Monday, July 11, 2011

Malnutrition Center Day 1

Finally our team got to do what we've been looking forward to for months now: be at the malnutrition center. When we first arrived Howie and his wife Marvina gave tours of the facility. If you didn't know, the center was actually built by the Lions Club as a TB hospital. Although it is no longer needed as a hospital, there is still a great need in this area to help children and their families. The facility can hold up to 200, but right now there are only 70.

The construction group quickly got to work on a chicken coup. These kiddos go through 1000 eggs each week, so not having to purchase those eggs could save a bundle. However, this is not going to be any ordinary home for chickens. We declared that it would be a chicken condo, or pollo palace for about 200 chickens. These guys had to dig up stumps and level the ground so that the crew that comes next week can make further progress. Tomorrow, they will start to build one of the two homes.

The rest of us were divided up to work with different groups of children. I had the privilage of working with the bunnies- they are todlers. Most of them are not able to exactly walk on their own, but set them in a walker and they can go anywhere! We had the best time just holding them, singing to them, and playing catch with them. One little one, Thelma, fell asleep on me after snack.

A few hours later and we fed them lunch. A few can feed themselves, but for the most part everyone partnered up with a little one. I fed a little guy named Brian. His twin sister Ashley is also at the center. Once we finished lunch, the children were put down for a nap. Then it was our lunch time. After we ate and the children were still sleeping, we had various jobs to do around the center like wipe down toys, organize the clothing closet, or wash dishes in the kitchen. I helped Sue from Orlando fold sheets.

Before we knew it, naptime was over and it was time to play again! However, just a short while later we had to say goodbye and head back to Antigua. The drive to and from the center is about an hour long, but it is beautiful. We are excited to get back to our 'bunnies' tomorrow. The women who work at the center are just amazing to take care of so many children. I am so impressed with how smoothly everything runs. God is at work in San Jaun as evidenced by their compassion for these children. Adios amigos! -Sarah

5 comments:

  1. Awesome Sarah!! Can't wait to hear about tomorrow! -Jess

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  2. I have been looking forward to this all day long! And oh how exciting to see pictures!!! And how exciting to know that you figured out the spanish computer. It is so awesome to pray pray pray and then see His hands working away. I hope you are loving every bit of it! Makes me want to sign up for the group leaving next week ;)

    Psalm 5:11 - But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.

    Until tomorrow...

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  3. Love the posts! Keep 'em coming!
    Jess P.

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  4. Wow I didn't know you were posting! Thanks for keeping us updated. Sounds like you are loving it and being blessed already! The pictures are darling; keep 'em coming! -Jen

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  5. Yay Sarah! Awesome stuff! Sounds like everything is going really well. We'll keep praying, you keep posting. :) -Erica

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