine shop.

We had a refreshing rain late this afternoon which helped disipate the humity which was quite high today.  It is at the end of dry season, so this rain was welcome.  We are doing our best to conserve water.

There is time after supper and before the kids retire to their dorm when we plan activites and crafts for them.  The chldren love anything we do with them and we love that part of the day too.  We try hard to memorize names and think we have the kids sorted out until they go and chance their T-shirts!.  The children are precious and special.

We arecoming together beuatifully as a team and appropriately, our devotion was about being part of the body of Christ.  It is late and so we look forward to what tomorrow will bring.