August 11, 2009 Post

Today started out just like yesterday, with breakfast and devotion coming earlier than most would like. Devotion was different this morning- but it was definitely a good different. We read out of Matthew 5, and studied the Beatitudes. It’s nothing new to the “seasoned” Christian- but we looked at things in a new perspective. We read the verses out of two different versions of the Bible, and then had some time to sit and journal about which Beatitude we would like most to be recognized by God for, and which we think best describes ourselves. After devotion, we had a deliciously prepared breakfast and thoroughly enjoyed it, I would say. All the food has been really good so far, so that’s nothing new. When we finished breakfast, we all loaded up into the vans and took the hour ride up to San Juan Sacatepéquez.
We started our second day at the center by finishing yesterday’s leftover jobs. We finished scrubbing the floors and cleaning the windows in the girl’s section of the nursery. By the time we were done with that, it was time for lunch. We took an hour break and ate, talked, and lay out in the sun. The weather here is much different than we’re used to back in Florida! We all had to sit in the sun to warm up. It’s enjoyable though, believe me. We’re definitely not complaining.
When we went back in after lunch, we brought cribs into the baby area, called the “Canary Room” and set them into the sections. While the boys were doing this, the girls carried the babies around and waited for the cribs and everything to be put into place. The door frames for the baby rooms were a little too small, so the guys had to lift the iron cribs over the walls to get into the rooms. When they were done with that, none of the girls wanted to put the babies down, even though it was time. After a few minutes, everyone was holding a baby. We all stood around for about an hour just holding, loving, feeding and playing with the babies. You could see everyone had already become attached to each individual baby they were holding. After awhile, we all had to put them down and help stock up the cabinets in each little room. Being as that didn’t take very long, we all ran to pick up our babies again. We had to say goodbye after long though, because it was time to head home.
No one was excited to jump up and leave, but we had to. I can already tell that the next few days are going to be emotionally trying- but it’s all for doing God’s work. We all loaded up into the vans and started the journey back to Antigua, tired and sore- but no one seemed to mind. It was all worth it when we say those little, tiny, adorable faces. I’m sure tomorrow will be equally rewarding, but we’ll be sure and let you know tomorrow night. I’m not expecting anything else. Thank you for all your prayers and support. We just want you to know that they really are making a difference.