La Paz is very small, maybe 20 children and ran by a woman and a few volunteers. Most of the children there are between 6 and 10, with the exception of a very sassy little 2 year old who stuck her tongue out at James and was deemed Miss sassy pants.
We got a tour of the orphanage which to say was humbling would be an understatement. Yet despite their poverty these children were so happy. I mean, they have nothing. Some don't have shoes, they all share a room and for the most part have to take baths outside BUT they are so freaking happy! A lesson kids in the States can learn for sure!
After our tour (which was very fast because it was small) we got to give the kids what we brought. Most people brought toys but James and I brought about 30-40 of the books. (yea us!). James started to hand them out and the kids went nuts! Each kid wanted one and then as soon as they had one they sat right down and started to read. I have never seen anything like it. We, of course, left any extra books with the Sister to add to their library. We could not help but feel over whelmed by how happy they were. I teared up a bit then jumped on the floor to play and read with them. Today was not a cry day it was a play day! So that's what we did.
Tomorrow is going to be a little crazy, James is assisting the dentists during the first day of patient care in the clinic and I am headed up into the mountains to sterilize instruments and help with teeth extraction. Wish me luck as I put on my big girl pants and industrial gloves.
Thank you Tom Blake for today and the experiences you are allowing us to have this week. We are some very thankful gophers.
Well now it's time for a shower (James got very dirty playing with the kids), a beer, food, and the Super Bowl! Yea were watching from down here.
Tomorrow I will convince James to write too.
Till later....
-Marie (with the big girl pants on)
I love seeing pictures of the kids! :)
ReplyDeleteDear James and Marie,
ReplyDeleteI am back in Mrs. Terhune's English class again. We just got finished reading your posts and we have all decided to keep reading. Our goal next year is to send 1,000 books. So we will keep reading. We thank you for taking our books to the kids.
WARD KIDS!