JOURNEY OF THE HEART

DO YOU LOVE COFFEE? AND GUATEMALA??

2011-09-28T06:29:00.000-07:00

If you love coffee and Guatemala I have the PERFECT opportunity for YOU to help feed a family during Projct Santa this coming December!!! I have launched a Just Love Coffee Fund raising store front for Project Santa and all proceeds will be used to purchase food for families in Guatemala!! This is an awesome fundraiser because you get to go order your favorite Guatemalan coffee and they'll ship it directly to your door or you can try their coffee from other countries all the while helping support those families living in the highlands of Guatemala!! Such a win/win situation for everyone!!! So go ahead and check it out!!! And help spread the word and keep the orders coming in by sharing the link or your blog, twitter or facebook!!! Thanks!!
http://www.justlovecoffee.com/ProjectSantaGuatemala

Project Santa 2011 Shipment

2011-09-16T16:36:00.000-07:00

The shipping date for Project Santa is fast approaching but economic hardships are really taking its toll on the fund raising efforts. We're over $600 short with a mere 25 days until Medrano arrives to pick the boxes up!! Those boxes are packed to the brim with much needed supplies such as shoes, clothing, blankets, over the counter medicines and toys to help spread some holiday cheer to as many children as we can reach. I need help from each of you to make this year another successful year! Those boxes need to make it to Guatemala so we can move on to the next phase of raising money to distribute food to the people who arrive at our sites. Any and all help you can give is greatly appreciated. Please help spread the word, share the link to this page, and direct as many people here as you can. I know together we can make this another very successfull year!! Thanks so much for your continued support!! If you'd like to donate you can do so by clicking on the donate button to the right and entering your donation amount!! Thanks again for making a difference one child at a time!!

A SMALL PRICE TO PAY TO SAVE A CHILD'S VISION

2011-03-10T10:16:00.000-08:00

The children in San Antonio Palopo all have a huge part of my heart so when bad news comes to me from afar about one of them my heart breaks. This time that news was about Marvin, my handsome little friend who is always full of life and all smiles every time I have ever seen him!! I noticed when I was there in October that the eye condition I saw when I was there during the summer was not just a simple lazy eye. It seemed much worse than that!! It was swollen and upon a closer look I noticed the irritation was being caused because his eye lashes were growing inverted. I let Sharon know about it and she was going to look into it. When I returned in December his eyes was even worse!! It was very irritated and swollen and Sharon said they were having it looked at.

Yesterday Sharon emailed me saying Marvin was in Guatemala City having surgery on his eye because the eye lashes were rubbing directly on his cornea causing major damage to it! They did a procedure and he had to return this morning for a check-up and the news from that was grim. He's going to have to have another surgery as soon as possible because without it he will lose that eye and be left with an empty socket. If he can have the surgery there is a chance his vision can be saved as well as that eye!! The cost of the surgery is going to be $1,500US which seems like such a small price to save a child's vision!! I know times are tough and the economy is affecting so many families here but any small amount will get us that much closer to helping him with his surgery!! So if you can spare $5, $10, $20 or more your help will be greatly appreciated!! No amount is too small and everything will make a lasting difference in Marvin's life!! Please donate today and if you can't please pass on the link to anyone you know that may be able to help!! The more awareness we can raise the better chance we have to save his vision!! Thanks in advance for any help you can provide!!

A WONDERFUL WAY TO SAY GOODBYE

2010-12-14T23:29:00.000-08:00

I was suppose to head back to Guatemala City this morning so I could be close to the airport for my flight in the morning but I simply was not ready to leave!! So I spent the day today bringing the remaining donations to the office, packing my things and saying the dreaded good byes!! It always seems that the time flies when I'm here!! I'm also very glad that I was able to buy some great food to share with the mission team from South Africa tonight!! I went to the market with Lili today to buy potatoes to make mashed potatoes, salad things, ice cream, cake, coca cola and much more!! See this team is from world race so they are on a very strict diet and eat very simple meals!! So this was a treat for them and I'm glad I was able to make it happen!! They have all been so kind and helpful so this was the least I could do for them!!

I sit here now in my hotel room with mixed emotions!! Sad to be leaving a country I have grown to love but very excited to be going home to see my kids!! It's always hard leaving them behind but it's a little easier now that they are getting older because they understand a little more why I am here. They understand mommy leaves them behind because there are a lot of little children who need my help in Guatemala!! It makes me smile when they tell people their mommy helps give the kids in Guatemala stuff because they can't afford it!! Or how proud I am when they come up to me holding a toy and proceed to tell me they think a child in Guatemala would like it to play with!! Shows me they are seeing things the right way!! They are learning this world is not only about them!! It's about other people too!! It shows me they can love a child they have never met enough to share their beloved possessions with!! I truly am so proud of them!!

CHOA CRUZ

2010-12-13T23:43:00.000-08:00

I woke up unable to eat breakfast because my stomach is still so queasy, but I took more medicine and made my way to the church. Along the way I saw a man milking a goat into a styro foam cup! Only in Guatemala lol!! The team was ready and waiting for me and they had even loaded the van!! They're so awesome!! I chatted with them a while as we traveled but then I laid back and took a nap! Thought a little sleep would make me feel better and it kinda did. I woke up feeling a little refreshed. We weren't far from the village but I was able to snap some very beautiful photos of the mountain sides!!

We walked down this long dirt path to get to the area we would host the distribution in. It was a small yard that held two little houses and another building that held two weaving looms and a table and chairs. You could tell the family that lived there was not wealthy, but they welcomed us with open arms!! We went into this rather small room and began sorting the shoes by size and gender to make the distribution go along smoother. Outside the door the people formed a line as the children began to come in two at a time to be fitted for new shoes and to receive a toy! I saw so many happy faces come through those doors!! It's so wonderful to watch as the kid's eyes light up as they gaze over the shoes that they can choose from!! It's an even greater moment to find the pair that fits them and watch as they skip out the door with their new shoes on and old ones in tow!! I mean some of the shoes they wear are barely holding together, may be held together by string, be sizes too small making them have blisters but they keep wearing them!! Their only choice is to keep wearing them until they can't keep them together any longer or have no shoes at all!! Shoes are a luxury that MANY families in Guatemala cannot afford!! You will often see kids as well as the adults walking around on the rough rocks bare foot!! I can't even begin to describe the condition of some of the feet I have fitted shoes on!! So sad!! I have seen tiny little feet that looked like they belonged to an old person they were so rough and wrinkled! Some that were so blistered I hated to touch them in fear it would cause pain!! I saw all of those kind of feet today but each of them left that room with shoes to protect them!! Makes me smile thinking about it!! The added bonus is that each of these kids also received a new toy to play with!! We also gave them cookies and punch as a snack!!

Once the last person came through we packed up the remaining things and washed our hands to sit down for a lunch the women prepared for us! It always amazes me just how giving these families are!! The meals they prepare for us are more than what they can feed their own families!! It shows how grateful they are for the help they receive but also teaches me a very valuable lesson! It shows me that no matter how little you have there is NO reason you cannot give a little something of yourself!! I am SO VERY blessed to be able to experience this journey!!

Her feet were crammed into these shoes!! They were so tight it was cutting into her skin but she still wore them just to have shoes:(

Shoes with rope for laces!! They'll do anything they have to in order to be able to wear them!!

A little girl came in wearing these shoes!! They were held on her feet by the rope weaved through the holes and tied!

It's always exciting to see how happy the mothers get when their child receieves new shoes!!

This little one was as cute as can be because she insisted on these purple flip flops that she's sure to out grow rather quickly!! What made me smile even more is because they use to belong to my girls:)

This is th faimly that opened up there home for the ditribution

The crew of us who went to the Choa Cruz distribution

Meal the village of Choa Cruz prepared for us

Me and Alejandra

Me, Liliam and Alejandra

Me and Liliam

No humans or turkeys were hurt during this adventure!!

To appreciate this pic you would have had to have been there lol!!

HAPPY FIRST BIRTHDAY!!

2010-12-12T22:13:00.000-08:00

I went to bed last night with a full heart but not feeling so well and woke up this morning feeling HORRIBLE!! I'm not sure what I have but all I know is it's kicking my butt!! I am FREEZING to death and my stomach hurts more than I can remember it hurting before!! I'm nauseated and burning up with fever!! I spent all day in bed and only got out for a couple of hours to go to Marco's son's first birthday party! It was a huge celebration and I wish I could have stayed longer but even with all the meds I took I simply couldn't last. I headed back to the hotel and back to bed to sleep some more!! I thought I was feeling good enough to go to church but didn't even make it through the entire service!! I had to go back to the hotel and give even more clothes because I was freezing!! I had to go back though because we had to finish getting everything ready for Choa Cruz in the morning. Thank God for the South Africa team and the church member who helped get it done!! I have no idea what I would have done without them!! So a stop at the pharmacy and some yellow pill that the pharmacist said would make me feel better later I am back in the hotel and heading to bed. Praying I'll feel better in the morning!!

EYE SEE FOOD

2010-12-11T23:24:00.000-08:00

I was greeted early this morning by the arrival of Don Jose and Candeleria at my hotel. I wasn't even completely dressed yet because they arrived early so I hurried to put shoes and socks on while quickly running a brush through my hair!! I was out the door and down the stairs to meet them within ten minutes!! Canderleria was all smiles and have me a very tight hug!! Don Jose was also smiling which warmed my heart. I figured they had not eaten breakfast yet so we headed across the street to the hotel restaurant for breakfast! It always warms my heart to see them eat! They are a very poor family so meals are scarce and rarely do they get to eat anything they want so I enjoy making that happen when I see them!! With our meals eaten and full tummies we headed to the eye doctor. We were met there by Pastor Ben and got Don Jose checked in. As me and Candeleria waited outside a young man came by selling ink pens with your name embroidered on it. Candeleria was excited at the thought of owning one when asked so I ordered her one and nineteen others!! lol!! I got one for everyone that I could think of because it's always nice to be able to help the street kids!! This young man spoke broken english but was eager to learn. He had a nice personality unlike some of the others who can be rude and pushy!! As he completed my order we bought a few other things here and there from other kids who were selling things!! After a long wait Don Jose appeared from the exam room with prescription in hand. He indeed needed glasses and obviously had poor vision!! I just wonder how long it has been since he has been able to see the world clearly? I didn't even hesitate to take the scrip to the desk clerk and get him fitted for his new glasses!! It was so sweet to see him trying on frames to find a pair he liked!! I mean he was like a kid in a candy store!! He found what he liked, we paid the bill and were on our way. His glasses will be ready in a week and I won't be here but Pastor Ben is going to go with him to pick them up!!

I asked if they were hungry even though we had eaten breakfast a short time ago but they said no. I decided to take them to the familia dispencia before taking them back to the boat because they sell whole cooked rotisserie chickens and thought it would be a nice treat for the family to have. We went and bought three chickens, toasted bread, punch, and two vanilla cakes for them to take home!! They were so excited!! See meat is a huge treat because poor families cannot afford to buy it!! Many times they eat tortillas and salt as a meal which just breaks my heart!! I help them as much as I can but with them having an alcoholic father it's hard to do! This is why I entrust Don Jose with everything!! I said my goodbyes and sent them off to the launch in a tuk tuk and headed to the office!!

I helped sort bags of rice into smaller portions to be distributed in the food baskets! I met some of the new volunteers who had arrived and even Ben's team from South Africa came to lend a hand. The time seemed to fly by was we worked hard but laughing the entire time!! It's always so much fun working with all the groups!! I know today was a great day and I am going to be bed with a very full heart!!

HEART STRINGS EXTENDED

2010-12-10T23:18:00.000-08:00

I've been in prayer about this day since my last trip in October when I learned Fransisca was expecting again. She told us she may be placing the baby for adoption which has weighed heavy on my mind!! There was nothing I could do, my hands were tied, adoptions are closed!! All I could do was pray!! I received news a couple days ago that the baby was born and it was a little girl, but her future was uncertain. It was not yet known if she would remain with her birth family or be placed for adoption!! The thought of losing contact with Arianna's sibling tore my heart apart! I couldn't stand the thought of not knowing so I was in constant prayer that her mother would find a away to keep her!!

I woke early to make sure I had everything packed for the family!! Since it's so close to Christmas I brought down gifts for the siblings, parents and grandparents and did some shopping for toys for the little cousins!! Each one was wrapped in brightly colored Christmas paper and I couldn't wait to give them out!! Pastor Ben picked me up from the hotel on a motorcycle which was interesting in itself!! We had a ton of stuff including food items and us but somehow we managed!! lol!! So off we went to park the bike and head to the launch to make the journey across the lake!! I felt so nervous and my stomach had that butterfly feeling as we got closer!! I had no idea what to expect and I was praying for the best but trying to prepare myself for the worst!!

As we made it to the launch the devastation of the rising lake waters were very evident! Stores that have become familiar were now under water and there were kids swimming were benches once stood!! We hailed a tuk tuk and off we went!! Did a quick stop at the market for more food before heading to the families home. It was market day in Santiago so the streets were crowded and there were vendors everywhere!! Such a beautiful sight:) Food in two Ben returned and off we went. We made our way down the long, narrow alley way to their home and as soon as they spotted us it was sheer excitement!

