Today was Sunday and it is the day we chose to celebrate Allan's birthday, which is really tomorrow. Katja, who runs the office and keeps things smooth as silk here arranged for a cake to be made for Allan in town. This afternoon the cake was delivered to us. I had originally planned to have the older children's bible study group help him celebrate. Since there would be no staff present it was a guys only event. We do have to be careful here. We took 10 or 12 of the older boys to the tienda with the cake and bought drinks to go along with the cake. It was a large beautiful cake and tasted even better than it looked! Mariela, who runs the tienda, cut the cake and told Allan it was a Honduran tradition for him to get the first bite. Yes Allan fell for the face in the cake trick! I don't know who enjoyed it more, the boys, Allan or me! It was a fun time had by all!
I felt bad because the girls weren't included. There are no secrets at Emmanuel. Everyone but Allan knew he was getting a cake and was having a party, so I know they were disappointed. We bought drinks and chips and brought them back to the big girl's kitchen so they could have them with there supper. Not the same as a party but I hope they enjoyed a little treat!
Tonight we went to the Bible Study group that meets weekly for the older boys and girls. It is a wonderful program and it is one of the few times you will see the older boys and girls together. They live very segregated lives here as they must. It is very interesting to watch them sit together and interact. It has been very special to spend this time with them because they are so special. These are the leaders of Emmanuel. These are the boys and girls that all the others look to emulate. If Honduras is to have a future, I believe these children are it. They are bright, talented and full of the Holy Spirit.
After the Bible Study, the boys and girls voted on a name for their group. Out of five that were submitted last week, the group chose Embajadores de Cristo, Ambassadors of Christ! This group truly are Christ's Ambassadors. After a spirited election for the name, Allan got to enjoy yet another cake. They celebrate birthdays falling in each month so Allan was able to celebrate with 2 other boys. It has been a fun filled day for us both.
We have been here enough to where the kids let their guards down with us. I have always been close to a few of the nearly 500 kids here, but the older boys are harder to befriend. They know they are past the cute stage and I think most know that what lies ahead for them will not be easy. But I think Allan and I have gained trust and respect from them and we both feel very good about this. Even though they try to always act tough, most enjoy a hug as much as a child in the little kid's yard! And I think I might enjoy it even more!
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