We began the day by getting off early to head to Mrs. Arzu’s Preschool. This preschool, run by the Mayor’s wife of Guatemala City, is an amazingly bright and cheerful home to over 200 preschoolers. These children come from very difficult family situations with many of them living on the street. Our team immediately began by splitting up and doing our Bible lesson, craft and recreation time. We had a brightly colored parachute loaded with beach balls that brought the kids running. We also had relay races and made bead bracelets for all of the children. Even though there wasn’t much room to run, the children screamed and yelled as they raced to see whose group would finish first. The team handed out lots of candy, toys and left loads of school supplies. There were so many generous contributions from trip participants and their supporters.

We then had a really special treat. Thanks to the donations of W.O.W. members, we were able to take the children of Mama Carmen’s orphanage to Pollo Campero ( a very famous and popular chicken restaurant) and to the Children’s Museum. Forty children lined up to eat. As they got off the bus they kept pointing at the sign in disbelief. They were actually going into Pollo Campero!

We split up into four groups and took the children through the museum. This museum rivals many of the ones in the states. All activities are brightly colored, educational and hands on for the children. It was full of children from schools and we had a few close calls with little ones running off to do other activities, but we had a very fulfilling time watching the children run from activity to activity. The teenagers had as much fun as the little kids. We were worn out as we watched all of the children get back on the bus to head to their small little home. What a special experience to be a part of the first time many of these children had ever had an outing or been to a restaurant! We have all been touched deeply by the precious children of Mama Carmen’s.