Day 4: Carnival and Condensation

Today, we started at breakfast with our assorted cereals, leaving only a teensy tiny little bit late. Upon our arrival, our group (San Pedro) was painting part of the fence black. I learned the difference between pinta and pintura :-). One of the other groups (San Pablo) was painting the wall under it orange. San Pablo group member Maggie said "Painting the fence was hard work, but it was worth it to help make the outside of the church as beautiful as it is on the inside." Meanwhile, the St John's group (Yay!) was scraping paint before the San Pablo group painted it.

We were nourished from the heat with water, fresh pineapple, and cantaloupe. Then we had another fantastic lunch! Next, we made our final preparations for Carnival. I had the opportunity to make origami creatures for the kids to enjoy.I am happy to report that I ran out of paper after making so many pieces! Ayana taught the kids the C and Am chords on ukulele. Mason reprised the role of Mickey Wey the Lunar Explorer by performing one last skit, and taking pictures with his adoring adorable fans. Mason said later about the experience: "Who knew that a spacesuit with a fan in it could be hotter than the sun? I was a beverage--I was condensating." But it was worth it to see their smiling faces!

A whole slew of people (Luke, Maggie, Mason, Carolin, and my Mom) led Face Paint, painting a variety of rainbows and crowns. Luke had this to say: "The Face Paint Station was hard, but so much fun! It flew by."

Benjamin and Laurel led a Fishing Pond. Ben declared,"I was the biggest fish in the Carnival fishing pond." After the Carnival, we were serenaded on guitar by Maggie, Ayana, and Padre Bienvenido. I feel like our groups have really bonded over this week. Our handshakes with Yason and Squish Ball really stand out. The language barrier forced us to communicate in different ways, and learn more about each other. This has been an experience I'll remember for a long time, and I am excited for future Mission Trips! --Rowan Cruse