Monday
On our way to the center we were asked to look for forest, farms, flowers, and furniture. Of course,we were too busy talking to see any of that.
WOW! What an impression when we walked into the center. There were babies and toddlers everywhere. We were given a tour and were amazed even more. Don Gonzalez, the only male worker at the center does all the laundry. Though he has dryers, to conserve on electricity, he hangs the laundry out to dry. We are talking 80 children that each wear 3 layers of clothing as is the custom. Each child's clothes are changed at least twice a day. You do the math...and don't forget the sheets, bibs, blankets,and,etc.
We divided into teams and went to where the Lord led us. Some went to the bed babies. Bed babies can include children as old as two and a half but they look more like 6 months. There are three sets of twins in the bed babies. Our youngest is 3 months old. Again tnis could be younger than some in the bed babies. Others went to the older toddlers and most but not all are potty trained. One of our team members in the younger toddlers described the babies as having their diapers so full it went all the way up their backside, and it does. Howie says that is a good sign for a child in a malnutrition center. AMEN!! One more area to serve in was the kitchen. Talk about laundry, what about the number of meals, bottles, special meals, and special formulas that need to be prepared. Then all the dishes that need to be washed, dried, and put away. The floors are cleaned constantly through out the day.
Here is what was said at our WOW time tonight.
When we first arrived with the younger toddlers some were weak in their legs. After playing with them and holding them and encouraging them they started to walk. Children are patient while others are being fed (not enough workers even when teams are here). The children return your love and you can see now much tney love their everyday care givers and how much the care givers love the children.
Kitchen staff works very hard. They never sat down and never take a break. When Howie visits the kitchen he says something to them in Spanish that makes them laugh hysterically. The workers love Howie as much as he loves them.
There are a couple of escape artists at the center. One is in the bed babies and the other is in the young toddlers.
Just like all other children, they think it is funny to try and get away with something and of course we love to chase after them and hug 'em and bring 'em back.
The children are little, young, active, and very loving. We are not supposed to have favorites however the author of tnis blog had one immediately. Precious 3 month old Myra. I'm sure I was not the only one breaking the rule. But as soon as you hold, change, feed, teach a lesson to them, they ALL become your favorite.
The older children were taught lessons which they happily and proudly recited when asked to.
Tomorrow is another early day so I will sign off until tomorrow.
We all agree, it is a blessing and privledge to be here to help nourish these children back fo good health.
What a wonderful day of literally being the hands and feet of Jesus and loving on the children. Thank you Lord Jesus for this opportunity! What an amazing ministry!
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