Upon arriving at La Casa, most of the team hit the playground to continue refurbishing the swing set. A few of the boys joined in as well to lend a hand. While Craig, Chris, and Todd worked on completing the remaining woodwork (replacing old boards and introducing a new guardrail), the rest of the crew (Zan, Kristen, Katherine and a few of the boys) began applying the first coat of exterior paint. By lunch all the boards were in place and the first round of painting completed, all while managing not to get hit by any falling mangos from the nearby mango tree!
Meanwhile, Stephanie and Amy spent the morning visiting a few stores to purchase supplies for one of La Casa's school rooms . . . used for homeschooling and to supplement specific kids with additional teaching. The room was enhanced with a new dry-erase board, bookcase, cork board, a new desk chair, and lots of additional supplies. After lunch the team hung the new boards on the walls, assembled the new bookcase and chair, re-positioned all the furniture, and then began painting a Bible verse on the wall behind the teacher's desk: Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." The team then "revealed" the room to the teacher, who happened to be celebrating her birthday! Hugs and smiles all around!
Lunch was again spent at La Casa with the boys, joining them for steak, rice, fresh salsa, and some incredible guacamole. The meal hit the spot after a full morning's work, while also offering a chance to jus sit and chat with the boys. You can tell with each day that they are becoming more and more comfortable with our presence, beginning to open up more and share . . . both through their words and just the expressions on their faces.
After getting the classroom set up and all our supplies, tools, etc. gathered, the team returned to the hotel for a late afternoon shower before leaving for the evening's excursion. Nixon picked us up at 6:00 pm to stop by La Casa's "transition" home, where kids older than 18 are offered housing and support as they begin the move from adolescence to independent adulthood. We had a chance to tour the home and meet 4 of those who currently reside there. All 4 then joined us for a nearby dinner, with the team going out for pupusas, a traditional El Salvadoran dish consisting of fried, corn tortillas filled with cheese and beans. The restaurant was near the top of a mountain, overlooking the valley and city below. The gorgeous view, great food, and even better company were the perfect way to cap off another awesome day. God is doing amazing things here with these kids and through all those working at La Casa. We're excited to have yet another day to be a part of what God is doing here.
- Todd Landon
Painting the swing set
The three amigos
Two of the boys helping Todd and Chris repair the swing set
Katherine and Kristen painting Philippians 4:13
Revealing the classroom to the teacher
Papusas with our friends from the transition home
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