We began the trip by successfully transporting the gift bags, trophies, prizes and donations to Jaco without any problems. The first bit of excitement of the trip was a 15 second, 6.2 earthquake at 2:00 in the morning, with the epicenter only 40 miles from where we were staying, the night before the event. One of the biggest concerns was if the kids would be able to get to the event. Fortunately, the experienced bus driver was able to navigate the 3 landslides and arrive only a bit over an hour late. 

There were 31 children able to come for the day;  most of those were attending for the first time. You could see the looks of concern, nervousness and trepidation on many of the faces during breakfast, as they seemed unsure of what to expect. 

Those expressions quickly changed to looks of happiness and joy once they were in the water or digging in the sand. With the weather perfect for a day at the beach, music playing, parachuters landing nearby (as if we had scheduled them to add to the excitement of the day) the kids were soon in the water and on boards being overseen and instructed by those who not only were entered in the surf contest, but also by people who were touched, moved and inspired to be a part of this event, even though they don't surf.

The surf contest had 10 teams of surfers...some professionals, some fanatics and some people who were new to surfing. The most exciting part was to see one of the orphans who was back for his second year, be a part of the team that ended up in second place. 

After food, frolick, prizes, gift bags and many hugs, the kids were back on their way to San Jose.

Many of them we got to see again when we (Steve, Ann and Jeff) returned to San Jose. Not only did we get to spend time with the kids at Hospico de Huerfinos, where the teen girls are housed, and Vista del Mar, the orphanage for the younger kids and the babies (18 under the age of 3!), but we physically got to see Casa de Suenos for the very first time!!  It is no longer a dream, but is OFFICIALLY a home that will, for the next 2 years, house the 12-18 year old boys. Jorge and the directors of the orphange have determined that that is where the most immediate need is right now...a place for these young men. 13 boys should be moving in, any day now, to help complete cleaning and painting and beginning their life in Casa de Suenos.