After waking up bright and early in our bunk beds at the mission house, we loaded up in the van to head to church in Antigua. A similar style service to North Point - we were able to follow the sermon on money and its affects in our lives through translation radios. Next we headed to a delicious brunch in a beautiful parque for brunch: cafe con leche, omelettes, plantains, hash browns and more - but more importantly - it was fuel for a full day at our next stop - the orphanage Casa Aleluya. At first a few kids were standing around playing frisbees and a few curious eyes turned our way, but as our tour began, the kids starting coming out of the homes and were thrilled to have our attention. They loved the gifts we brought - hair bows, play-dough, chalk, bubbles, cards - were very popular with the kids. But picking them up, drawing with them, talking with them, being silly with them seemed to bring the genuine giggles and smiles out. The situations that brought many of the children to Casa Aleluya seem unrealistic and it's interesting to see how situated and comfortable the kids seem in this new environment. Who knows what's really going on in each of their hearts but walking inside the walls covered in Bible verses and surrounded with flags from past and current volunteers from around the world - you at least can be filled with hope that those innocent kids are in a place with a chance for a new beginning or a glimmer of a different life.
Tomorrow we begin the medical clinics. We are packing our bags for two nights in the fields and were graced with an inspirational message of encouragement, strengthening, and comforting from Herman tonight. More pics of the orphanage and group to come...
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