Day 3

Great breakfast!  Black beans and eggs shortly after the rooster crowed.  Our first stop of the day was in Parramos at the new piece of property that Loving Arms had recently purchased.  This property will be used for ongoing dental and medical clinics, training trades center and eventually a children's home for orphaned and abused children.  We did a ground breaking ceremony with photo's with the contractor and mason that will be assissting our team this week as we begin construction.

We ventured up the mountain to the little town of Parraxaj where we were greeted by about 10 families.  We brought with us a bed and linens for the "host" family who has been sponsored through Loving Arms.  It was so rewarding to move the bed in, assemble it and make it for them.  The two other beds in this home had blankets, but the base was made of tin and no mattress.  The children were so excited to lay in the bed - they were all smiles!

Carmen Sanjay toured us through her crops of peas, cabbage and corn, that were planted up the side of the mountain.  We hiked the mountain appreciating the work of hand planting all of the crops in perfectly cared for rows.  The children ran along side us so proud to show us their crops and lifestyle.  We then went to the local school where the bbq was being prepared.  The main school house was made of cinder-blocks, and the second school house was dirt floors and corregated tin.  The children learn both in Spanish and English and their work hangs proudly on the walls.  A group immediately started playing football (soccer) and another group played bubbles and taught the kids to fly a kite and we colored on the tarmack with sidewalk chalk.  The children were so grateful for the attention and the goodies - but their excitement EXPLODED  when we hung up the pinatas!  Such a joy!

They served a traditional lunch of chicken, rice, salads, tortilla, and fresh vegetables.  It was absolutely delicious! 

We went to church at 4pm in Parramos, where we sang Jesus Loves Me in Spanish and If You are Happy and You Know it, and performed a skit for the kids.  Linda spoke, Charlene shared a beautiful message and Bob led in prayer.  The congregation celebrated both Bob and Juli's birthdays and they served cake and a drink to about 200 people.  This congregation was invited to come to visit us on Thursday at the clothing drive that we will be hosting.  The children ran and sang and played with us for a long time following the service. 

The day was absolutely incredible.  You can't even describe the connection that you can make so easily with people who you don't know and don't share a language with.  The locals are so friendly, and outgoing and eager to meet and spend time with you.  Today was an awesome day, and we are really looking forward to tomorrow when the real work begins!

Edgar made lasagna, salad and bread for us for supper, we broke into small groups and called it a night.  Looking forward to tomorrow - stay tuned for our latest updates!