Thursday

Thursday was another great day. It ended with an eventful night, so I am sorry I am not posting until this morning (Friday).

We started the day by going to Las Tias for VBS and a medical/dental clinic. Las Tias is a child rescue center that will likely be closing soon. The children do not spend the night there anymore, but return everyday for the day. El Ayudante is reaching out to these other child rescue centers in the district that will be potentially closing. The day was very busy and successful. The kids were very gracious and enjoyed receiving health kits and beanie babies. Cindy led them in songs and they heard Bible stories and made crafts.

In the dental clinic, we saw 57 patients and 13 needed extractions. We were very busy. It was apparent that most of these kids had never had dental treatment before. They all received toothpaste and a toothbrush in their health kits and we told them about the necessity of brushing their teeth regularly. The kids were excited to finally have a toothbrush and toothpaste so that they could finally brush their teeth!

The medical team saw 74 patients, including a young girl with bell's palsey. They stayed very busy, but were able to help many children and adults.

A few people from the team (Bill F, John B and Len) stayed behind and worked with construction for the morning. They mainly worked with concrete and really wore themselves out doing it! They have come a long way with the expansion of HCN this week!

The afternoon began with a carnival and clinic for the children of HCN and the employees/families of El Ayudante. The children all received new shoes and were able to get two beanie babies each. They were so excited to be able to pick out their beanie babies, and even more excited to learn that they could get two! Thanks everyone who donated beanie babies, as they have been a HUGE hit this week!! The medical/dental team also stayed very busy this afternoon and really enjoyed doing the work.

Some members of the team took the later part of the afternoon to tour the hospital in Leon. It was nothing like hospitals at home, and those that went were very touched by what was seen. There were beds along the hallways, and 6 or more people to an inpatient room. It was hot, and there were roaches climbing the walls. There was a surgical team from North Carolina and we discussed with them about the needs and possibilities of bringing a surgical team eventually.

Len and Tyler went back to the police station and visited with the National Police for a few hours. They have really enjoyed their time with the police, and the National Police are incredibly grateful for the time that Tyler and Len have spent with them.

We spent the early evening discussing how to distribute the rest of our funds, and then Mike pulled out a slip of paper he had been handed. It was an invitation for everyone to join together in the ranchero for the joining of Len and I (Katie) in the Nica Pseudo Bonds of Major Togetherness Forever and Ever (aqui aqui aqui). We had dresses and bridesmaids, and the guys had bowties and cumberbuns... and there was wonderful music and a fun fiesta afterwards. It was hilarious! Chuck got it all recorded, so we will post that to YouTube and add the link to the blog. Those of you that missed it, sorry... you will have to ask someone about it.

Thanks again for the comments and prayers. We love and miss you all! We are preparing now for a day of fun and shopping, and will stay in Managua tonight at the Best Western. We will see you soon!