Weekend adventures

Last weekend Heather and I took a walk to visit our American friends down the road (Jonathan and Devin).  We met up with them just in time for a hike, guided by a swarm of anxious and energetic kids who are orphans from the next village over.  They bring food to the kids a couple times a week and are quite popular for being giant human jungle gyms and for sharing their Oreo cookies.  

Here's a picture of Franklin, Julia and their friend with his tiny kitten in front of the "orphanage" where they live.  These children along with many others live with an older woman who takes care of them.  Despite their solemn expressions, these kids are filled with so much joy and love.   They love having their picture taken and are laughing and goofy and hyper right up until you take it, then for 5 seconds they turn serious.  After its taken, they run to look at the picture and are back to being fun and smily.  It's hilarious.

My tour guide, Franklin, 4 years old, guiding me down the path from the cave.  The kids loved to hold your hand down the path and little Franklin here needed a boost a few times in his oversized flip-flops.  He was so eager to point things out and show me a toucan up in the trees and where the stream turns into a mini waterfall, etc.  He was so excited when we finally made it to the cave and tried to get me to climb through a small opening on the side of the rocks where there's another space (the kids had to be going somewhere, right?)...I declined.

This is the swimming hole where we took the kids after our hike -- I couldn't resist the dare this time and jumped off this rock with all my clothes on (in the background).  Reminded me of jumping off the bridge at the Land, but probably a bit more dangerous!  The water was cool and clear and felt great after the hike.  It came from a rushing stream up the mountain from this picture and meets one of the 3 large rivers which join in the area near Rio Viejo (hence the name of the town where I live).  Glad to be able to share in the fun of what goes on down the road from us and also to be able to connect with kids in our area outside of the clinic.  Hope to do it again soon!