so many kids!!!!

Right now I am in town (a short drive from the orphanage) and thought I would write really quickly. I haven't had the chance to set up my computer so it works with the internet at our place yet, but when it is all ready I will write more and put up some photos of my new home!

The orphanage, although a little hectic and stressful at times is really wonderful. I don't start work until next week, so I have this week to get settled, do some orientation things, and get to know the kids before they go back to school next week. I'll tell you a little about how things work there, and write more later in the week hopefully : )
At the property, there is quite a bit of space all enclosed with a wall. Outside there are a few small batays (pueblos where hatian refugees usually life) in the area and a training camp for some US baseball team (the rangers maybe?). The kids all live in seperate homes with about 15-20 kids in each along with 3 tias (they act like their mothers), 2 of which are always there. They eat with their homes, though we have a kitchen that cooks all their food. Each vounteer (and some of the employees) all have a house that they eat with. Mine is the new entrance boys. They are between the ages of 6 and 11, and can be quite a handful! Most of them haven't been at NPH for too long and still have their old habits. They aren't used to people caring for them and many have a history of abuse so they all act pretty tough. But they get soft a lot of the time and run to me for hugs :) Aside from eating meals with them, I also spend a lot of my free time there playing with them. We're supposed to spend about 2 hours with the kids every day after work. Despite their fighting sometimes, I am growing to love them all. and they are so darn CUTE!!!

All of us volunteers live in houses that are just like the kids, with a living room area, a kitchen, 2 big bedrooms, and dorm-style bathrooms. But there aren't as many of us in each house. We have 2, with 6ish in each. Though, right now they are building a new place for us to live that should be done in the next few months. We looked around inside and it is going to be like a palace compared to now!!!

Must run as others are waiting, When I get internet set up on my computer I'll write lots more and send some emails. I miss everyone!!