Dump Day - May 8

The Tegucigalpa city dump, where people, cattle, and buzzards fight for the same food.  People work and live there.  It is filthy.  The smell is indescribable. People are often sick from rummaging through the garbage and the filth.  And for those that rummage to find something they can sell, they are receiving less money for more product.

Five years ago, regular feeding began in the dump.  A weekly hot meal continues for those that live and work in and near the Tegucigalpa city dump.  These truly are the poorest of the poor.

Feeding is important, but this ministry has gone beyond feeding only.  Several children are now attending school.  Medical care and dental care is being provided to some.  Bible studies.  Bibles are regularly asked for.  And, regularly bought.  Marc has helped with funerals. 

Relationships have been formed.  The people in the dump know Marc and Matt and others will be there every Wednesday.  They know who they can call, when they really need something.

A sixteen year old had her two front teeth pulled in March.  No one, especially a 16 year old girl wants to not have their two front teeth.  We would love to get implants for her.  They are only $600.00. 

In December, we fed 1600 people at the Jesus Banquet, a sit down banquet and these hard working people were served.

Weekly feedings, implants, school, medical care, funerals, the Jesus banquet, all of this takes money.  We only ask for dump funds once a year.  Next Wednesday, May 8, is dump day.  Please pray about making a donation.  A monthly pledge works just as well.  Please join  us in fasting and praying on that day.

Angie is now going to school and no longer working in the dump because of dump funds.

The Jesus Banquet- hundreds were served a meal from one of the best restaurants in Tegucigalpa.

A house in the middle of the dump

Workers in the dump

Working in the dump - a not so great work environment

Ramblings

It has been a hard day.  A really hard day. 

I wrote that blog this morning and was doing ok.  Ok until the first song started in church this morning.  Rosy turned around and saw me crying and had to share that news with Daniela and Cindy.  All three girls were staring at me and I tried to hold it together until the kids left for class.  That did not work out too well for me.

I was glad when the kids left for class.  And, I was glad none of those special songs were sung this morning.

As I reflected during communion, I really lost it.  God is God and I am human and, therein, lies a huge difference.  I love my son so much and would have given my life to save his.  How, o how did God willingly sacrifice His only son for all of lost humanity.  For me, a sinner.  I love my kids more than anything in this world.  And yet, God loves me more than that.  He gave His only son for me.  When thinking of unwillingly losing my son, those thoughts kept running through my mind.  And with the thoughts, a flood of tears.

After church, Marc decided to get me out of here for a while.  We went to Popeye's and then went to the Valley of Angels.  We sat and had a granita.  I probably did not need the caffeine, but I had it any way.

I was drowning in my tears as wave after wave of grief came crashing in on me.  I could not stand up and get my footing before another wave came rolling in and knocked me down again.  But, I think leaving was probably better than being here and curling up in a ball and crying all day.

We had Ryan for almost 20 years.  We were blessed.  Today, I was blessed with all your prayers and kind words and thoughts.  I love you all.  Thank you for lifting our names to the Father and for carrying us in our weakest moments.

Terri

Where Are We Going For Lunch?

When my kids were little, Sunday mornings were a marathon.  By the time I fed them, dressed them, gathered Bibles and diaper bags, and got them loaded in the car, I was exhausted.  I was so thankful for the respite of Bible class as I prepared to do battle in big church.  Making them be quiet, sit down, not take communion, sing when the rest of the church did and not while the preacher was preaching usually felt like battle.  After church, we went home and ate.  I wanted to get everyone fed and down for a nap, including myself, before we started this over for Sunday night.

Rarely, did the thought of going into a restaurant with them enter my mind.  That would have been battle, round 3.  If I ever entertained the thought of us going into a restaurant for a family meal, I just had to remember the vacation in Galveston.  Or the Great Wall.  Fortunately, we drove by The Great Wall to get to church so I was reminded weekly, Marc and I do not take three little kids out to eat.  Maybe never.

