Llegamos a Ayacucho

Hello from Ayacuccho! After a long and winding bus ride, we are finally here! We slept most of the bus ride and arrived at about 8 or 9. We took a cab directly to the orphanage where we stopped at the volunteer house before going to meet the kids. The children absolutely LOVE Brandon! As soon as he walked in the door they were calling Brandon Lee (this is what they call him after Bruce Lee´s son, the only Brandon they know). We met a few other people working there and most importantly met the kids. There are three sections: pequenos (kids under 6), grandes (older children), and lupes (children with special needs). We saw where they sleep and watched them play outside while Brandon told me who everyone was.
Because the coordinator was not there and it appeared there was no room in the volunteer house we went and checked in at a hostel close by. It is actually just 10 soles per night, less than 4 dollars, so it ended up working out just fine that there was no space. We got our stuff to the room and then took a nap because we were exhausted.
When we woke up we went back to the orphanage and sat with a few of the lupes. The coordinator was there so we spoke with her. We won´t be working on the schedule because we are here such a short time. This just means we are able to help out wherever needed and just play with/be with the kids. Because many volunteers come and then leave, the continuity that Brandon brings shows how much he cares. Plus, they just love him and spending time with him so to me, that is more than worth it.
It´s going to be a great two weeks! I hope to put worry aside and relax and enjoy the kids. I think they will have much to teach us and will help us in ways we don´t even know. We came here to help them and be with them but they won´t be the only ones with something to gain.
We hope all is well in the states and you are enjoying the holiday season!

Brandon and Rachel