From Collin

Before this trip when i woke up every morning and started my day with my daily routines I never just stopped for a moment to just think how much I have. This trip has not only opened my eyes by it has opened my heart. To think that all these children don't have parents to rely on. When I really actually think about my life it's all based on love. Even though there are days when I go home and just blow off my parents and use the usually response of "nothing" when they ask what happened at school, I would have nothing without them.  Today broke my heart. I never thought I would get so attached to these orphans. I also never thought that all of us, gringos, would make such an impact in their lives. The one of the greatest feelings in the world I have ever felt is tonight when a young boy, who spoke almost no english, looked up into my eyes and said "I love you."

I guess I just realize how much I take for granted. These kids see relationships pass like wind. But their even some of the lucky ones. They have a family in this orphanage, a bed to sleep in, and food to eat. When their is over 14 million children in Africa are orphans due to AIDS and their are 7,000 living on the streets in Guatemala's neighboring country Tegucigalpa, Honduras.

We started the day with going to a hospital where we met many different mothers who had just given birth. The hospital contained rusty old beds, dirty floors, and old equipment. Just being able to see these moms who have nothing to go back to. I guess as a teenage boy I didn't know how to react when I was with the mother and baby.

 Tonight the orphans had a performance for our group to say goodbye. It began with a short song that four or five boys sung a song and thanked us all. Then there was a performance by one of the younger girls who did a folk dance. After all this thanks we were given the opportunity to say goodbye to the kids, and thats when it hit me. It really never sunk in  that we were leaving this orphanage in just two days. In the past five days I have grown as a person spiritually. I have learned so much about myself and how much the people close mean to me. In this life I believe were here to learn and create relationships. As a boy it may be hard to show my emotions but I am going to try my hardest to show how I am really feeling. I hope all is well in Colorado and I hope to see all of you soon.