Maneadero (Ensenada), Mexico
August 13th, 2007
Our trip started out in a small town called Maneadero. About fifteen miles southeast of Ensenada Mexico. We went down there for ten days to serve at the "Gabriel House" and love on the kids. There are about 40 kids in Maneadero at the Gabriel House that are physically or mentally handicapped, or have HIV. (Most of the new toddlers have HIV, about 70% of the kids are in wheelchairs) During the mornings we spent our time painting a mural in the room of the house where the infants will be relocated. The other half of the day we spent with the kids. We took the four older boys that are confined in the wheelchairs and took them swimming two at a time (we also took the toddlers swimming too). There are many kids that do physical therapy on a scheduled basis. We were able to be apart of the physical therapy that took place with many of children. (We were able to get them to work harder with the manipulation of Otter Pops & cookies!).

On the way back we met up with Mexican Medical and a youth group from Oregon in the town called Tijuana (just across the California border). Four times a year Mexican Medical does a “brigada”, or giant health fair. The churches in the local areas publicize it the weeks before it happens. We met at a church where a giant tent already existed. Friday we set up the pharmacy, tent, rooms, and much more. I worked with as a dentist’s assistant (there was an RV transformed into a dental unit with X-Ray and much more)- however, most of the time was spent pulling teeth. Dan was with the childrens activities where they learned about hygiene,