I was suddenly being pulled in all directions by the kids!! They wanted me to see their new sister!! I was so excited I don't think anything could have wiped the smile from my face when I realized she was there WITH her family!! As I walked into the one room shack I was greeted by Fransisca who was sitting on a makeshift bed with this precious child tightly swaddled next to her!! She gently unwrapped her so I could see her adorable little face and she was perfect!! She had the most beautiful dark hair and looked just like the referral photo I received of Arianna!! I was thrilled when she offered to let me hold baby Ruth!! NO way was I turning that down!! I held her tight as I got a closer look of my new family member!! The precious little one who came along and extended those heart strings just a little further! She was simply perfect in every way!! I was so relieved to see both baby and mother doing well!!

We made our way out of the tiny crowded room into the yard area so the kids could receive their gifts. That square little space was crowded with people but the smiles were so worth it! Every child was able to receive a gift and they all seemed to love them!! Arianna's VERY humble grandfather was thrilled with the fleece jacket he received! Judging by the smile that he worse across his face you would have thought he would have one the lottery!! He's always so grateful for everything he receives!! We stayed for awhile longer and took some pictures of the kids to share with Arianna. The only thing that was missing was her and her oldest sister Candeleria. She was in another village working but I left her gift and knew it would make her day!!

As we said our goodbyes I invited Don Jose to take a ride with us down to the launch so we could chat a little. See he's the very honest one and seems to keep the family together and taken care of him. I needed some alone time with him to see if there was anything the family really needed. I knew he would be upfront with me and never ask for something that is not needed. He explained the food was a blessing and how much he loved the mattress he received back in October. He said he sleeps much better and his back doesn't hurt as much. I was so excited to hear that for sure!! He told me that he didn't want to bother me with any request because I only get to visit them every so often and I had already done so much! I meant the world for me to hear him speak that way because it showed me just how much he appreciated the things I did for him. Showed me he wasn't interested in taking advantage of me like some of the other family members tried to. I insisted he tell me their needs. He spoke of the repair he needed to do on his roof because it was leaking. He simply asked if he could have two sheets of lamina to repair the area where his bed was so it wouldn't get wet. I asked if it was the only area that leaked and he said no but the rest could wait!! To me it could NOT!! After talking to him a little longer I realized to fix the entire roof it would only take eight sheets of lamina which I knew couldn't cost much!! Off to the hardware store we went!! Ordered ten sheets just to make sure for a whopping $90 which also included all the nails needed to secure it down and delivery!! I was pleased to be able to do this for him!! Don Jose also spoke of his eyes hurting and how he's starting to have trouble to see so I offered to take him to the eye doctor if he could travel to Pana the next day!! He agreed and I was thrilled!! I sent him home in a tuk tuk and off me and Ben went to take the boat back to Pana!! My heart was filled with joy that I could help them in these small ways!! How truly blessed I am to have all the wonderful things I have back home!!

They're relaying the road near the lake one brick at a time!!

NUEVA ESPERANZA

2010-12-09T11:39:00.000-08:00

It's always nice to revisit an area!! To see those familiar faces and see how things have changed for them! Today's trip has taken me back to Nueva Esperanza. If you've followed the blog for a while you will remember me visiting them to bring school supplies, stoves and that the Murnan family had two of their dirt floor classrooms cemented this past summer. It was nice to see those smiling faces as we walked into the building!! All the kids were eager to see what we brought for them and to have their photos taken as always!! They enjoyed a celebration complete with the clown who played games with them, Santa who brought gifts, candy cane treats as well as horchatta and cake!! It was another wonderful day spent spreading cheer:)

We returned to Pana to attend a farewell supper at Sharon's for the vet and medical team that was visiting as well as Susan and her family!! It was a nice night to reflect on all the blessings that have already been witnessed!! Wonderful food and great company!! Sure going to miss these guys when they leave!!

Meal served at the farewell dinner!

CHUWI TINAMIT

2010-12-08T23:06:00.000-08:00

Can you imagine spending your life growing up in a tight nit community filled with everyone you know and love only to wake up one day and all of that be gone??? Your neighborhood is gone, your home cannot be found, maybe even a loved one is lost never to be heard from again!! Imagine barely escaping this mystery with only the clothing on your back because you were sleeping as disaster struck! You're fast asleep when you hear a terrible roaring outside and chilling screams as you open your tin door you realized whatever is going on cannot be good!! Stunned and puzzled you're pulled back into reality as you hear landslides are coming!! You begin to run with all your might to a safe place in such thick darkness that you cannot see what lies ahead or is coming from behind you. All you know is that you need to run to safety and you do so until you're completely exhausted!! As you plop down on the wet muddy ground you can no longer run, you can no longer take another step, all you can do is lay there in fear of what daylight will bring!!

But more so imagine awakening the next morning covered in mud and shivering from the cold rain as you make your way back to the only home you have ever known!! Wait nothing looks familiar!! Nothing even resembles what you knew was there!! Wondering if you were lost, somehow taking a wrong turn!! Wait no there's someone familiar, someone you know!! They can't possibly be lost too!! Then more people you know are there as you see debris scattered across the land!! Mud covering everything within eye distance!! Then it hits you, life as you know is to be no more!! You have no home to go to in fact by the looks of things your entire community is now homeless!! You have no insurance, no savings account to rebuild from, no government aide and no idea where to even begin!! Your family's one room, dirt floor, tin home is now gone!! Where do you go? What do you do? Sounds like a horrible nightmare right? Something you would only see on t.v? Well this was the reality the village of Chuwi Tinamit had to live through!!

Months after a landslide covered their entire village they finally received some aide! A wonderful organization donated tents to the families and they were relocated to another parcel of land that will act as their temporary homes!! Can you imagine this? I mean picture taking your five children and raising them in a tent with no blankets, no clothing, no food, no means to buy a thing!! Hard to imagine right? Well when I heard about them I couldn't wait to meet them and see what could be done for them!! I mean it broke my heart to know these kids don't have the things they need much less a simple toy to comfort themselves with! So I got to work determined to add this village to our stop not knowing how I would pull it off just yet!! Well God provides and He came through once again!!

Each family in Chuwi Tinamit received the blessing of a food basket, those who didn't have a blanket received one and each child received a pair of shoes and a toy!! Many of the families also received clothing as well!! They also got a wonderful distraction thanks to the clown and Santa!! It was awesome to see the people laugh when their spirits should have been broken!! To see them enjoy the cake and punch was great too!! All the smiles despite what they have been dealt makes me wonder why I let the little things in life get me down!! I mean I get upset when I can't go on a vacation or when I can't take my kids do something extra while these people have lost everything and still find a reason to smile!! They're grateful for the LITTLE things!! They share a brick sweat house between all of them to get themselves half cleaned!! There is one make shift bathroom for the entire village!! They sleep fifteen in a tent that is only equipped for six and still manage to smile!! A lot is to be said about these people and they have a reality to teach!! You may not be able to change the situation you are dealt but you can control how that situation makes you feel!! It reminded me that the happiest people don't have the best of everything, they just make the best of everything they have!!

SAN JORGE PRE-SCHOOL

2010-12-08T20:02:00.000-08:00

Today our journey brings us to the San Jorge pre-school. Since the roads are closed as they literally blow up the side of the mountain that was damaged by Agatha we had to take a boat to get there!! That's right we took a boat across the lake then a truck to the pre-school which is always fun!! As we waited at the launch for our boat to arrive I met this sweet, young boy who was shining shoes for anyone whose attention he could grab. Since I wore white tennis shoes I couldn't give him work but I could provide him with a much appreciated meal!! That's right I took the little boy to a nearby make shift kitchen to have breakfast!! The smile he gave me was worth more to me than the few quetzals the meal cost! See I honestly have an issue with knowing many of these children leave their homes very early in the morning with no breakfast and sometimes work into the late hours of night with little or nothing to eat!! So to be completely honest it's nothing to see me having a meal surrounded by a few extra kiddos!! My mother has always taught me to feed the hungry and help those in need when you can!! Makes me appreciate the little things in life when I can do that!! I mean we take for granted that we get to eat whenever we want and whatever we want!! This is a luxury MOST families in Guatemala cannot afford!! Poverty is so wide spread and many meals that are eaten are only tortillas and salt which have NO nutritional value!! So as I walked towards the boat my heart was full!! If the rest of the day was plagued with problems or just a rotten one my heart would still be happy knowing that's one more child who is not going hungry today!!

The pre-school was brightly decorated and the kids were all happily eating as we arrived!! Many of them were less than shy and chatted away to us!! They were all excited to receive new clothing as we waited for the clowns to get ready!! I was able to get many smiling photos that will always be a constant reminder to me of my journey!! They all had HUGE smiles as the clown came out and began to play with them!! They played musical chairs and danced themselves silly!! I think they all had a wonderful time!! And if you're wondering Santa came along this time as well!! Giving each child a toy to bring home made the room explode with smiles, laughter and playful moments!! Many of them were quick to show off their new treasures to the other kids as well as us!! They were all able to enjoy cake and punch while listening to music and when they were done some of them even got up and danced!! Now how much more of a good time could you ask for? We even had enough chuchiots and cake to share with some of the kids who peered in the door that didn't attend the pre-school!! God is always good and provides to many more than we think we can reach out to!! So another remarkable day that left me feeling even more blessed!! I mean what in the world did I do to deserve to be lead into this type of work is still a mystery to me!! Whatever that reason is I'm so grateful and lucky that it happened!!

EL BARRANCO

2010-12-07T23:30:00.000-08:00

El Barranco is another place that I hold dear to my heart because the people are just so warm and welcoming!! It's the village that I met the beautiful twins in two years ago and had the privilege of seeing again last year!! So naturally as we traveled today I wondered if I would be lucky enough to see them again!! As we arrived we were greeted by lots of smiling faces!! The kids were so excited to see us and the parent's were even happier than them!! It's an amazing feeling to experience for sure!! As I helped to unload the van I took in the sights around us. The women were hard at work in the kitchen making a meal to feed all the guests as the children all ran around and played!! You could hear the laughter and see the bright smiles every where you turned!! I took the opportunity to walk around and meet some of these children ad of course snap some photos!! It's always so much fun because they're so shy at first to have their photos taken but when they realize what it actually means they all want you to do it!! Taking the photos is not as fun as watching their faces light up and laughter begin as they get to look at the camera to seem themselves!! Even the adults enjoy seeing their children on the camera screen!! Something so simple that is no big deal to us brings forth such happiness for them!!

As we waited for the clown to get dressed and the other villagers to arrive we handed out candy canes which were a complete hit!! Candy is rather expensive in Guatemala so it's always a HUGE treat for the kids!! In fact many of them have NEVER eaten a candy cane before!! I mean can you imagine Christmas going by and never getting to enjoy a candy cane? I know I can't!! It's not only the kids who enjoy them though!! The mothers will hurriedly approach you for one as well!! Another moment of a full heart for me!!

As the crowd settles down and the clown comes out the smiles get brighter and the laughter louder!! Such an amazing sight to see!! It's even greater when the kids are called up to play games!! This time the clown wanted them to have a dance competition and man they had one little girl who could truly shake it!! She took her little boy dance partner all over the place!! I think she actually danced him until he was tired within minutes!! It brought tons of laughter for sure as we all sat back and watched her do her thing!! They won the dance off by a mile and truly deserved it!! When the clown was done his act he introduced Santa which added that much more excitement!! The kids lined up and all received a toy and had their photos taken. I always enjoy that moment after the last toy is given when I can go walk around and watch those toys being played with!! You see many of these kids have never owned a toy as hard as that is to imagine!! While our kids here in the states tend to have more toys than they can ever play with kids a world away have NONE!! Our children get a new toy at Christmas, play with it for a day then it's thrown aside never to be touched again while these children receive gently used toys and are ecstatic!! It's so awesome because they LOVE their new toys!! I mean you can't even begin to understand how excited they get to receive a stuffed animal or a pre-owned hotwheels car! To them it's new and a wonderful blessing!! It certainly warms my heart and truly reminds me just how spoiled my own children are!! At the same time I'm very thankful I have such understanding and giving children because many of those toys handed out come from them!! So it's always nice to see a little girl receive a doll that my girls have played with a handful of times or the boy who gets my son's hotwheels cars! It's a feeling I can never really explain!! More one of those things you'd have to be there to understand!!

After all the toys were handed out the mother's lined up to receive clothing for their families. Again a used shirt or pair of jeans is like a GRAND gift to them!! Simply amazing!! But even more amazing than that is being lead to a small room with a make shift table and chairs where we are asked to sit down and enjoy a meal the women have prepared!! That's right the people we are there to bless, who have little to give and can barely make ends meet are blessing us with a home cooked meal!! To me this shows true appreciation!! It shows how grateful they are to have us there and they teach me a very valuable lesson about having a kind heart!! It NEVER hurts to give no matter how small or insignificant you think your offering is!! For one person it may mean nothing while to another it may mean the world!! So take the time to give a gift to someone who has less than you and I bet you won't regret the joy you fill from doing it!!

