The Last Day Came Too Quickly!

What’s up guys! It’s Cooper and Sadie today, with an assist by Ms. Oliver.  We started off the day at 8:00AM with scrambled eggs and chard – yes, Maddie, chard!  We spent the morning playing games with the kids.  We once again, got absolutely destroyed in Soccer, losing 4-1 three times. The popular card game Taco, Gato, Carbar, Queso, and Pizza (Taco, Cat, Goat, Cheese, Pizza) are a hit in the orphanage.  Although the morning was centered around games and sports, We can’t forget our favorite gardeners!! Shoutout, Mason, Natalie, Kate, Maddie, and Cam for eradicating weeds and becoming plumbers, fixing the waterline for a new flowerbed in the courtyard of the orphanage. Shoutout Estrella for tending to the mariquitas (ladybugs)! 

When it was time for lunch a cool ocean breeze swept over us. It called for a nice warm chicken soup, prepared for us by our favorites, Gris and Fabiola. They really put the bone in bone broth!!! 🤣 Since games, gardening and eating takes sooo much energy we were due for a break.  For over an hour, Cooper and Drew perfected the art of the free throw, while the girls focused on hair. French braids are definitely “in season”!

Late afternoon took us to Eunime house, a shelter for HIV positive kids.  The caring staff at Eunime are raising 16 children, some as young as two years old.  What cuties they are!  We played games and celebrated seven March/April birthdays.  Shoutout Tony, Cam, and Mason for their skills at HORSE!

From there we visited Cascaron restaurant for a saboroso dinner prepared for us by Leo and Carol.  Shoutout for the chipotle chicken – a-ma-zing! Leo shared his story about his time in the United States.  He spent seven years away from his family working incredibly hard to learn a new trade and pull them out of debt.  His determination, work ethic and loyalty to his family left us with even more to think about.  Cascaron (eggshell) is an ode to the American restaurant owner he worked for.  Leo worked the early morning shifts, making all kinds of egg dishes.  He also created some of his own dishes for the restaurant, including chipotle chicken!

We ended the night with a brief visit to Ricarbol’s unique house, with an indoor hydroponic pool and rooftop deck.  It was a beautiful sunset!  From there we swung by Michoacan at the playa for ice cream. Mmmmmm!  Shoutout Kieran for asking the server to scoop him up his own favorite flavor! 

Mrs. Ortiz led us in a final reflection.  We will get up early to cross the border once more and return home with memories, changed hearts and much to continue to process.  We’re grateful for this time together and this journey!