Day 1 At The Center

What a great day! We arrived at the center this morning promptly at 9am. You could feel the emotion emanating from the group as we all walked in. I started to walk around kissing and hugging any baby within my reach. I was in the big girls’ bathroom saying hi to some of the little “big” girls (the ones who weren’t in school) when Olivia came up behind me and told me to come out because she had something to tell me. We walked into the girls’ bedroom and she said “Ella, Sandra got dropped back off a couple days ago.” Those words hit me so hard I immediately began to bawl tears of happiness. I was so happy to have the chance to see her again and I am so glad that she is back in a situation that is good for her. I walked out into the foyer area and all the team members just looked at me with compassion as I cried in front of them. I think they were concerned for my well being at this point haha. But anyways, I finally got over my tears and we started the tour of the center, the first stop, the school room. We walked down the hall and I felt as though I was practically floating. When we got there we all popped our heads in and what was the first thing I heard? “Ella!!” from my little girls’ mouth. She got up and flew across the room into my arms. Best moment ever. I don’t think I will ever be able to forget it. We continued the tour as Ale, Olivia, and I were scooping up any child we could get our hands on to say hello.

The day went on as scheduled with food coming on time or even early sometimes! Wonderful! It was so nice to see all the kids and see the staff here who remembered me and welcomed me with hugs and excited chatter. Since we are such a small group this week we needed all hands on deck and I ran all day though out the rooms helping out in whatever way was needed. When 4 30 rolled around the team got ready to say goodbye. I was really nervous at first about staying out here at the center alone (well, without any “gringas” to keep me company) but now I know that it was silly for me to be nervous. I am perfectly content here, though there were quite a few mis interpretations, and am so so excited to see what tomorrow brings!