Saturday, 7-27-13 (by Ian Granger)

    We woke up this morning at 8:00 AM, had the usual breakfast (French Bread, jam, and hot chocolate), and sang happy birthday to Bill, who turns 17 today. At 9:00, Florencia picked us up, and drove 4 of us at a time to a street corner, and from there, we walked to the La Huella orphanage. We spent about half an hour there, playing soccer and speaking with Augustin, the head volunteer there. It was really special to play soccer with the orphans, to see how much fun they were having and to be a part of that. The youngest orphan was named Santiago, and it was really cute watching run around with the ball (playing soccer better than I ever could), and when it was time for us to leave, he followed us to the bus and spoke with us until the bus had to leave. It was heart breaking to see how dirty and rundown their home was, but it was great to see how happy the kids were.

    After that, we drove outside of town to a ranch, and had a nice lunch. It was a four course meal,starting with salad, then ravioli, steak or chicken, and ending with a caramel filled crêpe. When we were done with the meal, everybody but Mr. Pinkston, Mr. Henry and myself (Ian G.) rode horses. While we were waiting in line for the horses, Daniel and David chased down a chicken, and Daniel caught it with his bare hands. It was very impressive. After the horseback ride, we got on the bus and drove back to El Dorado.

    When we got back, they were having a dinner for teens near the house we are staying at, so we hung out and talked with them until dinner time.

    When I think back on the day, I am surprised that we could be having such an opulent lunch, while we were only a few miles from such poverty.  It made me feel guilty that we had so much, while they had so little, but why should I feel bad for just having some fun and eating with my friends? I don't know, but it's making me think. Which is a large reason why we came here, to learn and to think.

-Ian Granger