A Bittersweet Goodbye...and then it rained

Today began like the past couple - a fantastic breakfast, a ride into the city and arrival at the school and nursery.

However, it was our final day in the school and nursery.

Legos are beloved by all children it seems.
However, these kids play with several varieties so they do not
connect, yet they thoroughly enjoy their play time.

While we participated in the routine activities, it soon came time for goodbyes.  The nursery classrooms gave their volunteers small gifts before they left to return to the Francisco Coll school.

Once we were all gathered at Francisco Coll, we were treated to a goodbye presentation. There were dances and musical performances for us.

Children drumming during a song.

As we felt they deserved a performance in return, we did a choreographed dance to a Christian rock song. It was quite appreciated! The students then gave us crosses, key chains with the quetzal bird, and several drawings. The school as a whole gave us a beautiful painting in the shape of a cross. It will be framed and hung once we return!

After such a morning, we enjoyed some lunch before a hard afternoon of concrete, rock and dirt. Some moved dirt, some shoveled rocks, some made concrete. We all worked hard. Our primary project was framing this doorway with concrete.

However, that 30% chance of rain that was forecasted everyday this week finally let loose. We experienced an incredibly noisy storm. 

Finishing up just after the rain passed.

Despite the rain we were able to finish the sides of the frame. It was a good day's work. While we were finishing up, some children were showing off in homes far above the school.

Soon it was time to leave. We are sad to leave the school that was so kind to us. However, everyone is also looking forward to exploring Antigua Guatemala tomorrow. I suspect that we will also be a bit sore from all the concrete mixing and shoveling of dirt and gravel.

We specifically requested a dinner that is authentic Guatemalan food. If the smell is any indication, we are in for quite a treat tonight. Then we will have night prayer and head to sleep.

~Jennifer