As the kids grew and learned to behave better, once in a while, we would go out for lunch on Sunday.  But, at some point at time, we started eating out every Sunday after church.  Those were treasured family times.

After we moved to Columbus,  almost every Sunday, Ryan would slide in beside me just as the first song was beginning.  I am in church to worship and I love singing.  Ryan would look at me, with that great big smile, and say, "where are we going to eat lunch, Mom?"  I usually did not know at time, but I did not want him asking me during church.  Because it irritated me so, he continued to ask every Sunday.

This morning how I wish he would slide in beside me a few seconds after the first song begins and, with his great big smile, ask me where we are going for lunch.  I would smile back and say, "because its your birthday, we will go any where you want."  We might even discus the options and then join in singing again.

 Ryan, I know today you are feasting on a heavenly birthday meal.  I love you and I miss you.

Giddy-Up

I think it is safe to say that our kids do not get bored.  Someone can always think of something new to do.  Two ropes, a tree, and rocking horse that no longer rocks makes a nice new swing.

Is that a smile on Yair's face?

Junco

As summer approaches, I have been thinking about new items for the store.  There will be some new t-shirts.  Some new lenca pieces.  In addition to those things, I was something new, as in different.  I have long wanted some of the junco.  I just did not know where to find it. 

After an internet search, I learned it was made in Santa Barbara.  Melissa is originally from Santa Barbara.  I asked her what she knew about it.  She was sure if we made a trip to Santa Barbara we could find it.  Melissa visited Santa Barbara during Holy Week and she found the lady that makes it.

It was past time for Melissa and I to spend a day together, so today was the day we set for making a road trip to Santa Barbara.   We left early.  Early for Melissa and April.

As we drove past the coffee roasters, it smelled so good, making us both want a good cup of coffee.  We soon stopped for granitas.  This girl has been almost two weeks without coffee.  A granita revved up my engine.

The fuego trees and bougnavillas were the most brilliant colors I have ever seen them.  Once we left the main highway and headed for Santa Barbara, the highway was pocked with pot holes, thus slowing our journey.  Not that we minded.  It is a beautiful drive.  The haziness of the morning made the mountains even more beautiful.  Winding our way into Santa Barbara, it was hot. 

Melissa told me about the legend of the castle.  She said those that go to the castle, do not return.  We did not go to the castle to learn if this was true or not.  She told me how her mother was walking to the hospital when it was time for Melissa to be born.  The mother did not make it to the hospital and Melissa was born in the street.  I am glad I did not know that story as I raced down the mountain to get Melissa to the hospital before April was born.

As we neared Santa Barbara, Melissa' excitement level clearly rose.  And, did it mention it was HOT.  Melissa directed me through El Centro with its narrow winding streets.  She showed me the church and central park, a beautiful church and park.  Then she showed me the street where she was born.   It was just a couple of blocks from the hospital.

Then we began to search for the lady's house to where we going.  Melissa had her phone number and it took several phone call to finally arrive there.

The lady's name is Munda and she is 75 years old.  She has been making junco since she was 7 years old.  Her daughter does not make junco, but embroiders the purses and hats.  They say they are the only people in Santa Barbara still making junco.  It is all made by hand and is pretty labor intensive.  Some pieces take 3-8 days.  Munda says no one wants to put that kind of time into for what they can sell it for.  Munda also has cataracts but is very thankful she has never lost her eyes since she needs them to this work.  If she is the only one that still makes junco, it won't be long until this beautiful are is gone.  Melissa says there are other similar forms, made in other parts of the country, but not made out of junco.

Junco is a type of weaving.  The reeds are small and the weave is tight. 

This is a junco tree.

The dried reeds.

The tool used to weave the reeds together.  To me, it looked like it was bone, but I don't know for sure.

I did not completely understand how the reeds are died, but I gathered it was a lot of work and took some time.

Samples of the finished products

April modeled one of the hats.

It was after 1:00 when we left Munda's house.  When we got to Siquetepeque, we ate at Wendy's and then made our way up and down the mountains of Honduras.  April began to get fussy just before we got home.  By that time, we were all bit a tired.  

