We all woke up extra early this morning to get on the road to Xela. Our five hour bus ride consisted of sleeping, iPods, and “awwing” at stray dogs. Cindy gave another wonderful devotional on the book of Ester while we were riding, everyone really enjoyed it. We stopped at Kitok and bought some banana bread, potato chips, soda, and cookies for everyone and munched on the way. We picked up the Stewart‘s (CAM International missionaries) and their nieces Molly and Hailey. Once we finally arrived in Xela we stopped at McDonalds for a quick lunch then we were on our way to CERCIAFE.

When we first arrived we had a quick tour- the orphanage was very nice. Then all the kids finished their homework and chores so they could play with us! We colored with them, painted their nails, blew up balloons, and played with the parachute. Erin fell in love with one little girl and the little girl fell in love with Erin! I really enjoyed playing with Carla, a speech impaired little girl. She really liked to look at the pictures on my camera and find me in the pictures. Mrs. Wood taught many of the older girls how to make a bake bread, muffins and cinnamon rolls. As we were leaving we gave the owner of the house (who sew everything) a brand new sewing machine and they were so excited about it! Tomorrow we will do some hard labor to help out around the orphanage, then we will play with the kids again!

- Marlee Tarwater