Shoes are greatly needed in Guatemala!! We never seem to have enough to go around!

I just love this picture!! Those two elderly men were the cutest!!

She was such a little sweetie!!

A hug like this makes it all worth while!!

Devil pinata!! Celebration of the Day of the Devil

SAN ANTONIO PALOPO

2010-12-06T23:04:00.000-08:00

I have looked forward to today since I left Guatemala in October!! The day I get to return to the San Antonio Palopo pre-school/feeding program!! I simply couldn't wait to get my hands on those sweet kiddos again and to see their smiling faces!! As always I got the warmest welcome when I walked in the door!! Before I knew it I was surrounded by smiling kids speaking to me all at the same time. They couldn't wait to see what I had in store for them today!! Little did they know it was going to be a GREAT surprise!! After all the greetings and hugs were given I sat on the floor and handed out pictures to the children from the October trip! They were so excited to get those photos and kept looking at them and showing them to each other. I was glad I thought about bringing them!! With all photos now given it was time to move on to bigger better things!!

Can you imagine the smiles on those little one's faces as a brightly dressed clown came bouncing into the room??? The sight of the excitement on their faces was simply priceless!! It's the kinds of smiles that can light up a dark room and brighten up your day!! It wasn't very long before the room was filled with laughter as the clown told jokes and played games with the kids!! But what's this?? The clown had an even bigger surprise for the kids!!! He has brought along his dear friend Santa!! That's right Santa has arrived early bearing gifts for all the wonderful children!! They hurried to line up and take a turn sitting in Santa's lap to receive a gift! Each child stopping momentarily to give me a HUGE smile for their photo before running off to play with their new toy! I simply can't even begin to describe what those smiles do to your heart!! Being there seeing them and experiencing their joy and laughter is absolutely amazing!! Days like today make it worth every snag in the road to making this project happen!!

We also provided the kids with cake, punch, and candy canes for their enjoyment!! The even bigger and more beneficial gift was the food baskets provided for each child through the generous donors!! Those of you who have followed along with my work in Guatemala are aware of the great need in the village of San Antonio Palopo. They experienced much damage during Tropical Storm Agatha with many lives lost and dreams destroyed!! Still today they are struggling to build the lives they once knew. Lack of money, little resources and the scarcity of land makes this very hard to accomplish!! So today was just a very small drop in an ocean of endless needs, but I am so grateful to have been able to be there again loving those kids and giving them a much needed blessing!! Thanks to all of you who have sponsored a food basket, sent in a toy or helped with the shipping of the items. Without your generosity this would have never been possible!!

The kids loved getting their photos!! They were so excited!!

Me and Santa

Candy is not so shy with me now!!

Heading back to Panajachel!!

A GIFT OF HOPE

2010-11-10T15:25:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year again!! Shelves are being stocked with decorations for the holidays and the newest toys of the season!! Families are busy making holiday travel plans and the kids are already writing their wish list to Santa!! Those lists include the latest video games, a new bike, an ipod or even a new computer while some small child a world away only dreams that for once in his life Santa would actually remember him!! As we carefully plan our holiday feast full of turkey, ham, dressings, pies, and more food than we could ever eat some weary mother just wishes she could feed her child for the night! It's a sad reality of our world and the world around us. We so often take our lives and blessings for granted and never even stop to think about someone less fortunate!! Well I challenge each of you this year to consider a family living in extreme poverty in Guatemala. Make one child or mother's holiday dream come true!! For the price we purchase a holiday specialty dessert we can provide a needy family a food basket!! For a one time $30 donation you can provide a food basket for a family who can really use the holiday cheer!! With this donation you will receive a photo of the family receiving their food basket just in time for the holidays!! You can hang that photo on your fridge where you can be reminded of the wonderful life saving gift you gave!! You may wonder why I say life saving but many of these families we reach out to each year during Project Santa are living in extreme poverty with the majority of them being malnourished!! You may provide the first meal they have eaten in days by simply donating a basket. I mean how awesome of a gift is this?? How awesome would it be to know that you helped a child go to bed full instead of hungry for the first time in a long time?? I think it's an amazing feeling!! So as you give thanks for all your blessings this holiday season please consider blessing another family through the donation of a food basket!! I need all funds in by December 1st in order to have all funds processed in time for the trip! As of right now our goal is to raise $3,000 to purchase mass quantities of food for distribution so please consider giving today!!

There are two ways you can donate! You can donate through the pay pal button to the right or by mailing in a check to the address provided to the right!! I want to thank you in advance for your support of the food basket drive and I will continue to update you on the amount we have raised!! Below I have shared some photos of the distribution days during Project Santa 2009. I hope you enjoy:)

HEADING TO GUATEMALA CITY

2010-10-29T22:13:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning hardly able to believe that this is my last morning in Panajachel and tomorrow I will fly back home!! It's with mixed emotions I finished packing because I'm anxious to see my children again but then at the same time I'm not so happy to leave this all behind. I joined several friends for breakfast this morning as some of us are leaving together and others are remaining a little longer! We got lots of great laughs and had a great meal. Then some of us headed to the guipil market to see what kind of great last minute deals we could find. I was particularly interested in seeing what kind of old mayan jewelry I could find, but today was not my day. I did buy some fabric for Suzanne to create some custom outfits for all our beautiful Guatemalan children to wear!! I headed back to the hotel so I could gather the final donations and bring them to the office to say goodbye to everyone. I couldn't stay very long because there were a few things I wanted to look for in the market before I left. To my surprise as I walked to the hotel I again met up with Petrona and her grand daughter!! I was able to feed them lunch and give them each a snack and drink for the afternoon. She once again was so grateful and at least I knew that was one less day they would go hungry!!

I arrived to the hotel just as the driver was there to pick us up so before I knew it were we headed off to Guatemala City. We had a few stops on the way but I was glad to finally arrive. That hotel brings back so many memories because I met my daughter for the first time right there in that very lobby!! It's also where I was allowed to visit with her during our adoption. So although ownership has changed and the adoptive families are no longer taking the place over it still all looks the same!! I had the privilege to deliver some things to a friend's foster mom and another friend's child's birth mom so staying there was a blessing to them. I can't hardly believe when I awake in the morning I will be leaving Guatemala!! This trip seems to have flown by, but tomorrow I will be home loving my kids and making my plans to return in six weeks for Project Santa!!

Guipil market in Panajachel

Another glimpse of the guipil market

A store in Panajachel

The view on the way up to San Andres

Road in San Andres

This foot bridge was created at the entrance of San Andres for people to walk on to cross to the other side of where the landslide took place. It's simply too dangerous for them to walk through the muddy make shift road right now!!

A closer look at the foot bridge!!

SAN SIMON CELEBRATION

2010-10-28T23:16:00.000-07:00

I started out the morning at Casa Contenta playing with some of the children from the Panajcahel pre-school. The wee ones have been kicked out of their pre-school for the last few days so the dental team can use it. I don't think they're complaining in the least bit since that means they can play at the park all day:)Of course I came with dum dums in tow because candy is always a hit for them and quite a treat as well!! We didn't stay there very long because Rodolfo invited us to attend the celebration of San Simon's birthday at his uncle's home. I didn't want to miss that opportunity because it's something I have never seen and it's also an honor to be welcomed into such a traditional celebration!! The altar was beautiful and I was amazed at just how many different things are offered up to San Simon. The altar was strewn with beer, cigars, money, flowers, candles and more!! It was actually very beautiful!! You're also greeted with an offering of a drink so I took the chance to try some Gallo. I'm no fan of beer for sure but I did try it and my opinion remains the same. Some gentlemen enjoyed the rest of the bottle though lol!! The party area was a big open court where we listened to a live band and was served some very delicious food!! I have to say those men in Guatemala sure know how to drink and many of the were toasted before noon!! Guess it's all in the celebration lol!!

So we left the San Simon celebration and I went off to do a little shopping in the local market with Mike before we headed off to Aleeya's birthday party! There was a nice crowd there and the kids seemed to really enjoy themselves!! Aleeya picked me and Lety to participate in a game with the clown. We had no real idea what we were going to have to do when we were handed each a balloon. Well our task was to each blow up our balloon then tie them together, place them between our foreheads and walk to this line and back again. Which ever team did this first was the winner!! Well guess what we won!! woohoo!! I won this cute little bear but I left it behind for a child in Guatemala to have. There are so many of them without toys! So after eating some birthday cake I headed to the hotel to begin packing up my things as we are set to leave in the morning:( I'm going to bed not even completely packed because I enjoyed my last night out in Panajachel by going out to supper with some friends!! What a perfect way to end the night:)

San Simon Celebration

The San Simon altar

Another view of the altar

Me and Rodolfo!! He's the one who invited us to the celebration, hosted by his family!

A Mayan woman comes to give her offering to San Simon on his birthday

Some of the crew at the San Simon celebration!

Meal served at the celebration

Mike

Enjoying

Some of the guest

more of the guest

Machine used to process corn

Corn soaking for processing

Working the river sand

Destruction remains in Pana

Man on a scaffold

Juice stand

Aleeya and the clown

The kids loved the clown!!

Aleeya picked me and Lety to participate in one of the party games!

Us with the balloons

Me and my bear that I won:)

Ilsa and Mike's turn

Mike and his prize bear!!!

Aleeya with the little girls who came to the party

Singing happy birthday to Aleeya

Inside the Circus Bar and grill in Panajachel

CHUK MUK 6TH GRADE GRADUATION

2010-10-27T23:01:00.000-07:00

It was such an honor and a pleasure to be able to visit the village of Chuk Muk and attend their sixth grade graduation ceremony! I mean graduating sixth grade in Guatemala is a HUGE accomplishment that all too many children don't get to do. Their school consists of three rooms made completely from tin with dirt floors, so the local museum allowed them to use a room to host the graduation in it. As you walked in there were desk in perfect rows and the floor was covered in pine needles and to the front of the room there hung a huge banner listing all the children's names who were graduating today!! A tiny room held so much excitement as the parents, grandparents, siblings and friends began to file in to see their special child graduate! The host welcomed all the guest and the music began to play as eighteen smiling boys and girls marched into the room and took their places to receive their diplomas! I mean you could feel the excitement and anticipation!! It was incredible!! The host then spoke to the audience about how much of a glorious day this was for the children and such a huge accomplishment. He then asked for a moment of silence and thanks for the opportunity these children have been given. I have to say this was the most heartfelt prayers I have ever witnessed. It was simply breath taking to watch as mothers weeped in pure joy and thankfulness for their children!! Such a blessing it was to be a witness to this!!!

As the ceremony was to begin me and Amy were asked to please come forward and help distribute the diplomas to the children!! What an honor it was to be included in the ceremony! As the names were called and the students came forward I could see the excitement in their eyes as I handed them their diploma. One girl with the biggest smile hugged me so tight when I gave her that piece of paper!! That simple piece of paper means so much to her and I only wish I could make you understand just how HUGE of a deal that is for her and her family!! I mean graduating sixth grade in Guatemala is like one of our children here graduating college!! I congratulate those eighteen students and the families who had to struggle so hard to keep their children in school! This is going to be forever life changing as they all have plans to attend the seventh grade next year:)

Once all the diplomas have been handed out I took family photos of all eighteen graduates and they will each receive a copy. I think it's important for each of them to have something more than a diploma to remember this very special day. I know my mother often looks back at my college photos with joy as I am her only child that accomplished a degree. So I want these children and their mothers to have the same opportunity. Not to mention just having family photo is a huge deal. With all photos taken a celebration meal was given out. We were seated at a special table in the front of the room and served a meal consisting of tortillas, vegetables, beef in a red gravy, rice and a coke. To be served beef is a huge deal because of the level of poverty here chicken is much cheaper so generally is served!! The food was great and the families were even greater!! I walked out of there all smiles and so excited for those kids!! What a honor and pleasure it has been to be in Chuk Muk!!

As I returned to Panajachel I went back to the dental clinic because today the kids from the pre-school in San Antonio Palopo were there to see the dentist!! And in NO way was I going to miss an opportunity to see them!! As I walked in I was greeted by lots of smiling faces and hugs!! Laura spotted me right away and motioned me to come see her. It was so sweet because she was drawing a picture with crayons and wanted to show it to me!! I was so happy that she did that because the once overly shy, distant girl was gone!! Or at least she was gone to me because when Susi tried speaking to her she put her head down and would not respond. For some reason God choose me and Laura's paths to cross and I am so glad He did!! It has been the most incredible experience for me!! I am forever thankful to have met her:)

As I left her coloring I spotted little Brenda Izabel crying so I scooped her up and began to play with her. She was perfectly fine with that and came right to me. As I held her in my arms she laid her head on my shoulder and before I knew it she was fast asleep!! Maybe a half hour later she was still asleep so I sat in a chair with her because she had quite a while to wait for her turn to see the dentist so it was no use in waking her!! I sat and watched as this beautiful little girl I held in my arms slept, falling deeper and deeper into a slumber. Poor little one must have been so tired because eventually she was drooling all over as she slept LOL!! I remained with her in my arms for a little over two hours before I had to wake her to take her meds and to see the dentist. What a total blessing because I haven't been able to hold my girls in six days now!! As she saw the dentist I continued to play with all the kids until they were nearly all gone from the clinic!! I left there all smiles and joined Caroline, Orlando, Susie and Tom for supper!! All I can say is I'm going to bed tonight with a grateful heart!!