Another good day in Honduras.

The New Mission House

I went to see the progress on the new mission house.  Progress is being made daily.

We are still dealing with well, pump and water issues daily and those are being resolved. 

The dining hall is being built now and will soon be ready for the roof.

It is pretty easy to imagine evening devotionals around this fireplace.

The mission house will sustain the new campus.  Dreams are becoming reality.

New Umbrellas

Since school started in February, Josue and Any have to walk to kinder.  An adult always goes with them and goes after them.  Right now it is the hot, dry season.  Did I mention HOT?  It won't be long until it is raining every day.

One day it rained and I walked them home.  I had my umbrella.  I got soaked keeping them dry.

Yesterday when I was in town, I saw two cute little umbrellas.  I decided to buy one for Any and one for Josue.  After the other kids left for school, I took the umbrellas up to them.  I didn't see Josue and gave his to Karen.  I went over to Any's house and told her it was for when she walked to kinder and not to play with.  As I was telling her what it was for, the door opened and in raced this great big blur.  It was Josue running as fast as he could.  He threw his arms around me and said, "gracias, Terri.  Gracias." 

Then Nicole walked in and Any began telling Nicole about her umbrella.  About five minutes later, she looked over at me and said, "gracias."  Then she went back to what she had been doing. 

At 1:15, someone called and said he was at the gate and needed to see me.  I started up and I saw Mirian and the kids leaving for kinder. Both of them had their new umbrellas.  I went back to the house and got my camera and left John waiting at the gate.  He didn't have to wait long.  I got one cute picture.

Josue was holding his way above his head.  If he continued to carry it that way, I am sure his little arms got tired.  Any wanted to carry hers with her face completely covered.  I convinced her to raise it just a little for the picture.  There wasn't any convincing him of  lowering his, not even just a little.

Aren't the cute?  And, off they went to kinder.

A Heavy Heart

I had a wonderful weekend.  Just Marc and I.  It would have been nice to have one more day to sleep late, but that was not to be.  We rose early yesterday and headed for home. 

Safely home by 2:00 p.m.  There is so much to be done on Sunday afternoon.  It is one of my busiest days.  I began plowing through those tasks.  But, I was refreshed and renewed.  Or, so I thought.

This morning I rose early, as always.  I read the first four chapters of Esther and read the daily reading from Jesus Calling, followed by a hard 30 minute work-out.  These are the things I do everyday.  They prepare me for my day and calm my soul. 

I wasn't calm this morning as I began distributing all the money that goes out of here on Monday morning.  I told Marc I wasn't mad at him.  Yet.  But, that he was about the only person on earth with whom I wasn't angry. 

There really wasn't anything anyone had done to me.  Everything on my list was very petty. 


Then a few missteps and miscommunications happened.  This was rapidly getting out of control.  As if anything is really in my control.  Then it was time to start my new mantra.  "I will trust in you Jesus.  I will trust in  you Jesus.  I will trust in You, Jesus."  It calms me every time. 

Then I had some tea.  That helped, too.

Today is payday for my employees.  It takes most of the day to figure payroll and pay the employees.  Karen needed me to help with the children for a bit.  It was during the lunch chaos hour.  I love being with the children. 

When Karen returned and I paid another employee or two, I came back to the house.  It was then I learned of the bombs at the Boston Marathon.  As petty as my little issues seemed this morning, they seemed even more petty in light of that news.  People are facing real issues in Boston.  Two people have died.  Someone's child, or spouse, or parent or sibling or friend.  Unspeakable grief.  Others have lost limbs.  Senselessly. 

My heart is breaking.  And screaming.  I am so angry.  Where oh where in the world is it safe?  Children aren't safe in school.  We are not safe in churches or movie theaters or even when we choose to run a marathon.  Why?  All this killing is senseless.  Pointless.

I had to return to mantra.  "I will trust in You, Jesus.  I will trust in You, Jesus." 

But my heart is still so heavy for all the people who have lost loved ones today.

