Day three at the Center

We just finished day three in Guatemala. It was a short day at the center as we had to leave by 12:00 in order make our afternoon activities. It was hard to leave the babies today; one, because we left earlier than normal and two, we become more attached to them every day. We went zip-lining this afternoon over a local coffee plantation. It was a little rainy, and the open-air farm truck they took us to the top in was a little scary, but the aerial view over Antigua was spectacular. We stopped at a resort half way up the mountain, where some bought coffee from the plantation. After returning to our hotel in Antigua we ordered Dominoe's Pizza (yes, they still honor the 30 minute or free guarantee) in Guatemala! We did a little shopping in the rain but no worries we had a great time looking for Jade, which is a local gem that they mine here in the Guatemala mountains. We spent the evening talking about things that could be done to improve the facilities and care of the precious children at the center. We are very excited about tomorrow, as we will be back at the center, and we will finish our painting project, which has really brightened up the center; also, some of the guys will begin the yard project. Our team has bought some lawn equipment so that we can begin sprucing up the outside. We will also continue to place more diapers and wipes into each crib room so they will be readily available to the workers. They have not always had a steady supply of diapers, wipes, etc.... so it can be a challenge to get the workers at the center to feel comfortable using them for fear that they will run out. The conditions at the center have improved much since the teams first began working there; however, there is still work to be done. Every day has challenges of it's own, but everyone working together has made BIG DIFFERENCES! It has truly been a joy for every one of us here to work with these children and see their expressions change from day to day as we arrive each morning. When the teams are not at the center, there are only 2 workers for 18 babies, with one having Cerebral Palsy, and one with Autism. With nine of us helping to provide care for the children, we felt their needs more better met, like we would our own. It truly is like being Jesus's hands. More tomorrow!!!