Pollos Vivos

During one of our visits to CORFRA, it was noticed that there was a chicken coop. Maria Mercedes was asked about the feasibility of chickens. She acknowledged that they would like to have some but did not have funds for their purchase. Yesterday, 24 chickens, along with food and antibiotics were purchased and delivered.


Angie, Chara, and Jim are discussing the delivery and the instructions for the chickens. A mixto made the delivery.

The new chickens in their new home.

Of course there was time for visiting with the children. Here is Tania and Heide.

The boys were playing a game outside the dorm, Jose is watching.

Carmen seems much happier than on Sunday.

Everybody wants to play.

Jim, Juan Fernando, Miguel, and Carmen

Henry was having a bad day; Angie tried to help.

Jim and Miguel

It's always heart-warming to visit with the children. There were already 5 large chickens, almost ready for the pot. Now, there will be quite a bit of chicken on future menus.

Until next time,

Mick and Kathy

Kids, Hats, and Birthdays

At the time I met Mick, many years ago, I was going through what I called my "hat period". There were hats for every occasion; however, after much discouragement on his part, that phase passed. It seems however, with men, the hat phase is perpetual. Men usually wear hats, primarily because of their functionality, or so I'm told. On our visit to CORFRA on Sunday, the hat's were prevalent.

Mick is wearing a Nike low-profile cap while Juan Fernando is just hanging around.

Daniella took a turn also.
Juan Fernando is all smiles and belly button.

Edison took a turn next.

Andrea, Miguel, and Brando.

The ladies discussin "angels". Notice Mike's cap in the background

Little boys love hats. Here's Juan Fernando in Jim's Tilley hat.

One has incredible powers while wearing a Tilley, even the ability to hulahoop.

After relinquishing the Tilley, Juan Fernando just wanted to be held.

Juan Fernando has been at the orphanage since infancy.

Occasionally, some of the children have visits from relatives. On Sunday,Carmen had a visit from aunts and an uncle. She was very upset when she was left behind. George tried consoling her.

Annabel tried on Pat's sunglasses.

Angel wanted to wear Mike's glasses.

Carol tried to comfort Carmen also.

Johanna, Brando, Miguel, Juan Fernando, and Beatriz with the communal dog.

Still kidding with Juan Fernando.

It's always heart-warming to interact with the children at CORFRA. This week, there were some additional visitors, which are always welcomed.

After visiting the children, Mick christened his new grill by preparing chicken kabobs. There is always conversation about the children and our plans for them for Christmas.

Monday was a special day; it was Jim's birthday. The celebration was at Mansion Alcazar. The ambiance was a charming as the company.

The birthday boy sporting the birthday hat. Hats are for celebration also.

Jim is making his wish with Clayton in the background.

What a lovely birthday! What a wonderful way to spend retirement, with or without a hat!

Until next time,

Mick and Kathy

What a Treat!

Thursday was a special day for the children of CORFRA. The annual Christmas party, which is sponsored by the local government for the government funded agencies was held. The children of other orphanages and residents of some group homes. The event was held at La Quinta Lucretia. The guests were welcomed with banners announcing the celebration.

Banners also advertised for the city.

The tables were beautifully set.

Most of the children were dressed in finery.

They were on their best behavior.

Here is Manuel, Tania, Brando, Angel, and Rosario, a house mother.

There were dignitaries and beauty queens in attendance.

Entertainment was provided by Planeta Zul.

Brando and Angel

Everyone was having a good time.

Some of the children with Miss Cuenca.

Lots of smiles and laughter.

The social worker and Manuel.

Planeta Zul performed.

The children adored Miss Cuenca.

There was lots of activity.

Here are Angel, Tania, Carmen, Sondra, Miguel, and Juan Fernando in a line dance.

There were other guests.

The children were enthralled.

There were adults with special needs in attendance.

Angie and Jim enjoyed watching the children have fun.

Henry and Sondra

Jose and Brando

Andrea and Gloria

Camila

Juan Fernando, Annabel, and Angel
Tania
Juan Fernando
Patricio
Everyone had a great time.

For those of us who could attend, it was a great experience to see the children in a setting other than the orphanage. Most of them are just normal children living in an abnormal situation, but for a little while, they were in the spotlight, honored guests at Christmas party. What a treat!

Until next time,

Mick and Kathy