The Chuk Muk school. It's completely made out of tin and has dirt floors!

The room in the museum they allowed the school to host graduation in

The 6th grade graduating class of Chuk Muk

One excited graduate!!

Teresa and her daughter who graduated the 6th grade

A moment of silence and thanks!!

This is joy filled praise and prayer for sure. You could just see the emotion on her face as she prayed!

Prayers of joy and thanks

Ely giving her speech

A tight hug from the graduate!!

A very happy and proud graduate!

Two little cuties who attended their sibling's graduation

Ely giving out the graduation gifts

Scott, Amy and Jeanne at the graduation

Enjoying a meal after the graduation ceremony

The wonderful meal they served us at the Chuk Muk 6th grade graduation

I took this right after he finished crying his eyes out!

It was so sweet, this little lady wanted her picture taken with me lol!

Me and a few of the newly graduated 6th grade girls!

Me waiting for the tuk tuk in Chuk Muk

A home in Chuk Muk

This elderly man was washing his feet in the lake

The local kids swimming at the boat launch in Santiago

As I held Brenda Izabel she began to get heavier and heavier until I realized she was out like a light lol!!

She was knocked out in my lap!! I mean the girl was snoring with drool and all LOL!!

A family waiting to see the dentist

This family doesn't have much money but still wanted their children to wear traje. They cut a piece of a sweatshirt to make his little skirt!! He was so adorable in it!

Such a sweet, happy little girl!!

Laura

Me and Laura meet again at the dental clinic!

RETURNING TO SAN ANTONIO PALOPO

2010-10-26T23:56:00.000-07:00

The long awaited day is finally here!! I will be returning to San Antonio Palopo to love the kids who have simply stole my heart. Even more exciting than that I know I will get to see my dear, sweet Laura again!! I couldn't finish breakfast soon enough and get to the office to meet the rest of the team! I was woke up all smiles and the wait was getting to me. I was like a kid who just came down the stairs to find the goodies Santa has left behind only to be told I had to wait to unwrap them:) In the mean time I walked over to the dental clinic to take a peek in and play with the kiddos who were waiting to be seen. There I was joined by several others who wanted to take the trip with me today, I mean the more the merrier right? It was so great to watch as Scott blew bubbles to entertain the children who squealed in delight each time!! It was a fun way to pass the time!!

Finally the truck arrived and when all piled in only to be told we had even more people who would like to come along!! So we swung by the office and picked them up barely squeezing all of us with me riding on top of the truck cab!! Yep you read the right I road up there the entire ride which was over an hour. I mean come on what else was I suppose to do? We couldn't simply leave anyone behind right? It truly was the best seat in the house because I was able to snap some very interesting photos from up there lol!! As we neared San Antonio Palopo my heart grew happier and the anticipation grew stronger!! And finally we had arrived and was parked. I truly think I ran to the pre-school because I seem to have left the others behind. The smile on my face was HUGE as I walked in and was greeted by all those sweet, smiling faces!! It was an even better feeling than I had imagined!! I was even more excited when I heard some of them call my name!! Yep they remembered me!! How awesome was that??? I got lots of smiles and hugs and even a few kisses!! I was truly in heaven and couldn't imagine it being any better. Well that is until it was time for the second set of kids to come in!!

That's where I was finally able to lay eyes on my dear, sweet Laura again!! I sat and gazed at her in sheer shock and awe!! What's this new look about her? Something was completely different!!! That broken smile and look of hardship was gone!! She was smiling and looked so full of life!! My heart couldn't have been any happier than it was at that very moment!! I don't think I have ever been so happy to see a child smile as I was right then and there!! She smiled at me and hugged me and it's like we never missed a beat!! This was my blessing!! The blessing God sent me to Guatemala to receive!! He showed me first hand how He entrusted me with one of His children by allowing me to meet her and fall in love with her enough to strive to find help for her!! My prayers were answered!! She received her surgery and was now a new and improved child!! She now smiles and has even cut her bangs, no longer being ashamed of her eye!! WOW what a blessing I have received!! Thank God for showing me how to love and be loved by someone who has nothing to give but that love!! I am simply overwhelmed with joy tonight!! If not another good thing happens on this trip this was enough to make it a grand adventure!! However I know God is not done with me nor this family!! He has bigger and greater plans for our future!! I just believe this with all my heart. I may not be able to do everything for her that needs to be done but I will not stop until I find all the help I can for this loving family!! They're still one of the at risk families because they lack money to buy food so they really could use a monthly food sponsor so please consider being a donor even if it's simply for a month!! Your help would be appreciated!!

So Laura is only one of the many children I share a love for in San Antonio Palopo. There's another handsome little man that steals my heart with each of his smiles!! Little Marvin!! He's got to be one of the happiest little boys I have ever met because he's always smiling and so full of life!! He's always wanting his photo taken and will call me by name only to give me a beautiful smile when I look to him! On my last trip to Panajachel the pediatrician suggested his left eye be patched to strengthen the right eye to correct it, but who ever knew that would be the least of his eye problem!! On this visit I learned he has a condition in his right eye that cannot be treating with anything else other than surgery. His eye lashes are growing inward causing his eye to constantly be itchy and irritated!! Man I know what it's like when I get a single eyelash in my eye and how horrible it feels!! But, I cannot even imagine having all of them rubbing my eye all day, every day!! Unfortunately there is not enough money in the medical funds to have him treated so he will need a sponsor to help fund the surgery. Can you be that sponsor? Can you contribute something, even if it's simply a dollar to have little Marvin's surgery completed? I mean this surgery is his only solution to his discomfort!! My goal is to raise $1,000 to go to the eye surgery so can you please consider helping with this? If each of us donates something and encourages a friend to do the same this goal will be reached in no time!! I know together we can make a HUGE difference for him!! Thanks so much in advance for considering this!!!

All the other children in San Antonio Palopo seem to have the same struggles for food as they always have. The food crisis in this areas is very severe so they're on the top of my list of villages who will receive food baskets on my next trip in December. So please if any of these situations tug at your heart consider helping!! Even the smallest contribution will make the biggest difference in some one's life!! I'm going to be happier tonight that I have been in a very long time because God has blessed me beyond belief today!! I am blessed to have been able to love these children and receive their love in return:)

Eddy

I asked the security guard if I could take his photo and he so kindly allowed me even though the rest of my crew thought I was insane!! And look he even gave me a little grin lol!!

Waiting to see the dentist!!

Isen't he just a cutie??

Yep I rode up here all the way from Panajachel to San Antonio Palopo lol!

Road to San Antonio Palopo

Building a fire on the road side to mold the pipes in

Melting the pipe to mold it for fitting!!

Me and Lucrecia

Me and Marvin the great:)

Dum dums were a hit, although one of the kiddos asked if I had any caramel candy like I gave them the last time LOL!! Funny the things they remembered about me!

One of the homes that remains buried in San Antonio Palopo since Tropical Storm Agatha ravaged the area months ago!

This is what the landslide area looks like today in one part of San Antonio Palopo. I was simply amazed compared to what it looked like before I left!

The memorial at the unmarked grave still remains in San Antonio Palopo

A mixture of orange slices, candy, water, and candles at the memorial site

My little ham, Marvin!!

A closer look at Marvin's eye. His eye lashes are growing inward instead of on the outside so he will need surgery!! I'm looking for anyone who would be interested in helping cover the expenses to have him seen by an eye doctor!! His eye is always so irritated and I know he must feel misreable!!

Laura's new found smile and confidence has made this trip worth while!!

She's so beautiful when she smiles!! Oh how I love this little girl!!!

Boys will be boys lol!!

Me and my boys at the pre-school in San Antonio Palopo

These are some of the tents Shelter Box gave to those who lost their homes in San Antonio Palopo

I never held a child while they got dental work done before!!

Yep I sat in the chair with her during the entire procedure!! LOL!!

Wrapping 6th grade graduation gifts for Chuk Muk

Me and Juana with the baskets I bought from her

A WIFE & MOTHER'S WORSE NIGHTMARE & A BLESSING

2010-10-25T23:58:00.000-07:00

I started out the day at the dental clinic, but that's not where I remained. I would much rather be there holding children's hands as the dentist tugged in their little mouths than to witness a funeral leaving behind ten children and a young widow:( I was asked to go to San Jorge to attend the funeral of a man who was murdered the day before. I truly think it's the saddest farewell I have ever witnessed. The casket was set up for viewing in a family member's home where people crowded inside the home and yard like sardines in a can. Near the coffin sat a weeping widow who could barely compose herself long enough to receive condolences from family and friends passing through. Over night she not only lost her beloved husband but became the sole provider for ten children!! The children range in age from 4 months to 14 years old. I tell you this is every wife's nightmare!! I cannot even imagine the emotional strain she's going through!! Barely surviving with a husband's income she's now faced with even harder times as she's forced to look for work to support her children. The room where the family lives was such a sad sight! Dirt floors with straw mats as beds and a few straggling clothing was all that was to be found inside. I mean can you imagine living with your spouse and ten children inside one small room?? A tin roof is the only protection from the weather but you're still going to get wet when it rains as the tin is used and many previous nail holes go unfilled. The dirt becomes mud as the rain pours in and all you can do is remain there and pray the weather gets better soon! I mean this is no life for anyone to have to live but it's a reality for so many!! This family is going to need so much help because there was VERY little food inside the kitchen! And now that there main supporter is gone they're struggles are just beginning!! They can really use food and beds as a beginnings amongst other things!! I left that home and funeral very heart broken for the young widow and hopefully we'll gain some funding to help them before I return to Guatemala in December!! So if you're interested in helping please let me know because they sure can use it!!

As I returned to the clinic Sharon asked if I wouldn't mind going with Gloria to the small hospital in Panajachel to visit Baby Miguel and his mother. This is also another very sad situation. This 19 year old mother leaves a two year old son at home to be cared for by his grandmother so she can remain by her four month old son's bedside. Miguel is having major respiratory problems and the situation remains touch and go. Right now the doctors are trying to ween him off of the oxygen a little at a time so he basically won't forget how to breathe. Sometimes they're successful and he can manage to breathe on his own while other times they have to put him right back on it! His breathes are hard on his little body and you can tell he struggles with each one he takes. It's so heartbreaking to see his mother look at him with so much love and sadness in her eyes. Without the help of strangers her dear sweet child would merely be a memory, but thanks to people who are willing to step up and help he can be given a fighting chance by being hospitalized!! The young mother knows this is a reality and is so grateful, but her own health is at jeopardy!! She is terrified she will return home with her son after losing a child one time before and is slipping into a depression. She barely sleeps or eats and never leaves his side. She's anemic and the lack of appetite is dangerous for her. The doctors have warned her that she needs to eat but I can only imagine the toll this is taking on her. Please pray for this family and for a complete healing of Miguel. They are also in need of support. They will continue to need help paying for his medical cost and food. The two year old son is malnourished and the home also had very small amounts of food. I know if everyone gives a little it will make a HUGE difference. I left the hospital with an even heavier heart but full of prayers for the situation!!

You can only imagine the happiness I felt when I once again returned to the clinic to find out my final assignment of the day was a happy one. I would be traveling to El Tablon with the construction team to install an onil stove!! That really was like witnessing a blessing!! I mean this mother use to have to cook for her family on an open fire but now she would have a stove requiring WAY less wood lessening the amount of time she had to spend collecting firewood! Her and the children would no longer have to breathe in all the smoke so this is also a plus:) While we were there I had a chance to meet the neighbors and play with their small children. As I walked past the bamboo gate into their field I saw the cutest little dirty children ever!! They quickly began to run and play and finally led me to their home. I spoke briefly to the mother and I was able to meet the baby boy of the house as well. He was simply adorable because as I spoke to him he would laugh so loud!! You could tell how poor they were, but man the joy they shared with me was amazing!! I was welcomed into their home and allowed to photograph the children which to me is a true blessing!! I had to say my goodbyes all too soon as I had to return to the home where the stove was being installed. I also photographed those children right before we loaded up to return to Panajachel. I would say this was a blessed way to end an emotionally draining day!! How could I ever ask for anything more?

Walter

Dental exams

Me and the first patient of the day!!

Hiding from the dentist

Young husband's funeral

The mourning widow:(

The family in San Jorge

The family's room. There will be ten children and the mother sleeping here. There are no beds at all in this room! They're sleeping on a straw mat on the dirt floor!

The family's kitchen

Widow and her youngest child

Widow and ten children's home in San Jorge

Me and Orlando at the look out point in San Jorge

Me and Caroline at the look out point in San Jorge

Baby Miguel

El Tablon

Putting in the onil stove

Family with stove

Trying out her new stove

The family who recieved the stove

Heading back to Panajachel from El Tablon! This is the way we roll in Guatemala lol!

