The Work Begins.......

So once we got settled on the ground at the orphanage, there were several different projects we could sign on to do.  This team has been tasked with replacing and expanding the cover over the sand box so the many little toddlers could play in a shady environment.  This team has been slogging it out in incredible heat, and doing really hard work, but they've been having the time of their lives.  They are now calling themselves, Bill & his Harem.  Bill is surrounded with 4 lovely women all day long....... Tough assignment for him!!!.   

The orphanage has added a music room for the children in the last year, so we have a group of wood workers creating many new benches for this room.  These guys are pretty crafty!!  And what is it with men and their tools???

Each team member brought down 2 hockey bags filled with so many donated items for  the orphanage.  The good news was the orphanage staff were thrilled.  The bad news was all the bags had to be unloaded and sorted.  It really wasn't bad news though.  This group worked away at sorting everything from clothes, to soccer balls, craft supplies, school supplies, and we couldn't have been happier with how much we were able to accomplish in putting all these things together.  This demonstrates the power of a common dream!!!

One of the homes and the office needed to be repainted so this group took that on.  This group of 6 women just got to work taking down curtains, cleaning the walls, and starting to paint.  We've been having so much fun working together, getting to know each other, and seeing this place come to life..... Whenever someone walks in, the comment is always, "Wow, this looks so much brighter!!"  And, we hope it is for the kids:)

We've had so much fun together, we have named our team "The Dream Team".  Each day together has been such a good day.

As the week continues, we have all been touched deeply by our desire to make a difference in some small way for the children of this orphanage.  The children are getting to know us, and will come up and call us by name and give us a hug. It is so rewarding, and an incredible privilege to be here.  We so appreciate everyone who has and continues to support us with your thoughts and prayers.

Buenos noches for now from Peru:)

ps - we were sorry to hear we are missing such lovely weather in Ontario - we really are:)  Stay warm!!