On May 21st I wen to the airport, I left the house at 4:15 in the morning. Both bags were overweight, but I managed to get one down to 50 so the otherone was more overweight, but I only had to pay the $50 instead of $100. My first flight left at 6:30 or so and I had an 8 and 1/2 hr. layover in Miami and I arrived here at 9:20 or so. I made it safe and sound with all my luggage.
I am staying with my friend Carlos and his family. I get to see Luis everyday and he takes me to the Foundation so I don't have to take the bus.
I am having a little trouble with the food, I always do for the first week or so, but its getting better, I am praying about it a lot.
Today was my first real day at the foundation. The first couple hours were calm, because the boys weren't there. There were two, who are older and they left after an hour. I played with the cook's son, Darwin for a while, and tried to figure out what english I should teach the kids.
When the kids arrived they were crazy to say the least. They fist fight and wrestle a lot, and it is hard to tell whether they are just playing or not, but when I tell one to stop the others say, "Estamos jugando, estamos jugando" aka we're playing, we're playing. They don't listen and it is tough to be heard above all of the screaming. The adults have to be firm and carry belts or spanking sticks, otherwise they won't listen to you. I have already had to break up fights. It broke my heart, to see the hard faces, and watch as they tormented each other. I just sat and observed for a while and said God I can't do this but by your strength. They are beautiful boys, but so calloused by a life on the streets. You must be firm, which is difficult for me, because I just want to love on them, but I know that they need tough love. When they reject it, it is what they covet most.
I go to the foundation at 11am and leave at 5 pm. It ends up being a long hot day, but I know I am where God wants me. He brought me here, and I will stay and seek to show his love to these troubled boys.
I would write more, but Luis just came back to get me so I have to go, but I will write more later.
For now just pray that things go smoothly, and that God uses me. Its going to be a long difficult summer, but I know that God goes before me and prepares the way.