A Lovely, Though Hot, Day In Copan

I am so glad we chose not to go somewhere hot.  If it was any hotter than it has been in Copan I think I would sweat to death.  I almost have any way.  

Early to bed and late to rise was my motto.  I slept all the way to 7:30.  After breakfast, we walked to the ruins.  We have seen the ruins before and we didn't spend a great amount of time there, but we enjoyed it immensely.

I love the scarlet macaws, the national bird of Honduras

We walked and climbed through the park.  There were hundreds of stairs up and down.  I climbed a few more than I absolutely had to.

I am always amazed at the intricacy of the statues and altars.

 

We walked back to town and bought granitas de cafe.  Can't beat caffeine and cold.

We found a nice little sandwich shop.  We had never eaten there before.  Good and cheap, our favorite requirements.

The afternoon agenda included the hot springs, which we found without a problem this time.

I could not wait to get under that waterfall.  I waded across the river.  That water is boiling hot.  It is coming from a hot spring.  Duh!  Where the hot water and the river met, felt good.  But each step closer to the waterfall got hotter.  Needless to say,  I did not get as close as I had planned.  After all the climbing this morning, it felt really good to put my right knee and leg in the hot water, then the cold water, then the hot a few times.

I also was going to walk across the swinging bridge and go see the spring.

The bridge was closed today and I did not want to see anything bad enough to scale those rocks.  When an old lady begin to take her skirt and blouse off in order not to get them wet, we decided it was time to leave. 

The road out there and back was as fun as the river. 

Another trip to Jim's Copan Pizza.  Ice cream.  And day is done.  And the trip is done.  It is time to go home tomorrow.

I love having a couple of days of relaxation with my husband.

Vacation - Day 1

Yesterday morning we drove out the back gate a few minutes before 8:00.  I breathed a huge sigh of relief.  We stopped for gas.  Stopped to get a tire fixed.  These two things cannot be done at the same place.  We stopped at the airport to use the ATM and drove across Tegucigalpa.  As we left the city, I could feel the tension in my neck shoulders leaving.

We stopped in Siguatepeque for the bathroom and a drink.  I got a big bottle of cold water.  Little did I know how grateful I soon would be for both the bathroom stop and the water.

Everyone knows that Marc and I can't leave and get to our destination without incident. 

This is a mountainous country.  We often see trucks riding the brakes down the steep grades.  And smell their breaks burning.  As we passed one of these trucks, I commented I sure hope that is his brakes burning and not ours.

The good news is it was not our brakes.  It was our clutch. 

For those of you who can't read Spanish, it says Mechanic shop.  And, that is where we spent the next 10 hours.

There was a Texaco station within walking distance.  Marc walked down there.  I sat in the car and texted.  Marc said there was a restaurant next door.  The restaurant claimed to have everything.  Everything but chicken.  And bread.  And tortillas.  And french fries.  And a few other things.  Marc bought a hot dog at the Texaco for himself and chips and a Dr. Pepper for me.  I can't always find a Dr. Pepper in Teguicagalpa and Marc found one out in the middle of nowhere.  I was one happy person.

I have a very old phone.  It only has one game on it.  So, I played pinball for a while.  Then, that book I was talking about in the previous post, I pulled that out and began reading. 

The car was disassembled and the mechanics were sitting around doing nothing and we were sitting around doing nothing.  At 4:00, the mechanic asked Marc if he was going for the part.  Marc said  he didn't think he was since his car was not only broken but disassembled.  Welcome to Honduras.  We paid the mechanic for a new clutch and he left to go buy one.   I was laughing so hard.

The mechanic was a really good mechanic.  His sister and his son worked with him.  He was so kind and patient with both of them.  The sister's name was Heidy.  She had a great big smile on her face the whole.

Sometime about then, before or after, Marc went back to Texaco and bought us some water and a candy bar.  Yep!  It was a nutritious day yesterday.

Fortunately, this mechanic had electricity.  As darkness fell, the hooked up the lights and with a flashlight, continued to reassemble our car.

