Aproquen Visit

Yesterday after breakfast, seven of us visited Aproquen, a care hospital that offers treatment to burn patients and children with cleft-lift palates all over Central America. While we were there, we gave the children stuffed animals as a keep-sake and took a tour of the facility. Aproquen opened it's doors over twenty-three years ago and has helped facilitate the needs of burn victims, children particularly, free of charge because of generous donations from large donors such as Carlos Pellas, one of the richest men in Central America. In addition, Johns Hopkins and Brown University have partnered with the hospital to provide volunteer doctors to help treat the patients. Furthermore, the hospital even offers dental care to those with the cleft lift palate. The head of the dental care unit showed us some of the incredible transformations they have been able to accomplish through the help of newer technology and equipment. The hospital also has an in-house seamstress. This otherwise would not be found in your ordinary hospital, however because of this perk, the hospital can effectively provide the burn victim patients with garments instead of having them delivered from another country.

While the one group visited Aproquen, the rest of our group helped with arts & crafts back at Pan y Amor. This included painting with the children and creating a mural across the street from the school. This is what Gracie Chewning had to say about painting the mural: "As we painted, we could see the difference we were making for both for the children and their school. They were genuinely excited to see what we were doing." Also, some had the opportunity to visit the high school students a couple blocks down. While they were there, they helped them practice their English through an activity in which they had to ask for directions.

Unfortunately, due to the rain later in the evening, we could not play soccer. 

Today, (this is a late post, sorry) we look forward to painting more murals, soccer (God-willing) and arts & crafts. Mr. Eric Brenner will also be leading a leadership seminar for some of the high school students early this morning. 

Once again, we greatly appreciate all your love and support.

Yours truly,

Little Pencils (Ian)