Day 8

Goodbye is the most difficult word to say to 22 kids whom you have formed bonds with, bonds stronger than you ever though possible to make in 8 days. 22 kids whose future is unsure, who look with tears in their eyes as they ask you when you are coming back. 22 kids whose beautiful smiles have grabbed your heart and will never let go, whom you will never forget because of their strength and resilience of spirit. What they live with, go through, inspires us and makes us better people. They are the one's who have given us a new perspective and motivation, and for that we are forever greatful.

Today was bittersweet because their was a different feeling in the air because we all knew we would have to say goodbye. Today was our last poolside breakfast, and our last trip to the Jungle School for work. We hauled up the bricks from the bottom, and almost all of the sand pile which never seemed to end. So much was built though in just the time we were there! Concrete was poured into the foundation, and the steel bars added to the corners. Bricks were laid as well. It was amazing to realize that our work purchased all of the supplies, and we were a huge part in making the workers jobs easier. It is something we can be proud of, even if tempers were a little short today. Today was our last lunch at the school, and as always we were unable to say no to the faces of the kids swarming around us as we ate. I don't think any one of us ate more than half our food, because it is so difficult not to give it to them. We came back to the hotel a little early for some time to shower and pick up some last minute souvenirs, and then headed to the supermarket and mall to buy supplies for the Hogar kids as a last goodbye. We bought bracelets and chips to give to each one, as well as special requests such as a watch for Daniel and Harrison, and some Jacks for Lula. Reina got some princess stickers, and Mercedes and Rosa both got some beautiful dresses. Being down here makes you realize how much we can give, because we have so much. Something so special to them is often only a few dollars for us.

We got to the hogar around 4, and you could tell the minute you arrived that they knew we were going. They were smiling and immediately grabbed us but they were also sad. We passed out our presents and you should have seen Mercedes in her dress! She was gorgeous and it fit perfectly. Lula immediately pulled out her Jacks to play with them also. Alexis brought out her amazing crafts and Danielle took each kids picture with her Polaroid Camera. Each of the kids chose one of us to take their picture with and we made frames for each for them to keep. It was so precious and amazing. Then they decorated their backpacks, but what was especially amazing was the kids who didn't make the back packs for themselves. Many of them had brothers and sisters still living in rural areas, and they made the packs for them because many of them don't have backpacks. These kids just give and give and are so strong it is incredible.

The end was the most difficult part of the entire trip. How do you say goodbye? Many of the little girls were crying before we were even out of time, and it wasn't long until most of us followed suit. I want to thank my mom for giving me the gene of instant waterworks, because I was an absolute reck. My group was so amazing, because we all gathered together in a circle and Mrs. Hervey presented me with a shirt that all of the kids, and everyone on the trip, had signed, and I was crying before I could even look at the shirt. I just want to thank everyone for coming and making this trip one of the most amazing experiences of a lifetime. Each of us hung back as the bus waited and gave a last hug to all the kids and told them we love them. I promised to come back, and I will come back. We all want to do all that we can to help them.

Dinner was somewhat sobering as we shared our experiences, and thanked David for all his work. We finished where we began, at a restuarant on the beach in one of the most beautiful areas of the world. As we ate and then walked along the beach, we all knew that this experience was worth it. Thank you so much to everyone who made it possible for us to go. It means the world, to us and to the kids.

Tomorrow we shall be home in the U.S. but a part of many of our hearts will remain in Honduras. We hope for a safe trip and can't wait to see everyone back in the states!

Love,

RBV HHK.