We arrived about lunchtime and were treated to a nice meal of chicken and rice, the took our time unpacking. The rains came, so it was hard to find and play with the kids. I was anxious to see some of my pals again, after having been gone a year.
Turns out they were holed up in the new dormitory. El Hogar has recently finished a new building to house all the elementary school kids - girls and boys. It replaces four old wooden buildings, and this new is terrific. Those old wooden building without sprinkler systems always gave me the willies. But no more - the new dorm sleeps all with room to expand and has common areas large enough for pelting MathWorkers with beanie-babies, with simulataneously watching 101 Dalmations.
This morning we were invited to church, as is usual on Sunday. What was unusual to those who have been to this service before was that they cancelled communion due to swine flu concerns. No drinking from the same cup.
The kids who came with us where actually being rewarded for good behavior or schoolwork. To them it is a treat to go with a work team to church. This time, it was even more fun because the Assistant Rector, Haley, brought her dog Jupiter for a visit.
Of course the real draw of going to church with us, other than a deep spritual experience, is that they get taken out to lunch at that gourmet spot, McDonald's. Great cultural import from the U.S.
Happy meals rule!
Back at El Hogar, the weather was still good, so we got to get to know the kids.
And as usual, they kick our butts in soccer, er, futbol:
All in all, a bang up start to the trip.
Glad to hear the team arrived safely. All the kids I recognize look so tall! Keep those photos coming! Thank you!
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