Daily Reflection Monday April 11th

Today was the longest day ever. We woke up bright and early, earlier than I would for school. Then I said goodbye to my dad and brother.  My mom and I went to go pick up Claire and her mom. We went to the airport, checked in our bags, said goodbye to our moms, and went to the E terminal. We were gate E32 so we had a food court right near our gate. We got some breakfast and then we saw Kit and Journey at the food court! That was cool to wish them a good trip. After that we went to our gate and got on the plane. The plane was pretty easy and we slept some and only took about two and a half hours. Once we landed we went through customs and then got our bags. After we got our bags we saw someone with "A Broader View" sign and she was a really nice lady who went and did a volunteer trip at this orphanage. She loved it so much that she now lives here indefinitely and is a permanent volunteer at the orphanage. That really reassured us that we made the right choice in coming here. Once we got to Liberty we were brought to our living quarter which is right above the main office. We have a little apartment that we share with another volunteer who is leaving in a few days. So for now we are sharing a room. Once we put out stuff down the volunteer brought us down the street so we can get some water. Then she brought us back and let us get settled and unpack. After we unpacked, there were few kids there because they were at school. So we walked about twenty five feet to the daycare next door and swept and helped the teachers and played with the children. Afterwards Claire and I played a two on two basketball game with these two little boys. Its really eye opening seeing these boys with such smiles on their faces and just seeing them so happy makes me happy. Its sad to know that these kids don't have parents so the least I can do is put smiles on their faces. After we played with them for a few hours in the hot humidity we ate dinner with them. Then, we played with them and got to know some of them. Before we knew it, it was time for them to go to bed. So, we weren't complaining because we are both exhausted and we went upstairs and got ready for bed.

Unfortunately, we can not take pictures of the children :( But, hopefully we will be able to take pictures of the orphanage. I can not "Belize" (believe) this day has already come. It feels like we have been here for weeks and I feel like I have adapted quickly to this very simple living. I am excited for what will happen in the coming weeks. In even just a few hours I feel that I have hopefully impacted these children's lives in small ways and hopefully we can continue to do so.