Visitor's day

Today was our first day out to Miacatlan. Although I have been out there before, it is always amazing to see. It was visitor's day and the whole day turned out to be a bit overwhelming but very fun.

Visitor's day happens twice per year. It is a chance for family and friends to come and visit the children at the home. It is important for the children to maintain the relationships they have outside to home. However, NPH reminds the children that their family is at the house. The NPH family is there every day, not every six months. It is a difficult day for everyone. In the morning it is sad for the children who don't receive visitors and in the afternoon it is sad for the children whose family has to leave.

We arrived at the house this morning via the Pullman (Bus). Ross (volunteer coordinator) dropped us off at the bus station and told us to get off the bus when we saw the house. We arrived shortly before 9 a.m. and there were already families lined up outside the gate. The children line up on both sides of the walkway leading to the main patio and start waiting for their family. After a brief tour, we were told to go meet kids and help entertain them. I found my Goddaughter Marcela. She was so exicted to see her family. She was sitting on the side of the walkway with gifts for her cousins. Although her family did not arrive until almost noon, she waited patiently. I asked her if she wanted anything to eat and she said no because her family would be bringing lots of food.

Mostly I sat with the kids and tried to feel useful. My iPod was a big hit, although the kids will only listen to Daddy Yankee, Shakira and Juanes. One of the boys from kinder (five and under) sat on my lap and listened to music for a good half hour. At lunch time we helped serve food to the kids who didn't receive visitors.

We are back in Cuernavaca tonight. We officially move out to Miacatlan this Friday.

Peace