Monday, September 26, 2011

A Weekend as Orphanage Directors!

I know many of you have read on Facebook about our weekend out in Santiago (across Lake Atitlan from Pana), but I figured I’d give my spin on the events!!  =)  We (Leamans, Rolando, my parents, Abby and I) went to relieve the directors for a few days and give them some time away.  There are 18 kids ranging from 7 months- 17 years, six of them are under 2 years old. 

We got up there on Friday morning, after a five hour drive.  We decided to leave early (6AM) to hopefully beat traffic and be well on our way by breakfast time.  Even though there were a few derrumbes (landslides) along the way, we made it out without major problems!  Soon after we got there, the directors left and we were on our own!  Ok, that’s not completely true, there were also three volunteers out there- they were a huge help in knowing the ropes and all!  Oh, and then to make things a little interesting, we didn’t have electric since two of the electric poles had come down!!  Thankfully, they did have a generator that we were able to run in certain rooms of the house, it was a life saver!!!! 
Derrumbe made some fun with traffic, but we only had to wait a few minutes!!

As far as activities with the kids go, we just kind of did whatever happened to come up!  Sheryl had brought some crafts along, and it seemed like everyone enjoyed those!  They also have a pool that was used on occasion; problem was that the water was REALLY cold!!!  There was also a trampoline that we attacked at times (ok, sometime I went out to jump by myself…  ;D) and the “pista” (airstrip) that was used for soccer and Frisbee.  When we weren’t doing activities with the older kids, there were also the babies to hang out with, change, feed, and entertain!  I guess it’s no big surprise that I spent quite a bit of time with them!  J
Preparing to take the plunge!

Cannonballs!!


Hats!!

Trampoline!!!
Pista for soccer and whatnot!

Overall the time went really well.  The kids were really well behaved and a lot of fun to be with!  Oh, and did I mention that they all spoke English?  ;)  We got electric by on Saturday, which we were all extremely surprised about, but in a good way!  The meals that we cooked seemed to be enjoyed, even though they were very “Pennsylvanian” (chicken potpie and beef stew!).  I think it’s safe to say that we all had a good time and that each and every one of those kids now has a very special place in our hearts!!   I can guarantee you we’ll be going out there again sometime fairly soon!!  
Issac

Mercedes!!

Supper time!!!

"The Staredown"

Mama and Mercedes

60+ eggs for breakfast!

Josue!  His mom is 13 and is at the home as well

Karina (AKA Peanut)


"Grandpa" Jim!  :)

"Grandma" Sheryl

Post-lunch bottle/lounge time!


I did her hair...  ;)

Jacob!!


Some of us with all the kids!!

1 comment:

  1. Such beautiful children! How is it that they all speak English?

    Shirley

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