Blog for July 13th

July 13 2009

Today was our first day at the center. We had a police escort from Antigua. There was rumor of an uprising in San Juan, so we took a different route (the scenic route). We say beautiful scenery of farming on the sides of mountains and people working in the fields on our trip to the center.
The center was on top of a hill overlooking San Juan. It had been painted a bright butterfly yellow from the last group. When we walked in Ron was warmly welcomed by the children who recognized him. He received lots of kisses from Christina, a little girl who has been at the center for three years. We were given the grand tour. The center actually holds up to 200 children but is only occupied with 31 at the present time. There is 15 full time staff to care for them at the center, they work in two shifts. The children were very receptive to us. Bea, Libia, Cathy, and Barbara took charge of the older children telling them stories (in Spanish) and singing songs. We were given bubbles, and they loved to blow them. The bed babies had the most children and required more help. Dr. Bala checked each one from head to toe. Most of them were doing well. They are very small and love to be held. They were given pacifiers and knew just what to do with them.
We have successfully replenished the pantry with diapers, wipes, hand sanitizer, formula, powdered milk, bottles and peanut butter. Tomorrow we will add more. These products always seem to go quickly and need replenished. We were going to paint the Canary Room which is where the bed babies stay. The canary room consists of glass cubicles that have baby beds in them. From what I understand they were very small before the last team removed the wall between every other one. The painting had to wait because the electrical wiring needed to be updated to higher standards. Our men worked on this but because it was not a planned activity they did not have the proper tools. (Tomorrow is another day) Our police escort painted the kitchen while they were there waiting on us to leave. It is so good to see even the locals pitching in.
We had to leave earlier than planned, due to the situation in San Juan. We will return tomorrow well rested and ready to go. God has truly blessed us with this opportunity. He has given us courage, health and the will to continue. Until tomorrow!

Kay Hayes for the entire team.