The kids were so sweet and fun to be around, each with their own spirit and personality. The first orphanage in Merida was run by the Salvation Army and was an all boys orphanage. It was very poor and the kids didn't have much, but none seemed to mind and just seemed so grateful for what they did have! They welcomed us right in and it wasn't long before they were taking us by the hand, leading us around. The first three boys I met went right to work asking us our names and age, then trying to communicate to us theirs. Before I knew it we were walking with our arms around each other, counting in English. I will never forget the kindness that was shown to us there! None of the kids were afraid to help out during the day, in fact most were willing and eager to and we soon found ourselves with a few extra helping hands. One experience was we were scrubbing paint that we had dripped off the concrete when next thing we knew there are a few boys next to us, following our example. I will never forget their enthusiasm for everything, no matter what the task or what they were doing!
Since I was working at the orphanages the whole time, I sadly never had a chance to got to the soup kitchens. From the stories that were shared with us though, I heard of many experiences of doctors having to pull out nine teeth, all in one sitting, treating a lady with dangerously high blood pressure, saving a child's life when he came in with a hundred and five fever and many more! This trip was sooo amazing and gave us such a gratitude for all that we have!
