Finca del Nino and Columbus's Fort!

Yesterday, Cary, Luke, Kimberly, and I took a little road trip to Trujillo. It's about a 2.5 hour drive from La Ceiba and we headed there to visit the Finca del Nino, an orphanage well known in Honduras to drop off donated toys and clothes from our students at Mazapan for Children's Day. Children's Day is a big celebration here and kids usually get parties and presents for it so we decided that it would be great if our students were able to help those in need receive some nice things on this special day. Here are some of the views I got on the roadtrip!

The mountains in the countryside - everything is so green!

Dora and I were pretty comfortable sitting together in the back seat.

It turned from luscious green to dusty and brown!

Nothing like some cows crossing the road!

We had heard of Finca del Nino from some past Mazapan teachers who had volunteered at the farm awhile back. It's a Christian organization that takes in children who do not have anyone to care for them until they are 18 and legally of age to be on their own. There are schools on the farm along with housing, a church, and of course a soccer field. It is a huge place that is right on the beach with a breathtaking view. I'm sure it makes all remember how blessed they are. For more information on Finca del Nino, take a look at their website, http://www.farmofthechild.org/. When we got to the finca we were given a tour by one of the missionaries and we were able to see their classrooms and homes. The children are separated by age and sex in their housing to prevent behavior issues and of course to help them with development.

This is the 4th grade classroom! Just this little building.

Here's the blackboard...

These are the students desks and the back of the room. How grateful I am!

This is the elementary school's campus. The Honduran flag pole is in the middle and each grade has their own little building like the picture above. There are about 70 elementary students that come to school each day.

One of the girls from the finca :)

This was our car crammed full of donations from our students. What great kids and families we have at Mazapan. Thanks to everyone who helped make this Children's Day special for them!

After we dropped off our donations, we headed to the beach to have some lunch at El Dolfin. The restaurant was literally on the beach where you could put your feet in the sand while waiting for your drinks and food. PERFECT I'd say!

Kimberly, Cary, and I waiting for our food.

I found the titanic while waiting for my food too!

Yum! My delicious fried fish and plantains.

Our last stop in Trujillo was at the fort Christopher Columbus built when he arrived in Honduras. I was so excited about going to see this because going inside forts are always cool of course. This one was pretty well preserved and lots of the main infrastructure was still there. There was even a soccer game going on in front of the fort! Oh and I finally got to use my residency card and only had to pay the "honduran" rate instead of the "tourist" rate! WAHOOO!!! 

Outside the fort at the main entrance.

The other side of the fort's main entrance. Loving the palm trees.

Always time for a jumping picture with cannons in the background.

The back of the fort. Cannons lined the entire fort along the coast. 

Attack!!!!!! 

Inside one of the buildings. It looked like it was where the prisoners were held.

One of the watch towers with my girls.

The view of Trujillo from the fort.

The second watch tower. I thought this door was going to break off! Eek!

Not too shabby of a view my friends...(from the second watch tower)

View from inside the museum out to the ocean. I'm in love.