July 31

Popcorn clouds as we make our descent into Guatemala City

So far so good; both flights went well, and everyone made it safely with all luggage accounted for and smooth sailing through customs.  My first encounter with the Guatemalans included their willingness to carry our luggage and a boy no older than 8 helping to load our bags into a van.  Assuming he was assisting our driver, we later found out he was a random child hanging outside the airport to help others.  We piled in and after a short 15 minute drive we were at Dorie's Promise.  We unpacked our donated items and were able to unpack a bit before meeting our team leader Desi at the orphanage.  We discussed the ground rules and then had about two hours to nap before the official tour of the grounds (due to the kids having nap time!).  My first interaction with one of the orphans was meeting Neyali, an absolutely precious, almost-2-year-old girl who woke up early.  She got a snack and played with some cards while taking in these new people in the guest house (Darbi, Erin, and myself) with her big, brown eyes.  We passed Connect 4 checkers back and forth and played until the others woke up from naps, and it was time for the official tour.  

View of Dorie's Promise (from r to l: Guest House, House 5 (0-2), House 6 (3-12), Office)

We were able to see the two houses for the roughly 40 children (House 5 holds the 0-2 year olds and House 6 holds 3-12 year olds) and then spent the next hour and a half playing with the children on the playground in the back yard.  The kids were excited to see us and always wanted out attention.  We crammed playing with cars, soccer, basketball, swinging, and the playground into this time.  I can already see myself getting attached to these wonderful kids.  They are easily excited, yet well behaved with great dispositions. 

Backyard of Dorie's Promise

Dinner consisted of chicken, potatoes, rolls, and a salad; all of which were delicious.  They also had a 3-liter of Pepsi made with real sugar, something I found humorous because you would think Americans would have the MOST amount of something :).  The night was relaxing with our group hanging out, quoting movies, playing cards, and preparing for the next day.  It's been a long day of traveling, playing, and transitioning but I'm ready for the week's adventures.  After a refreshing shower, I'm feeling quite accommodated . . . definitely with more than I initially thought.  Plentiful meals have been catered to our house, the water is filtered enough to use for showers, face-washing, and teeth-brushing.  The guest house has a fully loaded kitchen, furnished bunk beds, and an internet cafe . . . all of which are far from "roughing it". 

When we met the kids, it was clear they were affection-starved since they were so excited to interact, hug, be held, and of course play/run around.  The difficulty for me was not knowing Spanish and seeing the frustrated or confused looks when they would attempt to communicate.  Hopefully this will improve over the duration of the trip.  I'm initially drawn to the younger children where holding and interacting are universal, no matter what language you speak. 

While I was talking with Bob, we noticed from our short time with these kids that they are extremely trusting.  When we first walked into the back yard, some of the kids ran into some team members’ arms and were ready to interact immediately.  What is sickening; however, are the horror stories behind these smiling faces that include sex tracking, abuse, and abandonment.  These stories helped us gain insight as to why these wonderful children are so trusting. It is a generational downward spiral of kids continually being treated this way and not knowing any better.  It’s a sad, yet very real and heartbreaking crisis in this country.