I finished the book about the time the lights came on.  These four days are about relaxing.  Not quite the picture I envisioned, but I relaxed and read my book. 

At 7:00,  Marc and I walked back to Texaco.  It was closed.  Welcome to Honduras.

About 9:45, the car was put back together and the mechanic took it on a test drive.  Marc said, "well, if the mechanic doesn't steal the car, we will be on our way soon."  My thoughts exactly. 

By 10:00ish we were on our way.  There was no Jim's Copan Pizza for supper last night.  There was no supper last night.  Restaurants and stores close very early in Honduras, even on the highway.  We drove on to Lake Yojoa, which was not a long distance.  Marc knew of a place we could stay there. 

It was a charming little place.  And, I have always wanted to stay at the lake.  We woke up to beautiful views this morning.

Once again, we headed for Copan.  It is dry season.  Much of the country is parched.  But, many places are still lush and green.  What a lovely day for a drive.

Arriving in Copan, at 12:45, we headed directly to Jim's Copan Pizza.  I think we can eat there one more time.

Thank you God, for bringing us to Copan safely.  And thank you for always providing an adventure for us.

Terri

Good Morning.

It is a beautiful morning in Santa Ana, Honduras.  And, it is going to be another great day in Honduras.

In a couple of hours, Marc and I are getting in the car and driving to Copan.  We love Copan.  We could have chosen another place, but this time of year, the other places we could think of are hot. 

I am going to read a good book.  Or two.  Enjoy the beauty of nature that will surround me.  And, maybe stare at the back of my eyelids, something I have grown unaccustomed to doing.  And, of course, eat at Jim's Copan Pizza.  At least once.  We may make one more attempt to find the hot springs.  Previous attempts have been unsuccessful, but we had fun trying.  Whatever we do, I will enjoy. 

We will be back Sunday.  Until then.

Terri

Birth Certificates

When Casa de Esperanza first opened its doors in 2006, we were so excited to start taking kids that we often took kids without all their papers.  IHNFA always promised they would get the papers to us.  We quickly learned that once IHNFA got the kids placed, the papers are not a priority. 

We took several sets of kids without complete papers before we learned to say no.  I don't remember at what point that Karen said we will not take any more kids without their papers.  When we told IHNFA no, they just gave us kids with papers.

Karen has worked diligently trying to getting everyone's birth certificates.  I remember when we got Nohemy's and Josue's.  That was huge.

Reina, Katy, and Fernando came to Casa in October 2006 and Doris joined them in May of 2008.  None of these kids had birth certificates.  IHNFA wrote a letter every year for us stating that they were working on getting the birth certificates.  This allowed us to get the kids in school. 

We knew Fernando had to have the birth certificate before he could graduate from 6th grade.  He is in 5th grade.  This was becoming more urgent to get this completed.

 Then the rules for the school changed and they had to have the birth certificates or  Fernando and Katy would be dropped from school.  Karen, Nicole and I have all explained we were trying.  The director talked to Karen about how important it was he had the kids' birth certificates again earlier this week.

In January, Dorian and the lawyer went to Danli to get the birth certificates.  They got to the point of having them ready to be printed and someone noticed one piece of information was missing on all four kids.  It was too late in the day to do anything about it.

Today Dorian and the lawyer went back to Danli.  Dorian called and said three of the kids were born in Olancho.  Karen and I were thinking they were going to have to go to Olancho, thus further delaying this.

It wasn't long before Dorian called and said he had all four birth certificates.  You may have heard Karen screaming for joy.  This completes the birth certificates.  All 23 kids have birth certificates. 

There were a few surprises.  Reina is 14 not 13.  Katy is 8 turning 9 on Sunday, not 10 and Fernando is 9 turning 10 in May, not soon to be 12.   Katy and Fernando are less than a year apart.  Doris is the age we thought she was and her birthday is the same.

With all 23 birth certificates under lock and key, there are some happy people at Casa de Esperanza tonight.

Terri

Take Me Out To The Ballgame

Most Hondurans would rather play or watch soccer than any other sport.  A good game of baseball can always get my attention.  To watch, not play.

