The Way to HueHue

Hola from the first night in Huehuetenango! This is Maddie Taylor attempting to type on a Spanish keyboard in our hotel's computer room, just one of the new experiences I can add to the day. We started out today with a wonderful breakfast at the Vista Real hotel in Guatemala City (actually I was told it was wonderful...I was still asleep) before hitting the road around eight thirty. On the first leg of the trip we got to know our translators, Berta, Melissa, Paulina, and Sarah, and a few of us played spades (it was my first time, I still have no idea how to play). We stopped for lunch at an authentic restaurant/market where a few of us bought souvenirs and we all enjoyed another wonderul Guatemalan meal (seriously, I could eat this stuff the rest of my life and be a happy camper). The ride up was an experience in and of itself. The scenery was amazing, with beautiful mountains and volcanos all around us. Plus we saw a lot of the local culture, including "cows on a rope", precious children in colorful attire, and traffic...which was also quite an experience. It took six hours, but we finally made it to Huehue. And then came the best part of the day. We got to go to the orphanage and meet the children we are here to serve. I don't think I have ever recieved such an amazing welcome in my life. The second the doors of the bus were opened there were nearly fifty grinning children waiting to pull us out and hug us. It didn't matter that I hardly know any Spanish, the kids just wanted to hug me and hold my hand. There were boys and girls of all ages, all wanting to come ask your name and tell you their own. I met a little girl named Carla who attached herself to me during our quick tour of the orphanage. She showed me the playground and I managed to understand that she is nine years old and she loves the monkey bars. When it was time to go she hugged me really tight and asked me a question. It took me a few times to understand her, but I realized she was asking if I was coming back tomorrow. "Si!" I told her excitedly. All I can say is that it has been a long way to Huehue, but now that we're here, I can't wait for tomorrow.
Thank you all for your continued prayers and we'll be in touch soon!