Another great day! We stayed up late last night with the student team brainstorming a way to welcome Poppy and his team of donors and board members. This morning we hustled to the shelter to get the kids ready. We had them learn parts of the Waca Waca and also "simply the best". They all enjoyed the rehearsal and learning the new dance. We were ready when they arrived at 10:30 with lots of good cheer and kind words from Gaby, our student leader and a young man who has been with Operation Smile since having surgery at 9 months old. This will be his tenth surgery. He thanked Operation Smile on behalf of the children of Panama for always standing by them. Pretty cool. We made this banner from the children. Poppy was of course very happy when he heard Tina Turner and all of the children smiling and dancing. I think they enjoyed the welcome.
Zoe and Meredith have been a great addition to the Panama Team. Zoe attends PA High School, Meredith, NA. They play nonstop with the kids and of course the kids are in love with them. They have been able to do a few of their health presentations and have passed out lots of toothbrushes. They are already thinking about how they can rally the students from Va Beach in all the different schools.
Carlos is one of our other student team leaders, brother of Gaby. His mother and father are also here volunteering. Carlos brought his own speakers and music to play at the shelter. It really is fantastic to have because Latinos LOVE their music. The children light up and jump around alot. The mothers also seem to like it. Will is learning much about the Panamanian music!
I could not resist taking a picture of this family. Two boys with clefts - one has already been repaired. The mother is so sweet and does not seem stressed by her situation. So many cute children here. We had our first group come back to the shelter around noon today - many of them still sleepy from surgery. I only heard a few crying from discomfort but the others did not seem to rattle from the noise. Everyone coexists quite well under this large pavilion. It has become a magical place for all of us.
Just back from a team dinner at Altieri's and a fun night of salsa dancing. too late to download photos! We are up early to get to the hospital in the hopes of getting in to watch a surgery tomorrow. Hasta Manana!
Good Afternoon Will and Mrs. Clifford!! We LOVED your blog. The pictures speak a million words! It looks like you are enjoying yourself and doing a wonderful job with the children who are getting surgeries. What has been the best part of your trip? What kind of food have you had there? What has been your favorite? Clearly, it is very hott there. We can tell by the picture of you playing soccer. By the way, we were wondering how many goals you scored?
ReplyDeleteWe miss you and keep writing on your blog. We will check it on Friday! :)
From, Ms. Backer's class!
Hello! The best part of my trip has been playing soccer with all of the patients and most of all going into surgery and seeing a cleft lip repair. Here we eat everything with rice. While getting dinner you have choices of some kind of meat, a vegetable and two kinds of desert. Usually some kind of bread and cake. Yes, it is very hot. I have scored so many goals, I can not even count that high. The kids here are also very good at soccer.
DeleteHey Will and Brigette,
ReplyDeleteWe have really enjoyed following your blog. What an amazing thing to be a part of. We know Will is making everyone there laugh just as he does at home. Your pics show you are doing a wonderful job entertaining the kids and they love you. We can't wait to read your next update. Take care and we look forward to seeing you soon!!
The Mason's (Jared Mason and family)
I am glad you are looking. I am having fun and boys here really know how to play soccer. We are going to surprise one boy tomorrow with a new pair of soccer shoes because all he has in a pair of crocs. He will play even better in his new shoes!
DeleteSounds like you had a fun filled day! I hope you added the YMCA song for your dad, I know that's up there on the list:) I'm sure the children of Op Smile are enjoying Willy!!! We can't wait for more photos to be downloaded. I know Meredith, she is such a hard worker and leader. She was tremendous help during Dodgeball! Send my regards.
ReplyDeleteXoxo,