GUATEMALA - July 10, 2012

Monday afternoon was a busy one at the Center as each person had a designated duty. Kristi, who was all alone cleaning mats, attracted the attention of Byron, the van driver, who was happy to join in and help her.

Nap time went on without a hitch with happy, smiling faces greeting us as they awakened. We all enjoyed our afternoon play time and 4:15 came way too quickly for each of us.  The children are starting to adjust to their new visitors and becoming more playful. As we were gathering in the Center to leave, they all waved and said “adios” over and over again.

On the way back down the mountain Ron asked if anyone wanted to go to the market. It was a unanimous “no”, which is an all time first according to Ron. Apparently, we all worked so hard we did not have enough energy to spend any money!

We did stop at “The Cross” overlooking Antigua. Wow, what a view! We were able to see the three volcanoes around the city.

On Tuesday morning a group of ten had the opportunity to walk from the Center to the Pila to have a time of sharing with the people from the community; however, when we got there, there were only two women and one small child doing laundry. Josh started playing the guitar, and in no time a crowd of moms and their children had gathered!

We sang songs about the love of Jesus, and Olivia shared the story of Noah and how God cares for each of us, while others learned from the local women the proper way to wash clothes.  One lady asked, "Don't you wash clothes, too?"  We had to tell her that we have machines that do the work for us! They told us it takes about five hours a day to complete their laundry, which totally astonished us all.

The children played with the parachute and blew bubbles and made a Noah’s Ark necklace, but the most important reason for the visit was to share our love of Christ with them.  Another group will visit again tomorrow to minister to a whole new group of as word will spread of our visit today.

The guys are busy getting a new room ready for more children--replacing the old asbestos ceiling tiles, painting cribs, stripping and waxing floors, painting, moving furniture, etc.  The old comedor (dining room) will become a room for children, and the room across from the escuelita (school room) will become the new comedor.  Lots of exciting changes are taking place at the Center as we are growing and making room for more children!

Speaking of new children, we had a new little boy admitted today.  His name is Carlos, and he cried for his mommy all day.  We loved and comforted him as best we could.  Matt was so patient and became his closest friend.  We pray that by tomorrow he'll be getting settled into the new routine with all the other Ducks.  Remember him in your prayers as he spends his first night away from his family tonight.

Patrick changed his first diaper today through trickery!

Jim mowed the playground and the children quietly stared through the windows.

Lunch time is a zoo, but somehow it all works out!!  We'll never know how in the world one nanny can feed 12 children all by herself!

Yung, Rachel, Matt and Kaysey are adding new frames to the "Wall of Fame" with their right-brained creativity!

We welcome Carlos who just arrived today. He finally allowed Olivia to give him some food. Please keep him and his family in your prayers.

AROUND THE CENTER...