Today, we travelled out to the Instituto Technico where we will spend the next 4 days. If you remember from our previous years, we would have told you this is the technical school where the boys further their education after they graduate from the elementary school. Here they learn either an electrical, carpentry or welding trade. Several of the boys that we have known from previous years are here as well as eight who graduated last year. 

We had some time before we left El Hogar to spend with the little guys.  They love to see the pictures on our phones and we can teach them alot about our lives or Canada with our photos .  Sometimes you will end up with one or two gathered round - sometimes 7 or 10!

We loaded the van with all our bags on the roof, donations designated for the institute and huge containers of paint for our painting task this week. Erika drove us and we weaved our way through the morning traffic to Amarateca which is about ¾ hour north of Tegucigalpa. We were so graciously welcomed and our rooms were ready and a delicious lunch served.

And this picture you will have seen before as it has been well photographed over the years.  A stunning mural on the front wall of the chapel done by one of El Hogar's young students a number of years ago.  What a legacy his talent has provided.  However many times we see it, we are in awe of this amazing work and all of us sat in meditative silence for awhile after we entered the sanctuary.  . 

April 23 is Spanish Language Day and we went to hear groups of every member of the student body give presentations about the Spanish language.  This was in the forms of skits or historic lessons or music. It was well done and while we weren't able to understand it all, knew that they had all worked hard to put their presentations together and we were very impressed.  

We used the afternoon to start on our work project and got two of the  big dorm rooms in the residence finished.  We were never sure who the person was in our group that was organizing us but all 8 of us seemed to be in charge at some point. When we got into a groove, we got through the two rooms pretty quickly. Sometimes we would all end up in the same corner!

We gave Peter the top of the ladder stuff to do!

We had planned a number of activities to do with the boys, making it sort of a drop in centre to do some painting, games, puzzles, etc, figuring that a few small groups might turn up, but we ended up having almost all 58 of them!  They loved the things we were providing for them to do and they were all wonderful, helping us set up and clean up.  It was all so civilized and orderly.  Loved it! You can see them all intently working on something.  

We brought canvases with us and they loved the painting.  There are some amazing and talented artists amongst them.   

 UNO was one of the favourite games.

It has been a good day and we are glad to be here.  Lazaro, the Director here has been around to check on us to make sure we are looked after and indeed we have been well looked after.  

Thee evening has cooled for sleeping which is a treat, so we will be rested after a long and busy day.

We look forward to tomorrow as there are more interesting things planned for us.