HAPPY MAYAN NEW YEAR

2010-10-24T23:50:00.000-07:00

Today I had the privledge of being invited to witness a Mayan New Year celebration for those who practice the 260 day Mayan calendar!! I was honored to attend and I was able to learn a a lot more about the ceremony and rituals performed and what they mean!! It's a lot different than just standing in the distance wondering what was happening. Jaquin and his famly allowed me to take photos and shared as much of the information as they could with me, but some parts of the ceremony cannot be discussed. All I can say is simply amazing!! And the view from the ceremony was BEAUTIFUL!! It was held at the hotel grounds near the lake and it was so serene as I looked out and saw the volcanoes gently tucked away in the clouds!! When you look at it all you realize just how wonderfully put together the world really is:)

I returned to the hotel after the ceremony because I knew Caroline had already arrived so we naturally grabbed lunch together and headed out shopping! I think we spent several hours doing that and it was the first day I shopped since being there. Yeah I know hard to believe right?? lol!! As I walked along the street though I was oblivious to what was about to happen. Just strolling along thiking about Arianna's family and the baby they would be placing next month and I have to say I was quite sad inside. Then all of a sudden there across the street from me stood one of the most beautifulk sites I could have seen! It was 93 year old Petrona!! I fed her during the day of the World Cup and had never seen her after!! It was so wonderful because as I looked across the street and our eyes met her eyes lit up like a Christmas tree!! She quickly came across the street all smiles and full of hugs for me as she tugged me to the sidewalk where I sat with her. She quickly tied on a friendship bracelet for me and started speaking of blessings. At that moment all my cares melted away. It showed me that even little gestures can make a HUGE difference to someone if you're willing to step outside your comfort zone and make it happen! Of course how could I send her and her grand-daughter, Maria away without feeding them so I sat down with them at a near by resturant and ordered them some food. It was a wonderful visit and when I left they were almost done their meal and were all smiles!!

I left because we had to get to Sharon's for the welcome dinner!! We arrived and met the entire dental and construction team that would be there working this week. They all seem so nice and I can't wait to spend some time with them!! We stayed for quite some time befor heading off to our hotel. Me, Caroline and Orlando stayed up very late and had a blast talking about any and every thing you can think of!! Looking forward to tomorrow:)

This squirrel was carrying around this huge fruit with him so I had to snap a picture!! I mean the fruit was as big as he was!

Preparing the ceremonial altar

Completed altar

Me and 93 year old Petrona!! It was a HUGE blessing for me to see her again!

Me and Juana

Me and Caroline with our tortillas

Tortillas cooking on the stove

2 HEARTS FOREVER CONNECTED B/C OF 1

2010-10-23T23:39:00.000-07:00

I knew today would be an emotional day for me because it always is. It's never easy to look the woman who gave birth to your child in the face and tell her how wonderful she's doing while knowing the siblings are suffering. We will always be connected because of Arianna and I am very excited that she will always be able to know them. I was also very grateful that they were all together as a family in Guatemala but today I learned that will change. Fransisca told me she will be placing the baby she's carry with a local family in Santiago. I am heart broken to learn this and I will do my best to maintain contact with this family as well but we don't know if they'll be willing just yet. I pray they will but if not there's nothing I can do. I was hoping she would keep the baby and we could help them as much as we can but I have no real say in this. They have to do what is best for them and their family. My prayers will remain with them and I will support them as much as I can!! It was exciting to get to see them all again and enjoy several hours of their time. I was able to bring them much needed food and purchased the grandparent's first mattress! I felt so blessed to be able to do this for them and I look forward to seeing them again soon!!

We were met at the launch by these two vendors in Santiago

Weighing corn in the Santiago market

This is the bedroom at the grandparent's home. I bought them a mattress for thier bed but I want to look into doing more improvements to make their lives easier! It's a work in progress:)

A family photo

Jose's burn continues to heal but he will still need reconstructive surgery!

Carman, Ana, Me and a cousin:)

Diego, Candeleria, Ana, Me and Carman

Me and the birth family

Two mothers, two hearts but forever connected by one child

Me and Arianna's grandmother Carman

The grandfather was so excited about his new mattress!! It was the first one he has ever owned!!

A basketball game in Panajachel. Me and Paul had so much fun watching it and the fight after was interesting lol!

WITCH'S CAVE IN SAN JORGE

2010-10-22T23:13:00.000-07:00

An early morning call from Pastor Ben led me on a very interesting journey this morning. I went with him to the witch's cave in San Jorge with the team from world race. I jumped at this opportunity because I have never met an acutal witch or witnessed a ritual either. It was quite interesting to see because this is the beliefs of the mayan people and they believe in it heart, soul, body and mind. Depending on what they're asking the God's for and how much money they have to spend determines how expensive the altars are. We saw a very simple one and then one that must have cost several days salary! The cave was dark and covered in soot everywhere. The only light came from the burning fires and the entrance to the cave. The smoke was almost unbearable at times but the worshipers never seemd to be phased. we saw rats running through the cave and the biggest lizards I have ever seen in my life!! Again they were not bothered and didn't seem to notice they were even there. We listend and watched as we respected their ceremonies and I for one was amazed. It was an experience I will never forget!

After returning to Panajachel we took the chance to go see the destruction around the lake paths and how the waters have risen. Then it was off to go see the new mission house Ben's church is opening. It's going to be a woderful place for mission teams to come down and stay in for a VERY reasonable rate!! I'm excited that this opportunity has opened for them. I know God has big plans for Ben's church and you can see it in the growth they're experiencing!! I'm just glad to be able to share it with them!!

Ben and the World Race team

Me at the begining of the path to the cave. Funny thing is Ben never mentioned it was down the mountain side and I wore flip flops LOL!! Made for an interesting hike for sure!!

The path to the witch's cave

Mack and Roberto starting the walk to the cave

A ritual in process

A witch making the altar for his clients

Roberto, a young local by who followed us to the cave making sure we made it safely. He was the sweetest little boy.

Another view of the path we took to get to the cave.

This picture amazes me because if you look at the fire to the left of the woman it looks like a face looking at her. I took three in a row and this is the only one like that!

Capilla de San Simon altar in Solola

San Simon

Ben, the witch of the Capilla de San Simon church of Solola and Me

This will show you how much the lake has risen in the past couple of months. This is the lifeguard shack in Panajachel. The lake has risen about nine feet since July.

Can you imagine having to raise your children in a home like this?

This huge boulder rolled down the mountain side in Panajachel during one of the landslides. Can you imagine the destruction in town if this home would not have stopped it?

MY HOME AWAY FROM HOME

2010-10-21T23:26:00.000-07:00

As I say goodbye to my children and begin the long journey to Guatemala I fill with anticipation of the sights I will see and the people I will meet. I can remember the destruction and desperation of the peope like I lived it only yesterday. I never wanted to look into another child's eyes and see sheer fear and sadness. I never wanted to see the look of desperation in another mother's eyes as she looks onto the site where her home was once standing but is now gone. If I never heard another story of a loss of a family member in the landslide that would be fine by me. Still I boarded that plane as those people have become my extended family. They're not just work or a project they're people. People I have grown to love!!

The pilot comes on the intercom and announces we're preparing to land in Guatemala and my heart fills with joy and that smile couldn't be wiped away!! Soon I would be landing in my home away from home. We had a rather rough landing but hey we made it here safe and sound! I met Victor and headed to Panajachel. As we drove we talked about the recovery and the things that have been going on since I last left and to be hoenst the news was rather grim. A food crisis is again lingering over the country and this time it's going to be worse than the last. All the rain and destruction has caused major damage to crops so prices will be high as food will be scarce!!

As we drove into the entrance of Panajachel it's obvious that the recovery is not making much progress. The roads are still unrepaired and the landslides are very evident. Temporary bridges and roads have been created but this recovery will take a very long time and the people will continue to suffer!! I was welcomed at the Hotel Katchiquel with open arms. The people here are some of the kindess I have ever met!! The service is amazing ands the people are so kind and accomodating!! I set my things in my room and dug out all the donations and headed to the office. It was getting late and I wanted to get an assignment so there would be no idle time in the morning. There playing were the two sweetest little girls ever!! I watched as they laughed and took turns swinging each other and sliding on the slide. A perfect sisterly relationship:) Watching them simply made you smile!! So with all the info I need in tow I am off to see Ben and Lili and then head to the hotel to get some sleep! I'll update more later!

This is an the elderly living home at the entrance to Panajachel.

These two little girls were playing at the office whenI arrived!! Too cute!

Beautiful kites are being sold all over Guatemala right now!! Some of them I saw flying were amazing!!

The view

THE GIRL WITH THE BROKEN SMILE

2010-09-25T12:34:00.000-07:00

On June 12, 2010 I wrote the following about Laura: How can a child you only briefly met on a few occasions capture your heart? A child that a language barrier keeps you from openly communicating with steal your every thought? How does one child seem so unhappy and shy but can melt you in an instant with a simple smile? I am intrigued by Laura and something about her makes me want to make her smile and enjoy her life!! Her eyes tell a story that touches my heart and saddens my soul. What could possibly have caused a beautiful nine year old girl to become so distant from the world? While all the other children attending the same feeding program time are laughing and conversing with each other Laura sits to herself and rarely smiles!! So on that rare occasion her eyes meet mine and she gives me even half a smile my heart is full and I am pleased!!! She's a remarkable young girl and I know her life is not an easy one. I will only be here for a short time, but she will always hold a HUGE piece of my heart with her! I have continued to think about her and pray for her daily that God allows me to find the resources to help her and He has answered in several ways!

Here I sit in the comfort of my home, back in the US once again thinking about the little girl with the broken smile!! Many exciting things have happened to sweet little Laura and her family over the past few months. She has received the treatment she needs to reduce the swelling in her eye, but it simply was not enough. It has been confirmed that Laura is blind in that one eye, but the treatment has alleviated the swelling and lessened her pain. A team traveled down about a month ago and built Laura and her family a cement home!! This is incredible news for this family because they no longer have to worry about the rain seeping through the adobe walls or the tattered tin roof. This is the biggest blessing they could have received and not a moment too soon since Guatemala is currently suffering from the worse rainy season they have seen in years!! Even with these two huge blessings the family's situation is still very grim!!

They have twelve family members living in the same home, many of them with abnormalities. All the children are suffering from malnourishment as they simply don't earn enough income to purchase food. The situation was difficult as long as they can all remember, but tropical storm Agatha swept through San Antonio Palopo and further bruised this family's hope! As the village struggles to recover they are hit with yet another tragic landslide further damaging homes and the infrastructure of the town. Food shortages are becoming worse and the hope of the people are fading very quickly!! Laura's family is one of them!!

A feeding program has been opened in San Antonio Palapo but the funding that is currently coming in is simply not enough!! So I'm once again trying to gain resources for Laura!! She needs a sponsor to remain in the program and the cost is $150US for the year. This is extremely beneficial for her because she receives hot, nutritious meals, vitamins and educational activities!! Laura is beyond the age she should have began school but the family simply cannot afford it. We will also be looking for a school sponsor for the start of the January school year!! Her family could also benefit from monthly food donations as well. If you'd be interested in contributing in any way to help Laura and her family please let me know. The needs are great and the opportunities are endless!

SAN ANTONIO PALOPO PRE-SCHOOL FIESTA

2010-07-09T22:42:00.000-07:00

Today was the day I had been waiting for yet longing to avoid for some time. I wanted so badly to bring smiles to the faces of the children in San Antonio Palopo, but didn't want to have to say good-bye to the kids I have grown to love!! My kids were so excited as we prepared for the party. They carefully picked out a Clifford pinata as well as a Strawberry Shortcake one! Olivia was very insistent that the kids had to have party hats and horns so we got those too!! What an amazing party this was going to be!! We stopped at the store and bought juice boxes and animals cookies and took a cake along as well! There were also enough back packs left over that they would all be able to receive one of those too!! We loaded up into the back of the pick-up truck and were on our way!!

We were welcomed by a fully decorated room fit for the best party ever! I was so excited to see the kids and they were so excited to see me too. This made my heart swell because I could remember them being so shy and distant when I first met them! I was truly welcomed into their pre-school with open arms! As we began to hand out the horns the noise level rose as the room filled with the sound of laughing children and others blowing the horns! Pretty soon it was obvious these kids were going to have an AWESOME day!! party hats were handed out as lots of photos were taken and the pinatas were prepared!! The children all lined up with smiles across the room as they took turns hitting the pinata in hopes to be the one to make it spill candy onto the floor! As pinatas broke the children hurried to gather the candy and those who got the most had the biggest smiles ever LOL!!

