Zoe, a Grade 12 student, joined us for a picture with our hairnets

Today was our earliest morning yet! We left around 6:30am for Tegu, a factory that makes magnetic building blocks. El Hogar students can do their internships (practica) there. We got a full tour of the machines and got to partake in their morning meeting. By pure luck, the founder was in the building, and we got time to speak with him. We got to learn the company's history and ask many questions. We also heard a lot about how much the factory values teamwork and celebrates any improvement. We ended our visit by sanding and spray painting our own magnetic blocks, in a shape and colour of our choosing. 

We headed to the elementary school where we met with Denise, Claudia, 3 kids and 2 mothers. They were all very open with us and shared many of their life stories and spoke very highly of El Hogar. Denise is El Hogar's Executive Director. She described the impact of El Hogar and how it has changed remarkably over the years. Claudia is El Hogar's long time director of academics, and she spoke of her hopes for El Hogar's future in hopes to keep kids in the highschool years. These young kids told us their dreams after graduating, and their gratitude for the opportunities El Hogar gives them. The mothers explained the positive impact El Hogar has had on their children and how they are involved with the school. 

We had el grupo photo around the El Hogar logo at the elementary campus.  This spot has been the traditional place for a team photo for 14 years.  Traditions carry on!                                                                                                 

After lunch, we headed to the Youth for Honduras organization, where we met Dulce, the director. She told us her inspiring story about how she overcame her upbringing as an orphan and how it led her to get involved in helping youth in various ways. She shared deeply emotional stories and was very much an open book for us. This organization partners with El Hogar in helping residential students transition from residential living to independent living after graduation.  We learned about the three parts of the organization: the Transition Program, I Exist, and the World Orphan Fund. She spoke of the successes and challenges of all that they do.

We love the van!

Rob singing with the kids!

Our last night spending time with the boys in various activities and crafts.  They have been floating through the various stations we had set up, but the popular one tonight was when Rob got out his guitar.  Lots of hearty singing and silliness.  We will miss this and their happy smiles.