We arrived at our hotel and luckily had an hour or so to freshen up, eat some lunch (empanadas, yum!) and prepare ourselves to meet the kids and staff at the orphanage.
Alexis explained the custom of greeting other people in Argentina. It's always with a kiss, or beso, on one cheek. You are to practice this when saying hello and when saying goodbye (ciao). And to do this with all the staff and ALL the children. They love it!
Several of our team members are return visitors as they also came last year and the staff and children were so excited to see familiar faces. The joyful energy was contagious!
We weren't at the orphanage very long today but we did manage to play with bubbles and chalk.
The kids also had learned a song in english for us and sang it to us as a surprise! It was so beautiful and sweet! The staff also had made us a welcome banner with all of our names on it. We were all in such awe at the thought and effort put into it.
And if all of that wasn't enough, the staff had prepared a delicioso merienda for us complete with cake and coffee and different types of brownies. This is a daily occurrence and their way of thanking us for being here with them. But really it's us who can't thank these wonderful ladies enough for being such great hosts!
The staff showed us around and very proudly explained all of the new things they have been able to do with the resources Meck has sent to them. They've been able to redo walls in almost all the bedrooms and the kitchen. They have a fantastic community closet for the children now and a better restroom flushing system.
We'll be fixing the mural that was painted last year as it has started to peel as well as painting the outdoor patio and doing odds and ends jobs around the rest of the orphanage. We have plenty to do!
And of course the rest of the week we will be pouring Jesus' love into the kids. We can't wait! Thank you for continuing to pray for us and the orphanage!
Everything looks so great!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait for what the rest of the week holds for you guys:)
If there is one thing worth spreading its that contagious joyful energy! So take off the gloves, the masks the gowns and spread it all around. Besos!
ReplyDeleteJohn 15:11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.