Everyone was kicked out of the Hogar today due to a scheduled rat fumigation, so David loaded up the van and we went on a full day outing. Ethan and Korey stayed behind, but Natalie and I had so much fun with the kids. Even riding in the van is an adventure. HHK has a four row van that is supposed to fit 20. We managed to squeeze in 27, on top of bags for everyone with beachwear, and an enormous cooler with food. Luckily the kids are small. Our first stop was the beach. Not the beach close to us, which is iffy, but one that was very nice and secluded. We were the only one's there, which was definitely a crowd, but it was fun. I spent much of my time being hung on by a mixture of Paola, Lula, Joel and Santos. This was especially perilous because of the hundreds of sand dollars that we were constantly stepping on. It was kind of incredible the amount of them. They weren't just here or there, but there were sections where you couldn't feel the sand, only sand dollars under you. The kids love to swim. We spent hours in the water. I paid for it later, as evidenced by the beautiful, even, redness spread around my body. We buried several kids in the sand, including me, and then sat down for lunch. About an hour later we heard the call "Vamanos", and everyone piled into the van again. We went to El Cacao to check in on some programs, including a daycare that is set up, and another childrens home where there are 20 kids all under 6 years old. After those quick stops we piled out at Rachel's house, to see how she is doing. Rachel is one of the girls who used to be at the Hogar. She ran away several times, and finally they had to let her begin her own life. Now she is married and has a baby at 18 years old. I think it is tough for David to be there with Rachel, because he sees how she is living now ;in a tiny one room house, with a kitchen separate outside. It's not much, though everyone was very excited because they just bought a tv. Right next to her "house" is a pig farm that we walked through. I didn't realize that pigs get so BIG! There were so many of them of all ages, including adorable tiny baby piglets. They must have been not over a week old because one still had an umbilical cord. After buying some cheese that they make in the community, we said our goodbyes and again squeezed in. Every time we got in the van I really think it got smaller and smaller.
Our last stop for the day was up to the jungle school. Not for school though! We went swimming in the rio, and it was absolutely lovely! There was a spot that was pretty deep and secluded, so we could jump off rocks and basically relax. The kids thought the water was so cold, but Natalie and I were loving it because it was about normal for us. Minor was shivering as much as a person can. There was also a spot that you could go into the main current and drift down the river until you ended up in another pool. That was so much fun as well. I love how you can go from the Caribbean to a tropical jungle river in about 20 minutes. It's amazing. Our day however was not over as we again loaded into the van. When we got home, we showered and then went to a futbol game! The two big teams from La Ceiba were playing today- Vida and Victoria. Everyone from La Ceiba has to choose one or the other. I am officially for Victoria ( with the help of Geni). Natalie and Ethan are Vida, so it's no good there. I won't say who won because I'd be betraying my team. Geni and his brother Jose (Paco) are staying with us again tonight, and we took them to the game. It was their first one ever and I think they really enjoyed themselves. They are both so quiet but you could tell they were just taking it in. Jose is only 10 and perhaps the quietest boy I've ever seen. He is tiny, like Paola, but also like Paola he is very sweet. The entire family is truly amazing. Finally we are home, and I must admit that today was quite amazing.
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