After a hectic night, we had a much calmer morning at La Junta. We ate breakfast with the kids, did more fun activities and played with all the new toys. We got out some board games that we brought for the kids, rocket balloons, bubble guns, and lots of play-doh.

We also got to meet some of the animals that live on property including dogs, cats, sheep and chickens.

Around noon we had to start our journey to Creel, so we sadly had to say goodbye to everyone until next year.

It is about a two hour drive from La Junta to Creel. We had to wind through the narrow mountain roads in our big van to get there. It’s a good thing my dad is good at navigating these areas. Soon enough we pulled into Creel, and into the orphanage!

We went ahead and unloaded our trailer before eating some lunch with all the kids.

All of us were eager to start the days activities, but we really needed to freshen up first. Before we drove down the street to check in to our hotel, we got some fun spinning top activities going for the kids to keep them occupied.

After making sure the kids had some fun things to do, we drove over to our hotel, Margarita’s. Everyone finally got to take a warm shower, and freshen up a bit before tonight’s exciting activities.

Around 6:30 pm we headed back to the orphanage to start preparing for Christmas. Once again we went through all the presents and made sure all the kids had them. We only had one casualty this year and accidentally left one present back at the hotel. Luckily it was a quick drive to go and retrieve it. It wouldn’t be a proper trip without something going wrong. Soon enough though we had all the presents lined up and ready for the kids.

One by one we called all the kids up to get their presents. Once again, everyone has to wait until everyone else has their gift to open them.

We had yet again another successful Christmas as the kids ripped open their gifts and laughter filled the room. So much was going on at once, and everyone was busy helping the kids open their toys and showing them how things worked. We were putting in batteries, opening boxes and charging up remote control cars. It didn’t take too long for all the kids to one by one start to retreat back to their dorms so that they could have more space to play. While they did that we all helped pick up wrapping paper and trash, and sweep up the floor. It was a very fun and eventful night!

After finishing cleaning up, and eating some fresh tamales and tres leches cake, we headed back to our hotel. Turns out today was a holiday celebrating the Virgin of Guadalupe. So we were greeted by music, food, dancing and a big parade outside of our hotel. We stayed and watched for a few minutes, but due to the almost freezing temperatures we decided to turn in for the night.

Thank you all who contributed donations to the orphanage here in Creel! We couldn’t do these things without you all, and you made a lot of kids very happy! Come back tomorrow for updates on our biggest food distribution ever, a bingo tournament and movie night!