Thursday

Today we spent the day at Casistas Kennedy. A group went to finish the painting while another group sorted all of the clothes for the kids that we brought with us. Then we went to the preschool room and did a couple of songs and a puppet show. It was really cute to watch the kids faces and watch them trying to do the motions to the songs. Afterwards we went out to the courtyard and let them hit on the pinata that we had bought for them. That was also fun to witness. They really enjoyed it.




After lunch we met with the other team members that are a part of the project that Anna works for. They are a part of the Orphan Institute. We heard from the social workers, lawyers and psychologists. They told us more about what their role is and more about what the needs are. After that a group went to do crafts with the kids and another group went to pass out the clothes to each of the houses. The kids were SO excited about the new-to-them clothes- especially the girls. They put their outfits on right away. Gail connected with one girl in particular. Her name is Karen. She is deaf and the "tia" of the house said that she doesn't get a lot of interaction. Gail spent some time talking with her and gave her a couple shirts and some socks. Karen said it was the best day of her life and she will never forget it. Then we brought her to meet Carrie, another team member who knows sign language. She said that sign language in different in Spanish and English but they were still able to communicate.

We had a special treat for the older boys because they seemed to be in most need clothes-wise. They kept asking all afternoon when they were going to get clothes and when was it going to be their turn. We told them to be patient and that we had something special for them. Right before we left for the day, we all went into their house and passed out their "Care packages" which included brand new clothes and shoes. It had 2 shirts, shorts, jeans, tennis shoes, sandals, underwear and socks. They also got a card that had their name on it and it told them that Jesus loved them. They also each got a salvation bracelet and Samanthat explained what each color meant. They were all very appreciative and told Anna that they would take care of their new clothes and take showers before they wore them. :)

Anna told us that we could have one person take a couple pictures, so Andy has the pictures of us giving the boys their gifts. So make sure to check out his blog to see those pictures.

It is so hard to believe that we only have one day left. It is going to be so hard to leave tomorrow. However I am so grateful for the opportunity to be here and so grateful for all I have learned. We have many that have talked about wanting to come back so if you want to come next year let us know! :)