Saturday, the kids got up a game of baseball.  And they used whatever they could find.

 

An old table leg makes a great bat

and broken toys good bases

Daniela, the best athlete we have could hit the ball further than anyone.  Brayan was good, but he is not always a good sport.  Josue had trouble hitting the ball and I talked the older boys into helping him.  Hitting the ball is a lot more fun than striking out all the time.

Some places were not too safe for me and my camera.

We had a nice little cheering section.

Karen and I tried to teach them about balls. 

On Sunday, they removed second base because they said it was too far to run.  Ok, they made up some of their own rules.  But they still had fun.  And, I had fun watching them.

 

The Twins Go To Church

Josue and Olman live in a very secure environment.  In their house with the house parent.  They rarely go anywhere except to a doctor's appointment.  Neither of them does well when a new person enters the house or anything different happens.  Karen has been working hard on getting them outside for an hour a day so they can be around the rest of us and get used to being  around other people.

Olman is, by far, the worst.  He screams and cries and goes running for Mirian no matter who or what walks in the door.

Karen told Mirian is was time for her the twins to start going to church.  This morning was that time.

I was just a few steps behind Mirian when she walked in the church door with Olman.  Someone else had Josue and was right in front of Mirian.  The choir began to sing.  Only it wasn't a choir.  It was Josue and Olman screaming at the top of their lungs.  Olman was red in the face from screaming.  I looked at Marc and he was laughing.  I guess it was a little funny.

Pamela and Karen were able to calm long before Olman.  Olman never did completely stop crying. 

Let's just hope next Sunday is better.

Simple Pleasures Are The Best

Remember how much fun it was to ride in the back of a pickup?  Remember when it was still legal?

Riding in the back of pickup is not illegal in Honduras.  And, I am sometimes amazed at how people are in the backs of some pickups.

Today, both the van and the trooper were out of commission.  This posed a small problem since there was school this morning. 

We don't usually let our kids ride in the back of a pickup, but we  had to get to school.  I drove and Maryuri, Katy and Nohemy rode in the cab with me.  Nicole rode in the back with the other kids.  They were so excited when they realized they were getting to ride in the back.

Their hair was blowing in the wind and from what I could see, and hear, they were having a great time.  I hit a bump a little too hard.  They screamed and bounced around.  Nicole said they were pretty dramatic with that.  The bump was  not really that hard. 

The ones in the front had almost has much fun as the ones in the back.

Monday morning, everyone will be back in the van as the mechanic is here right now. 

Terri

A Day With Reina

When the first of the month rolls around, (which happens frequently) I start thinking about buying the groceries.  Karen and I start thinking of anything else that needs to be done in town.  I thought I would go to town on Monday and buy groceries and the few other things that needed to be done.  The grocery list had not been made, but Dilcia gets in at 8:00 a.m. and was going to make the list and then I could leave.  The problem with that, Dilcia did not make it to work. 

When the Unimerc man came for the monthly order and it wasn't ready, I quickly worked up that order.  I decided I would do the PriceSmart list, too.  I thought I would go to town on Wednesday or Thursday. 

Due to various other things that were out of our control, like no brakes on the car, I wasn't sure when I could go. 

Nicole got home from Teleton on Monday with Reina and said Reina had to go back on Friday for a field trip.  I made arrangements with Marc to have one of the other cars on Thursday and Friday.  Then I decided Reina and I would run the errands after the field trip, thus saving one trip to town. 

Karen laughed and said by the time I rode the field trip bus, I would have some good blog material.

When I have a bunch of errands to do, I leave early and don't stop.  I usually don't eat lunch unless I grab a bag of chips.  I race through the stores.   My goal is mark things off the list and get home.  I am already thinking, taking Reina after a four hour field trip is going to take forever.  There will be many bathroom stops and there will be no racing through any where.  When Reina needs to go to the bathroom, she starts yelling, "pee-pee, pee-pee" and then she starts crying and then it is too late. 

