Smile and Say Hello Everywhere You Go

I now can say that I have been inside a prison in Venezuela. Today we were met by a deacon who also serves as a chaplain for the police department. His testimony is so cool! It's a long one, but let's just say the last place he ever would have seen himself is working with a police department. He says that serving God isn't easy,but He will lead the way and we must follow. He kept on assuring us that we are so lucky to be American citizens and that we need to appreciate everything we have. He kept giving examples of the littlest thing that we have that people down here don't, such as creamer in our coffee. In the U.S. we have so many different flavors and options where down here the grocery stores are often out of milk. Even the different sandwich spreads. He kept telling us how much he misses a good sandwich. He told us we need to take care of our country, fight for our country, and respect it. He did also say that Venezuela is a great country (it truly is!) and they are so blessed with what they do have. They do have many resources, most of the ones they need. This guy was so humble it was such a witness to see. We then hopped onto a bus and were first brought to the emergency department 171 (instead of 911). We got to go inside and see all of the monitors and telephone operators who take the emergency phone calls. It was really neat to see. Then, we took the bus to the prison. We were privledged enough to meet the chief police. I felt safe knowing he was there ;) Then they opened the doors and allowed us to walk through where the cells were. There were two large cells with men inside of them. No air and it was dark inside of the cells, so we couldn't see much. However, they did come and peak through the bars. There were also men outside that we could see. I think the most scary thing for me was not knowing why the men were in there. I didn't know who was a robber, a murderer, and so on. But I tried n0t to think about it as I did smile at them, as we all did and said hello. I wish I knew how to say God Bless You in espanol beacause I so wanted to say it to them :) There were about 140 men we were told. I have never been in a prison in the U.S. but I am pretty sure they are much nicer, which isn't a good thing. After that we were going to go to the juvinile deliquent center, but we weren't able today. Hopefully soon though. Now, we have just been hanging out. We walked around and got some helado today...me gusta helado!! Soon we are going to go meet with the doctor here. She is going to talk with us about the problems with malnutrition down here. I am excited to finally meet her, because she has been out of town. My friend Jose informed me that I would finally see her today (cuz he knows I am a nursing student). Oh and last night we went to a birthday party for one of the girls who I have been bonding with. It was soo much fun. More dancing!! I think I am really starting to get the hang of their salsa dancing down here. I just love it! We had fun dancing with all of the lil kids. The lil boys in the picture were amazing lil dancers. I am pretty sure they were all born with the talent in them. Have a great day. Miss you all! chao