After our warm welcome, Mother Rutilia met with us and after explaining how and why we had come, she made a call to Rita (our nephew´´s inlaw's housekeeper) thanking her for sending us. Then Sister Ada (who speaks excellent English), Mother & us walked a short distance to where about 25 girls from difficult backgrounds, were being cared for by the Sisters. Again, we were greeted with songs, clapping, and jubilant chants. Then the girls proudly showed us their home. Simple but very neat and organized. All of us got us a great laugh when they showed us where they would put their extra clothes...and it was empty. Each of them hugged us as we left, chanting Thank you and Will you be our Godparents? An old pick up truck was waiting for us and we went about 4km to another site where the Sisters were caring for many girls who had been sent to them by the police as many had been raped and had no home. Several had babies. Once more, we were welcomed with songs, chants, clapping and hugs. We toured their facilities which included a dorm with 20 beds...triple bunks...classrooms where academics were taught as well as skills: jewelry making, baking, hair dressing, sewing, and computers...all set up and supplied by USA donors. Finally, we were taken to a hotel where Mother had arranged for us to stay. It was the nicest place in town...for about $35 per night. Sister Ada and two other young Sisters followed us to our room...wide eyed as they had never been inside the hotel before and after agreeing to meet ustomorrow at 9, they gave us hugs & left. We fell on our bed, totally overwhelmed by the outpouring of love & care and were soon asleep...with prayers of thanksgiving. We eagerly await tomorrow!
