Marale

We left for Marale at 6 AM on December 16, 2010. It was a long, but beautiful drive. People were already outside starting their daily routine when we left.

The roads were windy and dangerous. In some places, like this one, the roads were collapsing.

In other places, obstacles like this rock slide tried to keep us from our destination.

We arrived safely and saw some beautifully colored houses like these:

 I thought this picture was pretty.

The lady on the right is bringing in a cake for the event. When children heard that we had arrived, they started running to our building, like the boy on the left.

 Gracie and I went to talk to the mayor for a few minutes. I got to meet all sorts of officials.

When we returned, I found this young man standing next to the truck waiting on the event to begin.

 Gracie introduced us at every event. Here she is introducing Shari.

Gracie talking to the children of Marale.

All of the kids come dressed in the very best!

These two boys waited by the wall in hopes of receiving a gift.

This little guy was just too cute!

Love the hat!

 

 This young boy never smiled or spoke. He didn't have shoes and hadn't bathed in awhile.

Entire families patiently waited...

Bare feet were everywhere.

This little girl and her brother came. Neither had shoes.

Me giving a gift to a young, handicapped boy.

Kristian giving a gift to a boy with Autism.

These 4 boys each received gifts.

Kristian giving a gift to a girl in a beautiful red dress.

 Me giving a gift to a little person. She was so sweet.

 Officer Bustillo & Gracie

 Gracie said she thought Bustillo had a thing for me, lol.

 He & his partner stayed for the entire event. Here he is with Shari.

Gracie & one of our lovely helpers in Marale.

I love this picture of Shari reaching out to the little boy.

A view from the road after we left Marale.

The church in the distance.

Lee & Kristian riding in the back, as usual! What great guys!

We went to Marale with 100 children on the list. Many more children showed up though, desperately hoping to receive a gift. They came from all directions, trying to get to us so they wouldn't leave empty-handed. We brought plenty of extras. Thankfully, every child that came got a gift. By the end of the event, 270 children received gifts. After that, we headed to Porvenir for another event!