Agua Caliente: Quema!!!

This past weekend, ten kids and eight adults loaded up into the big, white van and headed to Agua Caliente (Hot Water) [I'm not sure if that's plural, actually... :)]. There are several natural hot springs there, as well as a waterfall (which was really a water-trickle this time).

Other than the winding, windi-ness of the road to get there (and the subsequent tossing to and fro of my stomach, and the stomachs of several other passengers)... it was a good day.

This pic of Ramses was on our walk to the water-trickle... above him (graffiti was all over these rocks) it reads, "Christ lives."

Jenna, Poncho, and Julissa enjoying a lonche (snack) before we headed to the water-trickle.

Aaron -- geared up in his oversized swim trunks. :)
Actually, they're not too big for him, but the elastic has stretched out in the waist, so they sag quite a bit... I know, I know Joan! I will get them new ones before next year, I promise!

As we hiked (that's a relative term here) to the waterfall, Diego and Candi found this little niche that they fit right into...!

The group crossing the rocky barrier to get back to the water-trickle; Limon graciously hoisted Candi into his arms and walked over these with her... ;)

After we arrived at the water-trickle, there were plenty of big rocks to perch on; (above) Kristi and Julissa stay back from the ice cold freezing take-your-breath-away water.

In other words... it was a bit cold. :)

Nereida avoiding the water as well... :)

Jenna and some of the kids clambered up earlier, and then Todd and Limon climbed over the slippery slope to explore up above...

The kids - of course - found whatever bottles, cans, etc. that were lying about, and promptly turned them into water-carrying vessels... :)

(Above, left) Jose pours freezing water over his head, and (above, right) Candi had to copy... of course!

We'll be lucky not to come down with colds... all of us.

Then again... we did all go get in bath water afterwards! Seriously. The pools with hot water felt like a very large bath... and I envisioned pouring tons of bubble bath in and seeing the foam spill over the sides, carrying small children with it. :)

(Above) This small trench ran from the main pool area to a side pool, and the kids enjoyed laying down in it -- and they actually fit inside it... sheesh.

After swimming (and burning) at Agua Caliente we went to a restaurant in the nearby town. With all 18 of us, we certainly filled up the place! It was a nice place, the food was good, and the workers were super-amable (super-nice).

(Above) I'm not sure where these sunglasses came from, but they were suddenly on our table. Candi wanted to exchange glasses, so we did... and this was the photo result!

Seated around the table during comida: (l-r) Kristi, Limon, Todd, and Sarah Hodel (down visiting Kristi & Limon).

Another table (there were only four in the restaurant, and we filled all of them!): (l-clockwise) Katrina Stoller (down visiting Nicole), Nicole, Jazany, and Nereida.

After our day's outing, the kids weren't the only ones who were tired!

As evidenced by this photo of Todd... :)

We talked about how it would be relatively amusing for the waitress to come out with our food only to find that all her patrons were zonked out on the tables, snoring... lol.

After we left the restaurant there was a line for the bathrooms. I wandered over to the other side of the parking lot to take pictures of these beautiful yellow flowers, and the kids ran over wanting their pictures taken! Sometimes they're totally camera-shy, and other times they just ham it up... :)

Kids above: Alexia (top), Nereida, Jose, and Candi (bottom)

All in all, it was a nice day, and I praise God that we can have trips like this, and good friends to accompany us all! (And provide human "pillows" for the kids to sleep on... [grin]).

A few prayer requests:

*Please pray for an upcoming trip of older kids and adults to San Jose this coming weekend. Also for patience, learning, and discernment amongst staff members as we continually learn how weak we are, and how strong He is. And please pray for each of the children, that Jesus Christ would become their all. Thanks!

p.s. (DaBid... yes, the title was in honor of you. ;)