Feb 15

Today we saw all the kids dressed for school. They have a fleece sweater uniform and a collared shirt. Unfortunately there was rain this morning so the flag ceremony was canceled.

A few of us went on a tour of the entire facilities. Brian led us through the entire compound including the boy and girls dorm. It amazing to see the kids possessions all fitting into 2 small cubby's. We saw the dining hall and kitchen. What an amazing job the workers do to prepare meals from limited sources. They were almost out of fruits and vegetables. Wednesday is market day. The children will be preparing to beg for donations. They take a 3 ton truck. On a good week they will bring the truck home full. Whatever they get will be their main food supply for the week. The orphanage can afford to buy some staples like rice, cereal, pasta but these are used sparingly to balance the nutrition for the children.

Today was our first work day. The team tackled several projects including building a large rebar box for the new septic tank sistern, putting up molding in a new worker appartment, painting the crown on the girls dorm, laying paving stones, fixing a retainer wall that was knocked down by a truck and starting to paint the outside wall of the girls dorm.

During recess we stopped all work to play and socialize with the kids. Break was around 10:45. Many of the kids had snacks to tie them over to then end of school at 2:30. They have their main meal at 2:30 and then the boys head back to their off site location.

We finished working just before 6:00. A solid day. For diner we had a hot dog roast and heard the testimonies of 3 girls. What amazing stories of broken families and how they came to the safety of Pan de Vida. A true blessing to us to hear how God works miracles.

A long day. I'm sure tomorrow will bring more excitement.

Greg