Opening the Flood Gates

On Saturday morning we opened the gates of Bev and Bill Smith's house and the Ayoré children came pouring in. Once a year the children leave their villages and come to camp for the day. It is understandably a highlight for so many of them.

We had 55 children, almost all of whom were under the age of 7. We spent the day singing songs, talking about creation and how God could possibly do all that he did in seven days, watching puppet shows, coloring, face painting and more.

The Smith's property is perfect for camp - complete with a big lawn, a jumbo trampoline, a jungle gym, a mini-zoo with parrots, monkeys, etc. and a pool of course.

The weather was nice - we ate a typical lunch Majadito (chicken, rice and vegetables) on the lawn before playing games like bobbing for candy and the water balloon toss. Before the day was up Bev allowed all of the campers to get in the pool - they all stripped naked and jumped into the pool in seconds flat. They are indian children down to the bone - and why would they want to go home in wet clothes?

We ended the day with a piñata that we hung on the front patio. Each child was blindfolded and took a swing at the treasure-filled creation. Finally it opened and the loot flew across the patio with children on their hands and knees covered in the traditional powder used to fill it.

It was priceless seeing their smiling faces as they left with their cheeks painted, balloons and prizes in hand and memories that will last them until the next day at camp.

Sunshine and swimming

In honor of my birthday (April 2) a group of friends surprised me by kidnapping me from my house and taking me to Camino Real - a nice hotel with an even nicer swimming pool. We relaxed and enjoyed the pool all day! Lilly got in the pool for the first time and I think it was a little too cold for her enjoyment but her swimsuit was cute nonetheless. Thanks to the friends that made it a great birthday!

too much fun in the sun

Showering Lilly

Tuesday night the women from the Beth Moore Bible study group showered Lilly and another baby, Cade. We had such a good time oohing and ahhhing over the tiny clothes, shoes, etc. Lilly and Cade were both asleep by the time the shower was over but it was a good time all the same.

Thank you to all who participated!

(I added a few pictures at the bottom - Lilly from our morning jog and some extra from the day that were too cute to leave out)

Lilly is three weeks older than Cade, but a few pounds lighter!
They made us try on these towel wraps

Lilly and Cade were too tired to stay awake until the end!
Who's ready to jog?What do you think of my new red shoes? They have little bells that make my feet jingle.All smiles!

What a good day! Night night.