Today was our first day out at Casa Angelina and for some it was a very eye opening experience and was a reminder for all those who were returning for a second, third, etc. time. To start off the day, we got to worship with the staff at the orphanage. Unfortunately, Kimberly and Bethany had to fly out to get to Florida for a wedding and Ivan will be leaving on Wednesday.
After our initial orientation meeting, we got to go on a tour of the orphanage and hear some of the amazing stories of the children that are there. The tours were very eye opening for some of the new members of the group and there were not too many dry eyes afterwards. We all had lunch at the orphanage, which was prepared by the amazing chef they have their. After lunch, we broke up into three groups and walked to several different widow's houses in the surrounding village to see what work is being done outside the orphanage walls. After this tour, we got back together and watched the skits, songs, dances that the kids of each house had prepared for us. Following the performance, we took the traditional picture on the stairs, then got to watch the kids enjoy a little soccer game.
There are a couple other things that we found out today that are amazing steps in a positive direction for the orphanage. The orphanage has accepted its first widow to live at the orphanage. When she was brought to the orphanage, they told Ivan that she had about three more days to live and that was over a week ago. They also said that she only had use of 4 of her 10 fingers and came in a wheelchair because she didn't have enough strength to walk. We were told that she has been an amazing blessing and has assumed the role of grandmother to all the kids at the orphanage. She is extremely thankful for us coming to help out in any way we can.
The second piece of news we got today was the land owner across the road has approached the orphanage and has offered to sell them his 42 acres that is directly across the road from the current grounds of the orphanage. Ivan had a meeting with the gentleman today in hopes to work out a deal for the land and hopefully get it for the orphanage to allow even more expansion for homes, children, widows, etc. Please be praying for this opportunity to work out for the orphanage's sake so even more children can be saved from the streets and terrible situations.
Picture of the widow who is now living at Casa Angelina
The new water purification system in use at the orphanage.
Auqaponics building almost ready to start producing.
The different houses performing skits for us.
The group photo of us all.
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