We all enjoyed cake then handed out back packs, cookies, juice and then the emotions set in. It was now time for me to say goodbye and not with a dry eye either!! Wendy, the teacher of the San Antonio Palopo pre-school, gathered me and my children because some of the mothers had arrived with thank you gifts for us. As tears filled my eyes the emotions became almost to hard to hold back. A community who rarely sees gringos and only has two that live in their entire community welcomed me into their school and lives. They thanked me for helping with the children, being there for them and welcomed me back to San Antonio Palopo anytime. They said I am like family now. WOW is all I can say. How lucky I am that God has sent these grateful people into my life and have allowed me to love their children!! Most of them are living in temporary housing as their homes have been lost but they still took the time to thank me with a gift at that. A gift they worked hard to make and really need to sell rather than to give to provide for their families, but instead they blessed me and my children!! How amazing and selfless is that. I will NEVER forget San Antonio Palopo and I know for sure I will be returning there many times in the future!! They are now a part of my family and hold a piece of my heart that will only grow bigger over time.

I will be returning there in December as a part of Project Santa. I am praying by them the true recovery will have begun and some normalcy returned to their lives. Since many have lost all I want to bless them with the gift of toys and shoes for their children. Please consider donating to help them today. We will need at least 250 toys and pairs of shoes for them as well as monetary donations to cover the cost of food for the distribution day. I know together this year will be another AWESOME year for Project Santa!!

Party horns!

Olivia had fun giving all the kids party hats!!

I love little Isabel

Lee Jr. getting a friendship bracelet

I am so glad my girls made friends!

CANDY

Wracked up on the candy:)

Arianna joined in on the pinata fun

Laura smiling with the pinata

David

A very wonderful gift from the pre-school moms

Lee Jr. getting his gift from the mother's of the pre-school children

Olivia being shy

Arianna with her gift from the mother's of the San Antonio Palopo pre-school

Me and some of the pre-school moms

A group photo

Olivia and Arianna with their new little friend

Me and my spanish teacher Patricia. She was SO nice!!

NUEVO ESPERANZA SCHOOL

2010-07-09T22:16:00.000-07:00

We were greeted by very excited children who hung out windows, doors and lined up along the corridor to welcome us to their school. As we began to unload the donations the children screamed in delight as they watched the teacher's tables be carried into each room. So can you even begin to imagine the feeling in the room when they realized they were each getting new backpacks!! It was indescribable! They were thrilled and hurried to sit in their seats as Lee Jr. began distributing them!! I have never seen more thankful children in one place before! A simple backpack with supplies in them that were not even something fun made these children ecstatic!! You could tell these children and teacher's don't receive supplies very often because even the adults were all smiles!! Each teacher received a new desk, back pack with supplies, class packs of crayons, class packs of colored pencils, construction paper and books. The school also received two new stoves which was a God send to them because they were cooking for the kids over an open fire!! I am so thankful to have been able to deliver the supplies to this little school because I left there with a full heart and all smiles!! It really makes a HUGE difference when you go to a location and see how grateful the people are. Times like this make all the work and hardships along the way worth while! It even made having to make a second trip up there worth it!

I was also able to make the decision that I will be returning to this village as a part of Project Santa in December. For this village we will need 275 toys so please start collecting gently used or new toys to send in!! The kids are sure to be VERY grateful for them!! We will also provide a clown, snack and shoes if they are available. So please consider donating to the upcoming project!!

Our mud bridge

Lee Jr. helping to carry out the back packs

Olivia helping carry down the back packs

Arianna helping with the backpacks

A new cabinet for the classrooms. Each class is going to have one of these

THESE ARE WHAT THE TEACHER'S WERE USING BEFORE THEY RECEIVED OUR NEW DESK

THE TEACHERS WERE ALL SO HAPPY ABOUT THEIR NEW DESK!!

He was so happy with his supplies!!

This little boy sat down looking at the books for a LONG time!!

A little boy taking it all in

The view from the mountain the school is on

the dangling boulder we have to walk under

I didn't do too bad this time if this is all the mud I managed to get on my shoes LOL

THE GREAT MUDSLIDE ADVENTURE

2010-07-08T21:50:00.000-07:00

Mother nature made me once again remember just how powerful she is!! When we arrived in Guatemala I traveled by van through San Andres and although the bridge was not a permanent one it did exsist. As we walked up to that area today I was in total awe because you would NEVER know anything was there other than the huge mud mountain that is now the only means to cross that area!! We took a pick-up truck from Panajachel to the mudslide site and then had to walk over it and catch another truck to get to Nuevo Esperanza. The kids thought it was cool to cross through all the mud and loved the ride up the mountain to the school in the box even more LOL!! The girls rode in the back of the very full pick-up inside of a Medrano box all the way up the mountain while me and Lee Jr. stood. It was so funny!!

Sadly when we arrived the school was not having class and since the communication was horrible we basically wasted a trip up there today! I was NOT a very happy camper given the fact that it also meant I would need to miss part of my spanish class, but it's done and over now so there's no turning back!! We will have to return to Nuevo Esperanza in the morning to distribute the school bags, supplies and give the teacher's there new desk and book shelves. Well only one shelf ended up being ready so as soon as Sharon provides the photos from the next delivery I will also have those to share with you. Julio and Fernando were able to put in the two new stoves for the school though!! They had taken their pick-up truck the long way around with all the supplies to get them there. At least for them it was a productive trip! So many things with this particular project has really upset me, but lesson learned!! Life is always an adventure and things don't always go as planned. So tomorrow is a new day and we should be able to accomplish a lot!!

Yep we walked over this to get to Nuevo Esperanza school

A close up of some of the mud

Waiting to cross the muddy terrain:)

Pick-up fully loaded..well almost we just had to add two more people after the photo!! And YES Arianna and Olivia rode in the box all the way to the school LOL!!

Shoes in this condition are all too common in Guatemala

Bringing in the VERY heavy part of the stove!!

These two little ones were so cute peering down the way at us:)

Preparing the stove for installation

Lee Jr. helping with the stoves

Almost done with the new stoves!!

Boys playing marbles!!

I love seeing the little girls carrying their baby dolls on their backs!

Arianna loves taking pictures with the "Guatemalas" LOL! This is what she calls all the people who live here!!

A sweet little girl

Walking down to meet the fletes

MORE SUPPLIES FOR SAN ANTONIO PALOPO

2010-07-07T23:08:00.000-07:00

Me and the kids returned to San Antonio Palopo pre-school today to bring more supplies we had left at our apartment. Caroline also came along because she had supplies for them to. I left with great anticipation because I simply couldn't wait to see those kids again!! They have captured my heart in a BIG way and I was missing them terribly. I think they were just as excited to see me as I was to see them! LOL!! I was a little disappointed that I couldn't stay longer to enjoy play time with them but I needed to be back in Panajachel for my spanish classes. These are very important to me because I must learn the language if I am going to continue to travel here. The country has captured my heart and will forever hold a piece of it here no matter how long I remain in the states!! It seems that each time I have to leave an even bigger part of me stays behind!! I found myself teary eyed today when another volunteer who is living in San Antonio Palopo asked me how much longer I had left in Guatemala before going home! It seems the days are becoming shorter and I am in no way ready to say goodbye to the country I have grown to love. I am however looking forward to returning in December to spread even more holiday cheer!! I am praying this year will be an even better year than last and MANY, MANY more families will be reached!! Please pray Project Santa will be a complete success and that donations of toys, shoes and money for food baskets begin to arrive soon and continue until it's time to depart in December!! I am going to always dream big while I am not sleeping:) I have each one of you to thank for making my every dream a reality!!

Arianna and Olivia helping to unpack the donations

Me and Caroline organizing the crayons!

Some more of the supplies donated to San Antonio Palopo pre-school

Lee Jr. helping hand out craft supplies

You know your kids have rode in the back of a pick-up truck one time too many when they can sleep in it even standing up!! My little professional pick-up truck riders:)

SAN ANTONIO PALOPO DISTRIBUTION

2010-07-05T23:04:00.000-07:00

Another day of tear filled eyes and emotional fulfillment. It never ceases to amaze me how simple gestures can bring the largest smiles to the faces of the children here in Guatemala. You can see their eyes gleaming with excitement as they receive a simple drawstring bag filled with school supplies. These bags were made from hand with love from the Roselle Library and MANY thanks go out to them. They will never fully know just how much their simple gesture has affected these children! The older kids attending the sixth grade were also so excited to receive the drawstring back packs donated by Leila and Robert!! I just can't even begin to put into words the way I felt to see such excitement. It was like Christmas in San Antonio Palopo today. Each child really appreciated the kindness of the gringos who arrived baring gifts for them. Their lives have been turned upside down and their education is being jeopardized as the school is in accessible! Tropical storm Agatha wreaked havoc on this already poverty stricken village and the recovery will take a long time to achieve. Miracles in Action are trying to win a grant to help rebuild the school in San Antonio Palopo so please visit their blog to see more information. It's free to vote with no strings attached and you can help these children recieve the education they so badly need to pull out of the poverty of this great country! I appreciate all the continued support for my mission efforts and please join in prayer for me and my children as we are considering a future journey that may take us back here to Guatemala for an additional three months. I am remaining opened minded with an open heart, eyes and soul for the children of Guatemala! Together we will change poverty one child at a time!!

Olivia just had to take a break LOL!

FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION

2010-07-04T23:11:00.000-07:00

We had a great fourth of July celebration with our friends here in Guatemala. Ricardo owns the Palapa and did a great bar-b-que for all of us!! We each brought a dessert, salad or chips and he provided the rest!! The only thing we were missing was fireworks, but we still had an awesome day!! Before we made it to the Palapa me and the kids went shopping and found some great things to use as a fundraiser!! I can't wait to be back here in December spreading even more cheer and good wishes!! Guatemala has a HUGE part of my heart and always will. This feels like home to me in more ways than one!! I am praying for guidance as to how often and how long God wants me to be here in Guatemala. I have SO many wondeful things I would like to do here and I plan to complete them one at a time!! Thanks to each of you who continue to support my efforts whether it be through, prayers, donations or encouragement! I could NEVER do this without each of you!! Thanks from the bottom of my heart for making my every dream come true!!

Arianna with her new friends!!

Lee Jr. and Olivia

Some of the crew

Mrs. Bonnie and Lee Jr.

SPANISH CLASSES AND BAGS

2010-07-03T06:48:00.000-07:00

The day started off with an early morning spanish class!! Today was day two and wow it's a lot of information to soak in but I know it's going to be so good when I am done!! I know this one week will not make me fluent by any means but I already know lots of words so learning the basics of how to actually put them all together will be wonderful!!

After school it was off to the church to pack the last 145 bags of school supplies to hand out in San Antonio Palopo. Some how we were short that many so I had to have them made here in Panajachel. It's going to be so worth it though to see all those smiling faces with their new supplies!!! It was off for pizza at La Razzaroni's for supper then home to relax. The kids must have been tired because they went to sleep before 10pm LOL! Tomorrow we're planning on doing some shopping for the fundraiser items and then off to a fourth of July celebration with some friends! Should be a fun day!

Stuffing bags

More supplies

My little helper

BACK IN PANAJACHEL

2010-07-02T23:24:00.000-07:00

Our first full day back in town did not go so well. I had three cranky kids who just could not get a grip on themselves today!! I started my first day of spanish classes and man it's a lot of information to soak in. It's four hours of lessons with one twenty minute break in between. It's funny though because I thought four hours a day was WAY too long but it flys by! I am amazed that it feels like I just get there and it's already time to leave!! My instructor, Patricia is a very nice lady and really makes the classes fun for me. I am only studying for four hours a day for one week and I know this is NOT going to be enough for sure so I am trying to figure out how to come back and study by myself for about two weeks some time soon. I am also praying about a possible opportunity for me and the children to return for three months to study. That would truly be a blessing to me!

We did enjoy a good supper at Solomon's Porch tonight. We all love the food there and the kids think it's cool because they have a pool table and sometimes they even have a band!! LOL!! Only in Guatemala is all I am going to say!! We met up with Daniel, who is a street vendor that Lee befriended several years ago. He came to bring Lee a gift that he made for him and to play with the kids. They all love him and it's so funny because when the girls see him on the street they started yelling at him!! LOL!! It's so much fun to make so many friends here in Guatemala because it makes the days go by for sure!! it also makes this place feel a little more like home for us!

Olivia and Daniel

Olivia shooting pool

Lee Jr. trying to learn how to shoot pool

Arianna's turn

LA AURORA ZOO

2010-07-01T23:37:00.000-07:00

The kids woke up VERY excited this morning and not only because we were heading to the zoo either!! They're all ready to go back to the apartment in Panajachel. We had the awesome breakfast buffet at the Barcello and headed out to the zoo with Victor. It had been four years since I went to the Guatemala City zoo and WOW it has changed SO much! It's gorgeous though and the kids LOVED it!! We met Rob and his two boys, Ben and Tim who are also adopted from Guatemala. The kids were happy to have other kids to play with and they all got along so well!

A few hours at the zoo, one stop at Hiper Piaz and a meal at burger king later we were on our way!! Lee Jr. REALLY needed a haircut so as we got into Pana Victor stopped for us to get it cut! Lee Jr. was so nervous and I kept telling him the worse thing that could happen is he would end up bald and waiting for his hair to grow back!! LOL!! All turned out well and he was happy! We managed to bring all of our things to the apartment and have Victor drop us off in the center of Panajachel. I had to get someone to look at my computer so I can be back up and running!! We ate pizza and headed home!! It was a busy but fun filled day!! Tomorrow is my first day of spanish school so we will see how it goes!!

