We finished installing the first playground for the big celebration on April 30th—The Day of the Child. The children were so excited about it. The next day, when I was dropping Luke off at school, there was absolutely no room on the platforms for even one more child. They were all laughing and having a great time! This is a photo of Luke’s class playing on the structure. It hasn’t lost any of its novelty. Everyday, before and after and during their “recreo” the children are all over it. At one time, one of the teachers came to me and asked if we could put the other structure at the school too, because so many children play on it – it’s a bit crowded. He figured with another, they could spread out a bit. I explained that we wanted to share them with as many kids as possible. He was disappointed, but understood. I did purchase some tetherballs that I’m going to set up at each school too. Maybe next year we’ll put in hop-scotch & four square pads.

The second playground went to a boarding school. We just finished installing it today. They were fabulous. The older kids living there pitched right in and were helping with the assembly. Here are some photos. It took us a week to assemble working in the evenings as it’s was a bit cooler. Luke and Ryan had a ball with all the kids. They invited them to eat with them and Ryan actually wanted to spend the night. The kids get paid 28 pesos a month for being there. Yesterday was their “payday” – the staff was so great they paid Luke and Ryan a little too.

The last playground is going to go to another boarding school that is close to the town of Santa Rosalia. We had considered putting it in another school within Mulege, but the director of the other boarding school thought it would be better appreciated by these other folks. We’re going to have to store it until we return again next year. But wanted to share with you how much joy it has brought the children of Mulege. And as one parent told me, “my son is enjoying now, but my daughter will in a few years and perhaps even their children”. We hope it lasts that long!

Thank you HUNT Construction and Scott Belknap for their generous donations of the playgrounds!!!