The orphanage was dedicated today. The mayor and governor were both present and spoke. I've got pictures of Daryl's opening remarks and the ribbon cutting ceremony.

During refreshments after the ceremony Todo brought in a guitar/accordion duo. I have some video of them.

A couple days ago, the power was out the whole morning. I was going into withdrawal, so I brewed a batch of cold brewed iced coffee for everyone. It was a bit of a chance for the coffee scientist to show off. Not surprisingly, it was better than the results we had been getting on the percolator.

Here is a street view of Santa Barbara. This is Casa Blanca, the restaurant where we eat every night.

Also, I included a photo of the boy I kinda wish I could take home. His name is Jose, and he begs for food every night in the town square. Steve Bush says he goes to programs at another orphanage closer to downtown, which relieves me. Despite his situation, there are glimmers of hope and joy in his eyes and his smile.

We checked out Jheny's church tonite. It was relatively contemporary and a bit charismatic. I liked the music, but it was rough following an hour long sermon with no translation. Here's a brief video clip of the worship to give you a better idea.

We had the chance to walk around the neighborhood today with Jheny, Isabel, and Charlotte to meet with some families whose kids may end up getting involved with the early phase of the orphanage, before they start taking kids overnight. The woman pictured has housing behind this church in exchange for its upkeep. She is due for her fifth child in the summer.
We later visited a mute child who is set to undergo surgery on Monday to hopefully restore muscle control of her tongue.
The stories here are often overwhelming. I feel like every positive interaction with an impoverished child here is only a drop in the ocean. It tends to leave me feeling a bit helpless, but their smiles reveal that they still have hope.