Woodland Hills May Day One (Saturday)

Well, we finally made it!  Yesterday (Friday) was a much longer day than we anticipated.  Our flight out from Minneapolis went very well, but it was when we arrived in Houston that things changed.  Our flight was scheduled to depart for Puebla at 6:15.  But, due to thunder storms, lots of rain, and no plane, we weren't able to leave until 10:45!  We were extremely tired and by that time, everything seemed quite funny.  On a positive note though, our group was able to bond and really get to know one another.

When we finally arrived at the house, it was 2AM and we all went to sleep quickly.  In the morning, we got to finally head to the orphanage!  The drive over was an experience in itself.  Everything is so different from America.  Mexico is so colorful, busy and unique.  The streets are very narrow and people are everywhere.  Our drive was short and when we arrived at the orphanage, it was immediately awesome.  There are over 90 kids her from ages 2 to 18.  The living space is nothing like I've ever seen.  There are on average six bunks in a room and it is pretty crowded.  Their school is on site as well, their class rooms are in tents.  The tents were small and really hot.  It's hard to imagine such a different life style.  Right away though, you can see just how amazing these kids are.  They are so full of life and joyful.  It did not take long for us all to warm up to each other.  We spent the afternoon getting to know the kids and playing games.  It was so fun, but very warm, because we were outside the majority of the time.  Finally some warm weather!!! 

We didn't do any work today, but on Monday we start helping on the new orphanage being built.  In their new plan, they want all of the orphanage to be on one site so they don't have to travel around so much. 

Their church is about 25 minutes away and older kids tend to live off site.  We're so excited to start to help with the process.  In the upcoming week we will be working each day and then playing with the kids in the afternoons. 

Overall, it's been a great experience so far and we are all so anxious to see what's in store this week.  Keep praying for us and for a great trip.  :)