Day 13: Returning to the REMAR orphanages & barrio walk

Day 13 started the long process of saying goodbye to Nicaragua and the people we have grown so close to over the past two weeks.  We were very thankful for a return visit to both the girls' and boys' orphanages.  Our timing could not have been better for the girls as it was inoculation day.  Many of them needed support - either someone to hold their hand, give them a hug, shield their eyes, or sometimes hold them tight - to get through the ordeal.  When the needles were finished, the Wark sisters gave each girl a t-shirt and the students helped decorate them.  

After saying a difficult goodbye, we moved over to the boys' orphanage where some of the students re-connected with friends from our last visit.  Some played in the park, I had a chance to play basketball with a few of the kids, and then we played one final game of soccer before heading back to Jenny's.

After lunch, the students loaded the vans with the bags of clothing we prepared last week at Pan-Land and headed for a barrio where they were distributed to needy families.  

We had planned our final meeting for after supper, but a powerful thunderstorm swept through the area knocking out the power so it was delayed.  Instead, I taught the students how to paint with light.  You can see some of the results at the end of this post.  When the power returned, most of the group went for ice cream and then we had our final meeting where we reflected on our two weeks in Nicaragua and started discussing how we can help in the future.

Tomorrow (today, now) is our last full day in Nicaragua.  The plan is to de-stress at an oceanside resort.  Hopefully the weather will cooperate.

P.S.  This morning Jacqueline Parkes was interviewed live on The Dock.  We have the audio but I have yet to figure out how to post it.  I will when I do.

Journaling early in the morning.

The REMAR girls' orphanage.

The first of the inoculations.

Nervously watching.

Giving support before...

and after.

Some of the girls were very talented when it came to decorating their t-shirts.

Our nurses braiding hair.

Many of us feel the same way.

More hair braiding.

One last hug.

 A palm tree outside the front door of the orphanage.

To me, this photo perfectly symbolizes the orphanage.

Seeing us out.

Pedro sharing his love of baseball.

Mango.

Another soccer game at the boys' orphanage.

This little cutey loved me lifting her up to shoot the basketball.  She also liked to pose for the camera.

And so did he.

Another beauty.

And another goodbye.

Sandwiches - we all love sandwiches.

Twin Day at the OSCVI.

We have been fascinated by the endless stream of leaf-cutter ants outside our front door.

Clothing for the barrio visit.  Photo by Lindsay Tannahill.

Photo by Lindsay Tannahill.

Photo by Lindsay Tannahill.

This little guy was there to pick up clothing for his family.  Photo by Lindsay Tannahill.

Photo by Lindsay Tannahill.

Emma had to pet this horse.  Photo by Lindsay Tannahill.

Chepe and his new hat.  Photo by Lindsay Tannahill.

Reflecting.  Photo by Lindsay Tannahill.

The thunderstorm as seen from supper.

Light painting.  Thanks to Mr. Obillos for the inspiration.

A funky light sabre duel.

Goddess.

Well written, Lindsay.