Saturday

Today was a wonderful day! We have just sat and reflected on the activities of the day, and everyone enjoyed sharing the fun stories with one another. It started off very busy, as we prepared for the Carnival. We had a big breakfast and then went to sorting luggage and setting up tents and activities. The medical team organized their medications and prepared for a clinic for the children and teachers that attended the carnival. 500+ kids showed up between 9 and 10 o'clock. There were blow up games, basketball games, soccer and baseball games, along with fingernail painting, face painting, music, balloon animals, and stories. It was chaos, but organized (of course). The kids and the mission team all had a great time. The clinic was not super busy, but Dr. Roy did extract 9 teeth, and a few people saw Dr. Dave and the nurse practitioners. We were able to serve lunch to all of the children, and grab a quick hot dog lunch ourselves before the children entertained us with a mini cultural festival. The children from HCN and from the other child rescue centers had prepared dances, songs and jokes for entertainment. It was so much fun to watch the older girls from HCN to dress in cultural attire and perform dances for the crowd. They did a fantastic job, and we all enjoyed watching them.

After the conclusion of the carnival, several team members began unpacking and sorting supplies. While that was going on, several other team members traveled to the supermarket to purchase groceries for the week (for all of the feedings throughout the week). We were able to buy enough sandwich supplies for 700 sandwiches, along with drinks and cookies. (Of course, we also loaded up on Coca Lite for the team house!) We bought a pinata, as well, to take with us to play with the kids during Sunday School at the Reuben Dario Methodist Church tomorrow morning.

Everyone is healthy, and having a wonderful time together. Many of the team members are sitting around singing praise songs in Espanol right now, with Cindy leading on the guitar. The weather has been in the 90s and beautifully sunny today, and now the bugs and birds are singing along with the team in the background. It truly is beautiful here. We miss everyone at home and thank you again for your prayers.