Screening Day 2

It was a quieter morning at the hospital today... a nice flow of people that showed up for screening, but a calmer group of children. We did lots of crafty things with the kids todayas the patients could all fit inside. The puzzles have also been a hit although I have been amazed at how few of the kids know how to go about piecing a puzzle together. I tried to teach them with my limited spanish, but to no avail, the kept trying to put together pieces that did not fit. oh well. to our surprise, a 50 year old woman showed up today. The Hondurian people said it has been a long time since they have seen a patient so old. I believe they will be able to take care of her which I cannot imagine. It will be interesting to watch her reaction when the list is posted tomorrow.

Riley took off by 11 to go spend some of the school day with Gustavo at the American School. While he was gone, I took a wonderful tour of the Operation Smile clinic where they treat children monthy with cleft lip and palate. The whole place was more than impressive. clean, happy, and all about the taking care of the whole child. Our countries that have pushed to erect these buildings are truly lucky to have a place just for these kids to come. One of the pictures posted is a mural which displays all of their donors on fired tiles. It is way cool. I loved it. We also had a chance to visit the shelter just a few blocks up from the hospital where the patients stay to wait for treatment. again, another impressive component of this mission for it is run by the Sonrisa Amigas, a wonderful group of friends that have taken on Opsmile with their heart and soul. They have food there for the patients and if possible, a bed for them to sleep in. It is bed to bed, separated in a women's area and men's but clean and available to all that come from far away to seek surgery. The volunteers are very happy and even the high school volunteers are a part of this initiative. I watched one of the volunteers lead the families in prayer before lunch. They even have that covered. It is a wonderful feeling to know the Hondurian volunteers are here to take care of their people in such a caring way. I have no doubt this country will one day catch up with this problem and be able to treat their people without us. A beautiful thing.

Then it was my turnn to visit the American School and many of you will be happy to hear that they are going to organize the Operation Smile Final Mile for the elementary program. The principal was so excited! Riley's new friend Gustavo is so excited to lead the way too, which is even better. He keeps asking, "so after that, how can I help?" He will come with Riley to the hospital on Monday to witness a surgery and then I cannotl imagine what will spin in his little head! The school is amazing, especially this outdoor covered area that has basketball courts and lot of space. Riley loved how everything was outside. It would be nice to have something like this at home for sure. Wednesday we will visit back at the school to give our presentation to the entire elementary school and then will visit with 3rd, 4th and 5th to show the videos. Should be a great day!

We head to the hospital tomorrow early to help post the surgery list. Gustavo and Giselle will come with us. I hope to quickly show them the shelter and the clinic too. We are supposed to go to Tatumbla, a mountain town, where the Gomez' have a home. They said it is so different then where they live in the city. We're there! good night to all of our friends and family back home!

oh, and Riley's quick comment " it is cool to see different places in our world." can't get him to say anymore because he is working on his journal....