The kids at the entrance of the zoo!!

The kids just had to take their picture on this turtle!!

My little man!

Hippo

White peacock

Black pepper tree

YAWN

Tim, Ben, Arianna and Olivia hanging out at the zoo:)

World's largest rodent!! Glad I will never have to face one of these in my house LOL!

My favorite animal in the zoo:)

Lee Jr., Arianna and Ben

Arianna, Olivia and Tim

Me and the girls

Spiderman Livy!! She loves Spiderman so when she saw this she HAD to have it!!

Arianna, the newest Power Puff girl

Lee Jr. got his haircut today and it made for LOTS of laughs for sure!!

VALLE DORADO

2010-06-30T23:57:00.000-07:00

Today was a totally fun day for us!! There's a waterpark in Zacapa called Valle Dorado so we stopped in to soak up the sun on our way back to the city!! My kids were so excited since they missed out the last time because Xocomil was closed when we went there!! Olivia is not as much of a waterbug as she use to be but man Arianna has come a VERY long way!! She use to scream when we put her in water but now she jumps into the water, goes under and comes up smiling to do it all over again!! Lee Jr. went down some of the bigger slides this time and all of them had an awesome time!!

After the water park fun we headed to Guatemala City where we stayed at the Barcelo, which use to be the Marriot. This brought back many fond memories as this is where I first met Arianna and also where we stayed each time we visited her during the adoption process. The atmosphere is different because it's swarming with business people instead of smiling parents with their waiting children, but it was nice! The kids took full advantage of the heated pool as I enjoyed the adult conversation with Stacy and her husband. They're waiting to bring their sweet little girl home and I can't wait to hear she's home with them forever. I continue to pray each day for all the waiting families and children that their processes are resolved quickly! It was a great way to end the night for sure!! Tomorrow we're planning to head to the zoo before heading back to Panajachel. I know I can't wait to be back in my second home!! I miss all those sweet kids!

My kiddos

Olivia under the sprinkler

Arianna under the sprinkler

Lee Jr. and Arianna

Arianna and Ryan

Lee Jr.

LA PLANCHA AND JUAN PONCE, ZACAPA

2010-06-29T22:01:00.000-07:00

Today was an interesting day as we ventured off to a little town called La Plancha. The gathering took place right where the railroad use to run through years ago!! The kids were so wide eyed as they looked on while Katie gave out the crafts!! You could tell that many of these children have never had the opportunity to create something of their own. They were so excited at the end result and many of them kept looking at what they created!! Even the women who came with their children wanted to participate. It's so nice to see them smile though!! This is not the worst place I have seen for sure but poverty at any degree is simply heart breaking!!

We took a quick lunch break at the mission house and then when on to Juan Ponce to play soccer with the kids! It was so much fun because it has been a long time since I have played!! It would have been even better if my foot wasn't still hurting!! I sprained it a couple weeks ago and it still hurts some days when I step on it the wrong way!! Nothing that's going to keep me down for sure!! I think this was my favorite part of the day!! We also stayed for the church service!! The church is not complete so the service is held in this tiny area, but let me tell you the room may be small but the hearts of those people are HUGE!! I have never felt more welcomed into a church as I did tonight!! I truly went home tonight feeling blessed!

A mud house in La Plancha

A sweet little girl

A tin home

Some of the kids in La Plancha

Lee Jr. helping with the crafts

Finished crafts

Pinata time!!

My girls fast asleep

The mission house

View from outside the mission house

Our bedroom at the mission house in Zacapa

Some of the kids from Juan Ponce

Picking teams to play soccer!

Man watching the soccer game

Playing soccer!! It was so much fun because I haven't played in a couple years!!

Waiting for church service to begin

AGUA FRIA, ZACAPA

2010-06-28T23:02:00.000-07:00

Agua Fria is a very remote village with the most breath taking scenery you have ever wanted to see!! The roads are very narrow, allowing one single car to pass safely and are completely dirt!! It was not the worst roads I have been on yet but it did make for an interesting drive!! We drove to the very end of the road and there a tiny school was set off to the side. The kids were all waiting for our arrival and were excited to see all of us there. Ryan played his guitar as the children sang along!! Katie's crew did a skit for the kids and then a craft!! They all seemed to enjoy making their little sunshine and were all smiles in the end!

As if that wasn't enough those smilies turned into huge grins and giggles as it was pinata time!! They had so much fun doing it but man when that pinata breaks they all pile on top of each other!! LOL!! The families who received food bags here were very glad to to get them. It was very basic foods but a help to the families none the less!! I was so thankful Mr. Jorge sent in a monetary donation to help purchase this food! It was a true blessing!!

A church in Zacapa

The view

The road to Agua Fria

Olivia and Lee Jr. jumped into the game of tug of war!! They had fun!!

Kids in Agua Fria singing with Ryan

Creek that runs through Agua Fria

Lee jr. helping with the crafts

Me and Katie

Pinata fun!!

This gentleman was so grateful. He watched as the kids played and at the end he came to me and said thank you and it was good for the kids!!

Looking inside their food bag

Was it wrong to ask a man if I could sit on his horse for a picture LOL!!

Arianna on the horse

I won't know how to act when I get home and can't go every where crammed in the back of a pick up truck LOL!

A boy watching all the entertainment going on

Sisters who came out to the gathering

This child's shoes were way too small:(

Pinata time

The kids go wild when the pinata breaks!!

Me with some of the girls

This little boy was so happy with his new shoes

This little boy is 7 years old and is the size of an infant. The mother is deseperate to know what is wrong with him and how she can help. I am praying we can get someone to look at him. It simply broke my heart!!

A part of the road we traveled to get to Agua Fria

The view from the back of the truck!!

ZACAPA YOUTH GROUP

2010-06-27T23:36:00.000-07:00

Another day filled with a long drive, but beginning on a new journey in a different area of Guatemala. It was nice to be able to see other areas of Guatemala as we drove from Guatemala City to Zacapa. The views were as beautiful as ever!! As we pulled into the mission house we would be staying in I felt like I was in cultural shock right here in Guatemala!! This house was HUGE and nicer than any hotel you can stay at in Panajachel. We definetely will not be roughing it here for sure!! y kids may not want to leave LOL!! The yard outside the gates have cows and bulls that walk by and roam free! It's such a beautiful place for sure!!

After settling in we headed to the church to join in on the youth group which was so much fun. They sung worship songs, prayed, Katie's group of kids did a skit and we all played a game. We got so many laughs and had a wonderful time meeting and making some great new friends!! Supper was at the Pizza, Burger Diner and the food was good and company great!! The girls were thrilled to find out they had two small rides in the building and took FULL advantage of them! It was a good first day in Zacapa!

The star group of kids

Playing a game with the youth group

Group shot after the youth group

Arianna and Olivia at the Pizza, Burger Diner in Zacapa

Me and Katie sorting school supplies to distribute

Lee Jr. sorting donations

SONRISAS

2010-06-26T23:38:00.000-07:00

We woke up very early in the morning to head out to Guatemala city to meet up with Katie and her crew. The kids were thrilled to be able to enjoy breakfast at Burger King as we passed through Chimaltenango. The fact that they had an awesome play area made it even better!! The girls played on that thing for the longest time and definetely were not ready to leave for sure!!

We arrived at the Central Cemetary in Zona 3 of Guatemala City just as sonrisas was getting ready to begin. This is a cementary ministry that happens each Saturday morning. Lots of kids show up and they have games, music, worship service and a feeding at the end. It was very nice to see the kids so excited to be there!! As they were playing with the childrenI ventured off to see some of the amazing tombs that have all around. These things are huge and very eleaborate for the most part. You can however even in death determine who the poor people are. They're laid to rest in these walls of tombs that are not very fancy and some do not even bare the name of the loved one inside. It made my heart sad to look at those names and ages at death because there were SO many infants buried throughout the cementary:(

We also went to one part of the cementary that looks upon the Guatemala City dump. It's a sight that is so heart breaking that you can't even process the sight right away. So many people are working in the dump that it's hard to determine what is trash and what is people as you look out. We witnessed the food trucks coming in as the people lined of to follow them to get the first picks of what is inside. I watched Recycled Life when that documentary was first released but to witness it first hand is still very mind boggling. It's such a tragedy that people must live this way in order to survive:(

After our visit to sonrisas we were off to Antigua to have some down time. We hit the markets and had dinner at Burger King which the kids were once again very thrilled about!! Kind of funny to be without those things while in Panajachel:) it just shows you that we can survive without all the luxuries called fast food!! LOL!! Tomorrow we're heading to Zacapa to begin working there....let's see what that journey holds!

Lee Jr. at Mc Donald's

Girls enjoying the Mc Donald's play area in Chimaltenago

Inside view of one of the tombs at the Central Cemetary in Zona 3 Guatemala City

The tomb of an almost one year old child

Guatemala City Dump

People working in the Guatemala City dump

Break area inside the Guatemala City Dump

A rock grave

The grave of a one month old. So sad as we seen so many graves of infants

Sonrisas group photo

Katie and Arianna

A group shot in Antigua

Olivia holding our HUGE hotel room key

A DOCTOR IN THE HOUSE, WELL PRE-SCHOOL

2010-06-25T23:25:00.000-07:00

I spent today going to the Panajachel and San Antonio Palopo pre-schools with Dr. Jerrilynn, her husband Gregory and daughter Collette. The kids were fascinated with the cool balloons they got from them and this was a great ice breaker to gain the children's trust!! Dr. Jerri checked the children one by one and sadly some of them were VERY ill. Lots of antibiotics and referrals were given. One little fellow at the Panajachel pre-school has a heart murmur that has went undetected for the last three years! He will need to get follow up to monitor this.

In San Antonio Palopo there remains sweet little Laura, the princess who has stolen my heart!! She was able to visit an opthomologist in Guatemala City and has been diagnosed with glaucoma and will require surgery. The total cost of surgery and transportation is going to be about $550 US. I know if we all give a little of ourselves we can make this surgery possible and hopefully help save her vision! She's such a sweet little nine year old that intrigues me!! I am now all smiles because she will flash that suttle smile when she walks by me now. I am so glad she's letting me in and I can't wait to follow her journey through medical treatment!!

There's little Estella who is VERY sick right now. She is severaly anemic, malnurished and is suffering from pnemonia!! In and idle situation she would be admitted to the hospital and given iv fluids and antibiotics but this is not possible in San Antonio Palopo. So she was given antibiotics and orders to sleep propped up because of the amount of fluid on her lungs. She's very malnurished and this family REALLY needs to find a sponsor for food so she can become strong!! She's so ill that we served cake today in recognition of Teacher's Day and she would not even touch the cake!! She just broke my heart as she sat there barely even able to drink!! Please pray for healing for Estella!!

Juan is also in need of medical care. The family says he will only drink and refuses to eat for some time now. Well it's no wonder this little fellow won't eat because more than half of his teeth are infected!! Literally this child's gums are so swollen and infected that it's a shame!! Sadly his family cannot afford the luxury of a dental visit so his care will depend on caring individuals who are willing to donate to help!! He was given an antibiotic to help with the infection but this will only be a very temporary fix to his problem! Please consider helping by donating to his dental care!!

Although these three children are the ones in the most need all of the others in San Antonio Palopo are also suffering from malnurishment!! I was so sad to hear this report from the doctor because they're all so precious!!! I wish I had the ability to afford medical treatment for all of them but I can't so I am asking you to consider helping these children. Consider giving up one take out meal this week and donate the cost to help with the medical expenses!! I would love to see all three of these children get care or at least appointments before I leave Guatemala!! I will keep you posted as more information comes in!

A boy and his balloon

A little girl with her balloon

Dr Jerrilynn with the kids at the Panajachel pre-school

Getting a check up

Juan has most of his teeth infected and needs dental care ASAP!!

Kevyn is anemic and will need better nutrition

Reyna has had chronic diarrhea for the past three years. She is now anemic and will need to have soy milk or incaparina in order to allow her intestines to heal.

A little girl enjoying her cake

Lots of kids came to the afternoon class today

Lee Jr. and the boys

MANZANAS

2010-06-23T23:37:00.000-07:00

We got off to a very early start this morning as the shuttle was set to pick Lee up from the apartment at 6am to take him to the airport. The kids got up to see him off and remained up the entire day!! The girls went over to Pana Kids this morning and they enjoyed a birthday celebration of one of the classmates!! They also took pre-school pictures, well Arianna did for sure but Olivia said she did not take her photos!! The nanny picked them up from pre-school so I will not have confirmation of this until I take them back to pre-school!! Hoping she at least did the class photo if nothing else!!

I took Lee Jr. with me to San Antonio Palopo to do crafts with the kids at the pre-school/feeding program! Those kids are so much fun and really enjoy the activities!! It's too funny because they now know me by name and are no longer afraid of me!! In fact several of them walk in smiling at me and will come sit next to me!! They sure know how to melt your heart for sure!! We took over some wooden apples and clothes pins to do as an activity today. Since the pre-school is new they need ways to display the children's art work and make it look more like a classroom so this was perfect! Each child colored their apple and their names were written in the center!! We hung a clothes line over a length of the room and now hanging from those sweet manzanas are the art work of these awesome children!! It was so heart warming to see those proud smiles when their work was done!! I love my time I am spending there in San Antonio Palopo!

