We have arrived safely. There is a stark difference between the two sides of the border. As we drove down dry aquaducts soldiers on trucks patrolled the streets. At the gates of the children’s home we were greeted by dozens of smiling, jumping, running kids. The are asking our names, sharing theirs, and trying out their English. The team is tired, but the kids faces have brought energy and excitement to all. I can tell it will be a fantastic week.

Kim Kurtzweil, Kelly Jozwiak, Tyler Hills: The flight was great! Crossing the border was a lot less exciting than we thought it would be. We didn’t have to get out of the bus, not as many military as we expected. When we got to Emmanuel Ministries the little boys immediately started helping us unload the luggage and they were all so excited to see us! As we pulled into Emmanuel Mnistries all the kids came running and were such great helps with unloading all of our luggage.

After we were all unloaded and had our short meeting with the Emmanuel staff, we headed back to the play area to play with the kids. All the kids had so much energy we all thought they would never go to bed. We were playing jump rope, soccer,and basketball for three hours.

All of the kids had way too much energy for that late at night. Apparently they all have more than one name, since every time you asked them, it was different! Their curfew was ten at night so we played with then until the very last second, and we were exhausted! Because of the time changes, it was ten o’clock here, but it was twelve ‘clock in our minds. Everyone slept quite well and woke up at 6:00 so now were sitting here in the kitchen waiting for breakfast and the town to come alive for Sunday morning church….