Waking up and noting the torrential downpour outside our room, I knew today would be on the rougher side. We met in the morning as usual and were informed that due to all of the inclement weather, the roads could potentially be very dangerous if the rain continued. This country is susceptible to mud slides, and many people have been victims in the past month. We were for sure going to the Center today, but were told to be prepared for it to be our last day with the kids. Almost instantly the tears started flowing, and I got a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach. We weren’t ready to say “goodbye”. We hadn’t accomplished everything we had planned for this week. But this was the way it was, and our safety trumped everything else. We all said our prayers and asked God for help; to please allow us to complete our mission. We wiped the tears away and set out on the road, mentally preparing to make the best out of this day just in case. Well, wouldn’t you know that on our journey, the rain let up, and as the day went on, the clouds cleared and the sun came out. It ended up being the most beautiful day we have had during this entire trip. And what’s even better? We get to go back to the Center tomorrow to spend our last day with our babies!!!
Today was stressful but filled with so many wonderful events. Some of our team members, led by Elise and Stephanie, completed the store room project they had been working on, and now the supplies are beautifully organized, ready to use without having to fumble around looking for things. Cari and Candice provided vital education and training to the staff for proper diets, feeding, and food consistency. The kids had a great day making paper hats out of newspapers, playing and covering all available services with stickers for a “sticker mania” project. Our teachers in the group, BJ and Vicki were able to go over to the new school house and help work with the kids and the teacher on activities. We even celebrated Vicki’s birthday today (since she kept it quiet yesterday), complete with a piñata that all of the kids and workers got to take a crack at. Even the Bunnies got to participate, thanks to an ingenious "walker train", the creative work of Kaci and Cyndi and a roll of duct tape! The weather was so nice we were able to take the kids outside for the first time, and they were able to enjoy the excitement of rushing in to grab the candy as it fell in the fresh, crisp, mountain air. I have never seen so many satisfied and smiling, sticky faces sucking on Dum-Dum lollipops. If only we all could be so easily satisfied!
Even the drive back to our hotel was beautiful, and with the clouds clearing we were finally able to see the two dormant and one active volcano that had been previously hidden. Fuego even showed off for us, giving us a puff of smoke! It was truly a magnificent site, Mother Nature at it’s finest.
We enjoyed a beautiful dinner with live music at a local restaurant. As tired as everyone was, it has been such an amazing day and night to share together. While we were at dinner I did look around and observe our group, or I should say, our family; the joy and laughter and love that I saw was beyond what words could describe (as many things on this trip have been). I have known these people for 5 days and love them as if I have known them my whole life. And what is so great is that I know that we all love each other the same. Coming on this trip I thought that I would only be sharing my heart with the kids; little did I know, that I would be sharing it with so many more.
Tomorrow will be our last day at the center and I predict it being one of the hardest days of my life. But I am so happy and so proud of what we have done so far and will be holding on to every single second I have left here. Waking up this morning, little did we know what this day would bring. From the negative and what we assumed would be heartbreak, came happiness and miracles. We truly did experience sun after the storm!
Goodnight and sleep well,
-Becca
p.s. Happy Birthday Mom!!! Love you!
No comments:
Post a Comment