Sweet Laura was not at school today because she was given the opportunity to see the opthomologist in Guatemala City! She was diagnosed with glaucoma and will require eye surgery!! I am praying that funding will come in to make this happen and I will post all the details for those who are interested once I know more!! Please continue to pray for her and her family as they need them in this time of need!!

Kids waiting outside by the gate for the shuttle to come get Lee for the airport

Romeo's smile lights up the room!! He is always smiling and laughing. His mother is SO proud of him and has said she is glad for the opportunity he has been given to go to pre-school!!

Lee jr. helping Maribel with her apple!

Marvin with his manzana

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Enjoying a doll

Isabel with a doll....she is so adorable!!

Boys enjoying the toys

Helping the kids wash their hands

Ramosasua was so hungry. Poor little girl was shoveling in her food when I began to hand out the fruit like she was afraid she wouldn't get any. She hate three servings of noodles and tortillas as well as at least three servings of fruit:(

Lee Jr. helping with the dishes

Irma with her manzana

SWEET LAURA, WHO STOLE MY HEART

2010-06-21T21:28:00.000-07:00

How can a child you only briefly met on a few occasions capture your heart? A child that a language barrier keeps you from openly communicating with steal your every thought? How does one child seem so unhappy and shy but can melt you in an instant with a simple smile? I am intrigued by Laura and something about her makes me want to make her smile and enjoy her life!! Her eyes tell a story that touches my heart and saddens my soul. What could possibly have caused a beautiful nine year old girl to become so distant from the world? While all the other children attending the same feeding program time are laughing and conversing with each other Laura sits to herself and rarely smiles!! So on that rare occasion her eyes meet mine and she gives me even half a smile my heart is full and I am pleased!!! She's a remarkable young girl and I know her life is not an easy one. I will only be here for a short time, but she will always hold a HUGE piece of my heart with her! I have continued to think about her and pray for her daily that God allows me to find the resources to help her and He has answered in several ways!

Today Dr. Carlos stopped in at Mayan Families as we were discussing going to San Antonio Palopo to see if Gloria could convince Laura's mother to allow her to be taken to an opthomologist in the city. He decided to come along and have a look at her. I am so thankful he did and maybe he has no idea but he was a God send to me. He was only planning to meet with Sharon to discuss the possibilities of his organization working with her in the medical area. After speaking to him about Laura he was all set to go. During our ride we discussed his ambitions for his organization and some of the experiences he has had and it was remarkable! He's really brilliant to say the least! His goals will be so beneficial to the communities in the highlands once they are carried through. I am eager to follow his journey here in Guatemala.

It didn't take very long to locate Laura's mother and we were welcomed to go to her home and visit with Laura so Carlos could exam her. I just wish Laura's eye problems were the only issue this family was having to deal with but it is not! Upon examination and conversation with Maria we found out Laura was born with the eye defect and already cannot see out of it. My heart was broken but more bad news was to come. Laura is also infested with lice, has a slight nodule on the left side of her neck, and it appears she may have scoliosis or may be compensating with one side of her body due to her eye problem. Dr. Carlos says a number of things can be causing the eye issues and she definetely needs to be seen by an opthomologist and possibly an endiocronologist. This is only the tip of the iceberg!!

Upon examining Mayra Asucena, the 15 month old sister, I learned she is severly malnurished and this is causing her to lose her hair. Her feet are longated and they have very poor bone structure. She needs a better diet and vitamins to assist in a more healthy growth. Nelson, the four year old brother is suffering from gastro problems as well. Sadly it does not stop here for this family! Laura's 21 year old sister who also lives at home and helps care for her siblings was born with a birth defect also. Her right arm is not fully developed and she is very embaraased by it. My heart just breaks due to their situation. This is all we know of the ten children Maria has as the others were working and going to school.

The family home is adobe and very tiny!! It consists of one bedroom with a small bed and dresser, a small eating area with a half of table, and a samll area to cook in. They are now cooking over an open fire and it's very difficult to breathe while we were there. They were cooking and it made breathing laborsome and to think I was only their a short period and they live like this all the time. Their adobe walls were covered in black soot so I can only imagine what it is doing to the family's lungs! Inside this tiny house 12 people reside. 2 adult parents and 10 children!!

This is their story, sad but a reality for them. They have kept me up last night as I thought of things I could do to help while I am here. I would really like for you to consider getting involved and helping to change the lives of this family. I would love to be able to purchase them an onil stove while I am here as well as a food supply, including milk for the Myra. If you would like to help please do so by using the pay pal button to the right!! I will send photos when I return of this family getting the items purchased for them. Every dollar donated will go a long way to change their lives forever!! I will update you on Laura and her family as I get more information!

Laura, the girl that has captured my heart in San Antonio Palopo

A closer look at Laura's eye

We're still trying to figure out how 12 people manage to sleep in this home!

This is where the family cooks

A shot of the outside of their home

Laura's 21 year old sister who was born with a birth defect

Photo of Laura's sister's arm

If you look at the top of this photo it gives you an idea of what cooking over an open fire can do to a home. If the walls are this black can you imagine what it does to their lungs?

Me and Laura

The bathroom for the family

As I visited Laura and her family in San Antonio Palopo Lee and Lee Jr. helped the men from Mayan Families deliver som hope chest to sponsored students as well as changing out light bulbs at the house and office. I made it back to Panajachel just in time to go to San Jorge to deliver the last three! It was nice to see how happy these chest make the families! A bright spot in my day with so much grim news!! We went out to eat with some other volunteers and Mayan Families staff which was a great ending to the day!! Tomorrow I am taking the day off to take a family trip to Xocomil. Lee leaves early Wednesday morning so this will be a great time for him and the kids. I will return to the pre-school to work on Wednesday and I will keep you all posted on what is happening here in Guatemala!!

Lee and Lee Jr. carrying one of the hope chest to be delivered to a sponsored student from Mayan Families

An elderly man sitting on the side walk watching the traffic go by

Girls gathering water

The water container was so heavy a man near by helped the young girl place it on her head!!

The kids on the road from San Jorge to Panajachel

A NOT SO PRODUCTIVE DAY

2010-06-20T19:41:00.000-07:00

Today me and a few of the group members from South Africa went over to San Antonio Palopo to help David move the Mayan Families pre-school into their new building. It's now all clean and ready to welcome those sweet, smiling faces tomorrow!! It only took a few hours so I was able to enjoy some down time and shopping this evening. I had dinner with Susie and it was so nice to have a good adult conversation! Lee and the kids went fishing with Ben this morning and came to meet me later in the day as well. I went to supper with them and had ice cream at the kid's new favorite shop!! We did a little more looking around and bought some new movies on DVD and headed home. Now they're all watching Avatar and I'm chatting on the computer. Not my definition of a productive day! Hopefully tomorrow will bring in lots to do!!

These two guys carried this cabinet up at least 100 stone stairs!! YIKES!!

It was unbelievable to watch Arahmais carry this shelf by himself!! It had things in it too and he didn't want any help!

Pre-school supplies packed in the cabinet

The tables set up for the children

I rode next to dinner today!! Poor little chicken LOL

BITTER SWEET TIMES

2010-06-19T21:32:00.000-07:00

Talk about bitter sweet memories?? This is how I would classify today!! The birth family knew we were coming back for a visit today and to my surprise I found the siblings waiting at the boat launch for our arrival. The reason I found this shocking was that we did not give them a time we would be there. Arianna was just as excited to see them as they were to see her. We needed to drop off some corn to a widow's program so the kids took the walk with us. Well Deigo ran ahead to tell the family we had arrived and before long the grandfather appeared all smiles to meet us!!

As we walked to their home the siblings walked hand in hand with Arianna and it brought tears to my eyes. Such a bitter sweet sight for me. In a perfect world Arianna would have remained in Guatemala with her birth family but unfortunately this could not be. So I love her as my own and still I want her to know her first family who loved her enough to allow her to be adopted. I pray each day that this relationship can be maintained so she can feel complete! You can see how much she loves them and how much the children love her as well. I walked behind them and watched them continue all the way to their home hand in hand with their sister!

My heart became even fuller as we arrived at the home and walked down to the lake where Fransisca and Arianna's grandmother were washing clothing. As we met with Antonio he scooped up Arianna with a smile on his face and carried her to Fransisca. This was a very RARE moment because each time we have met Antonio he has been drunk and not so friendly!! Today he was clean and sober and much more attentive to Arianna!! I felt so blessed to see this!! I was even able to get a GREAT photo of Arianna with her birth father!! One I know she will cherish forever. Even Fransisca seemed more relaxed today and was full of smiles and hugs for Arianna! I can't not even begin to be more grateful than I am tonight!! The visit went wonderfully with no problems at all!! A true blessing in every sense of the word to me!

When the time came for us to leave all of the siblings and the grandfather escorted us to the dock. It was such a sad sight as I watched Arianna's grandfather become teary eyed as he kissed his grandchild goodbye again. Of course I told him I would try to take her back one more time before we leave for the states next month and he told us how grateful and thankful he was to be able to see her again. She gave him one last hug and kiss and boarded the boat. She had already kissed and hugged all of her siblings but that goodbye was not enough. They stooped down on the launch and peered in the boat window to tell her goodbye once again. So bitter sweet for sure!! It makes my heart happy to know they love her but also makes me sad to know she can't see them very often. It was time to leave the launch and the kids waved goodbye until we could not see them anymore. Thankfully this is only a temporary goodbye and they will see her again before we leave and hopefully not too long after that!!

Today's visit was a blessing that will hold many bitter sweet memories for my family and Arianna as the years go past. I pray that she will forever be grateful to know her birth family and to be able to communicate with them. The relationship may not be perfect but in the future when she is older and has many questions for them she will be able to ask them herself!! I feel so fortunate to have this opportunity!!

To make a great day even better Lee took the kids swimming while I prepared lunch. After all the food was gone and dishes washed we headed out to go grocery shopping. The girls didn't last the entire walk and fell fast asleep in their stroller!! Got all the shopping done, groceries brought home and off to Solomon's Porch we went. The girls danced their little hearts out to the band until Lee and Lee Jr. were too tired to stay!! What an awesome way to end and already amazing day!! Thank you God for always providing just what we need when we need it!

Arianna walking with her siblings

Olivia catching a ride from her daddy

Arianna and Anna

Arianna was so excited to see her grandpa!! They were both ALL smiles!

Josue in the tree LOL

Arianna, Carman and Diego

Arianna with her siblings

Arianna with all of her siblings and both sets of parents. Couldn't get any better than this!!

Arianna and Padre Antonio

Arianna and Madre Fransisca

The kids playing with Arianna with their new coloring books

Arianna's grandpa didn't want her walking down the steep path so he carried her down on his back:)Got her grandpa wrapped around her little finger!!

Arianna's siblings followed us to the boat launch to say their goodbyes. I could barely hold back the tears and they stooped down and kept telling her bye through the boat window:(

My dancing diva

My little pooper....and he didn't get it from his mama LOL!

SAN ANTONIO PALOPO AND TOOLS

2010-06-18T19:41:00.000-07:00

i returned to San Antonio Palopo today with the family to deliver some tools Lee carried down for David to use in the recovery from Agatha. We also stopped over and helped at the feeding program because we were hoping to obtain more information about the little girl with the cataract. We were able to get her name, age and families' name so now we wait until the mother can be contacted to see if she will be allowed to be treated. I am praying the family will accept the help so she doesn't go blind!! After helping to feed the children we were off to Panajachel!!

Lee made friends with this young guy who works as a street vendor and promised that he would bring him a watch on his next trip. Well I saw him the other day and exchanged numbers with him so we met him today and he got his watch and a backpack!!Daniel was so excited and I am glad he liked them both!!! We were also able to deliver the tools Lee carried down for Ben!! He's working on housing projects so these will come in handy for him!! I was able to deliver formula to Ana Ruth for Josue Daniel too!! She was so excited and very thankful to Amy for her help!!

We enjoyed some pizza at Larazzeroni's and stopped in to talk to the other volunteers before heading home. Now everyone is asleep but me! I am listening to the rain pour as I update the blog. Praying tomorrow will not bring more sad news caused by the rains! We're off to Santiago in the morning to take Arianna to see her grandfather. He was not home on the last visit and she really wants to see him. Praying tomorrow will go smoother!!

Lee and David in San Antonio Palopo with the tools he brought down for him.

This little girl was so adorable with her baby doll strapped to her back! I watched as she undid her wrap and repositioned the baby LOL!! TOO CUTE!

A memorial is built where an entire family remains buried in San Antonio Palopo

Lee Jr. loves helping prepare the food for the children

Handing out horchatte to the children

Olivia handing out fruit to the kids

Lee shows Ben all his new tools he brought down to help with the Agatha recovery!

Ana Ruth received formula for her son Josue Daniel thanks to Amy Ruston and family. She was VERY excited about it as well! THANKS Amy!