More Playa Bagdad Fun

 After spending fun time in the gulf and a short rest and lunch time, we herded all the kids and headed to the entrance of the beach to take pictures and present the kids with large paper mache Easter eggs filled with treats and blown egg shells filled with confetti. Seems that it is a Mexican tradition to smash these eggs (coscorones) over the head of a friend - seems strange to me. I am sure there is a story behind all of this. In some Mexican states this is a pagan tradition, but in most areas it is not. The kids had a great time amid squeals of the girls and laughter from the boys. The little ones were more interested in seeing what other goodies were in their eggs. It was a great time to let off some extra energy!! I did sneak up behind Susan and manage to smash one over her head.

group picture!

Angel holding tight to his egg

another happy recipient

Larry watching a bubble show

looks like he was egged

even the Tias were not off limits

Sergio managed to surprise Betsy - she thought he was giving her a hug to say thank you but he egged her instead

We then all trouped back to the beach where there was more snacking - beach vendors selling mangoes, drizzled with - yep - hot sauce! The mangoes were so  ripe and delicious as they were from Nicaragua - the hot sauce was a perfect touch. . Wiping up all the stickiness took a bit of time, and then the kids and adults rushed into the water again -  splashing and just sitting on the shore admiring the beauty of God's creation. Susan and I took care of the two babies so their mothers could enjoy a bit of freedom - they both were soundly sleeping in our arms.  It was then time to round everyone up and head for the showers (it is easier to wash all the kiddos up before we returned to RIN). As we waited for everyone to get done, it was snack time again - huge ( really HUGE) marshmallows and cups containing a mixture of sliced pineapple and jimicia, drizzled with - yep - hot sauce. Too soon it was time to climb back into the vans and head back to Reynosa. Traveling home was fairly quiet, as most of the children were sleepy and tired from their long day - which was not over yet!

beach mango vendor

Tio Elfredo helping the kids with hot sauce

enjoying a fruity treat

last dunking in the Gulf

reflecting on the day

Baby Kayla still awake and ready to go

Arriving after dark in Reynosa, Betsy decided that the children could eat there, rather than make the Tios and Tias prepare food for them after we arrived back at the Haven. We stopped at a tacqueria stand for Reynosa Tacos, Frescos (soda), chips, onions, cilantro, and - yep you guessed it again - hot sauce. The kiddos were wide awake and ready to eat!!! The owners of the stand were so very accommodating and helped us with everything. It suddenly got very quiet, the only sounds being hungry children (and adults) eating.

a wonderful tacqueria in Reynosa with great food

asking God to bless this food - and also those who prepared it

looks like they are enjoying it

the older kids doctoring up their tacos

lots of hungry kids

and adults!

Across the street from the tacqueria was a grocery/pharmacy store - sort of a Mexican style Costco or Sam's Club.

no shoppers at this time of night

We soon arrived back at RIN, where very happy but tired kids and houseparents were dropped off, many of the children shouting "thank you" ( in English!!!) as they tried to retrieve their belongings and looking for their big eggs. The bottom of those eggs were filled with confetti, so Fred and Larry had their work cut out for them the next day - vacuuming up all those tiny dots of color. We traveled back across the border with no problems what so ever. We are often warned about the dangers of going into Mexico, but we pray every time we leave the office on the American side, and always pray for grace and safety. We do not usually travel at night and not on the dangerous roads.We just are so thankful the God has given us this opportunity to minister to these kids - children who are given a chance at getting ahead in their country of Mexico, and not relying on becoming a part of the street gangs or prostitution. In addition to regular school,we  have 5 children in college at this time - others have graduated, one becoming a lawyer (a notary in Mexico, higher in status than a lawyer). Each child that is saved from the streets is a praise unto the Lord.