We left here at 6:30 allowing plenty of time to be there at 8:00.  We got to Teleton at 7:40 and went to the bathroom.  I did not know the teacher and did not know where I was supposed to be.  Reina took me to the classroom and people began telling me the group had left.  I was sure I was not hearing correctly.  I was.  There was a serious miscommunication and we were supposed to be there at 7:00 and the group left at 7:30. 

I was thinking this is good for me, but Reina is going to be devastated. 

Almost nothing opens until 10:00.  Except for Wal-Mart.  We went to the mall.  I bought Reina a pastelito de pina ( pineapple fried pie) and I injected more caffeine into my body. 

We got the Wal-Mart stuff done.  And the pharmacy.  There were a few other stores in the mall from which I needed to buy something.  And, it was 10 minutes after 9:00. 

We walked around the mall.  Threw coins in the fountain.   Rode the escalator up and down.  Reina is pretty easily entertained.  At 10:00, I bought gym pants and shoes for the baby.  No trip to the mall is complete without a purchase.  I bought Reina a new shirt.  She absolutely fell in love with the 3rd one we saw. 

She carried her bag to the car and I carried everything else.

She ate her field trip snack as we drove to the hardware store.  That list was fairly long, but we accomplished it quickly.  When we got in the car, she opened her sack and showed me the shirt.

Then to PriceSmart.  The long list.  We ate first.  Pizza.  I let her refill her drink more than once.  Then to the bathroom.   I pushed the flatbed and she pushed the other basket.  Surprisingly, PriceSmart did not take too long for a Friday.  And, Reina was a good helper.  I tipped a guy very nicely to help me get it all to the car.

After we got in the car, Reina opened her bag and showed me the shirt.  Again.  And then she thanked me a couple of times.

I left PriceSmart exactly 5 hours after we left Teleton.  I was kind of thankful we missed the fieldtrip.  Shame on me.  We would have been in afternoon traffic and we might not be home yet.

She fell asleep on the way home.  In her hands, she was clutching the bag. 

We got home and Reina went to show Karen the new shirt and then she came back out to help unload. 

This was a most enjoyable day for both Reina and I.  And, as long as I kept feeding her, she didn't mind missing the field trip.

Terri

New Employee

We have a  new employee.  Actually, we have two new employees.  We hired Nelly to take Reina's place and she is working as the housekeeper/cook in Miran's house.

But, the employee I am really excited about is Deborah.  Karen heard about Deborah.  Nicole set up an interview with her.  She is going to be working four days a week and taking the kids to their Teleton appointments.  She has worked in a special needs orphanage and has a special needs niece.  Nicole liked her from the start.

Nicole has worked one week with her and is even more pleased.  She is very kind and gentle with the kids.

But there is more.  She speaks English.  She has taken classes in administration.  She is good in math.  Is this too good to be true? 

I talked to her this morning and she has agreed to work on Fridays when there is no Teleton appointments.  She going to help me with the never ending inflow of receipts. 

If am dreaming, please don't wake me up.  This is a good dream. 

Terri

Brayan

On March 16, Brayan broke his collarbone.  Today he was playing soccer, which he should not have been.  He took a horrible fall.  I saw the  whole thing.  He landed on the broken collarbone.  Marc took him to the doctor.  They gave him a pain shot and told Marc he needs to return in the morning for x-rays.  Please pray that he did not reinjure anything and that there are no new fractures.

Thanking you in advance for the prayers.

Josue

Today, Josue went to the doctor.  At 16 months, he is all the way up to 17.5 pounds.  He still has a ways to go, but he is getting there.  Sure and steady wins the race.  Vitamins are being changed again.  His height is almost at the bottom of the chart and the weight still is not even on the chart yet.

For the most part, Josue did well.  In any unfamiliar situation, he still goes rigid and cries, making for a long day since everything is an unfamiliar situation.  It was a long day any way.

Josue was a very sweet personality.  As long as he was near Nicole or I, he was content.

Please keep praying for this little one.  Like I said, he has a long way to go.  But praise God he is going.