Just Me & My Kiddos...

I woke up early enough to help out downstairs. Katie made her way down as well so I hung out in Milagros helping them. Martin wanted to do something fun today so I told him I would come down in the afternoon and we would do something fun. Katie and the volunteers were going to HPT so I stayed back to hang out with my kiddos. Katie is leaving in May so this was an opportunity for the children to make a goodbye card and gift for her. It was cold so we decided to hang out in the Girasol for the afternoon. There was Martin, Christian, Nancy, Laura, and Bryan. I took my phone down and we listened to Enrique Iglesias. Nancy loved playing with my phone and changing the song every second! Martin and I were annoyed! Martin, Nancy, and Laura made bracelets and goodbye cards for Katie. I made Easter cards for our volunteers. I put together Easter baskets that had little treats, chocolate milk, soda, and a notebook in them. I thought it would be a nice gesture to remind them of home, which it did! It was such a nice afternoon hanging out with some of my kids, alone. We chatted and laughed until it hurt. I love these kids and the moments we share. Laura was going off talking to herself, Bryan and I lost it! I love it when Bryan is happy and is able to smile and laugh. It was such a good day! This is what makes it worth it for me to stay... these precious moments!

My 1st Date...

We took the children to the park today. And as always, we played soccer! The other volunteers weren't too into it but I know the children LOVE playing, especially Martin, so I did my best to make it fun for them all. I did end up beaming Cosme in the arm with the ball but that's minor compared to my other soccer playing injuries! Manuel has been by far the best hit. Oh! And Mateo at HML when Klever blocked my kick into the goal and the ball took out Mateo. We all laughed about it so I don't feel too bad!

After the park, we had an Easter egg hunt at the orphanage. Since there is no such thing as plastic eggs here, Katie made paper mache eggs for each child. They were filled with little candy treats. All the children loved looking for their egg and then smashing it.

Martin was talking about getting pizza so I told him to ask Laura if we could go. It was a holiday (Good Friday) but Laura came into to help. He asked Laura and she said yes. We were all very excited! I finally got to go on a date... with Martin! The volunteers (Amy, Angie, and Sam) came with us. We loaded Martin in the front seat of the taxi and us 4 girls squished in the back seat. Martin, Amy, and I shared a BBQ pizza and garlic knots. Martin of course got a Coke! We went to Fabiano's where it is expat central! They had a bunch of 80's music videos playing on the televisions. It was great! I was singing just about every song and Martin was glued to the tv. I told him this is the best way to learn about American culture! Bon Jovi came on a couple times. Martin likes him more with long hair! "Thank You For Loving Me" came on and I told Martin I was going to sing this to him when it was my time to go back to the States. He just laughed! Martin had a great time out with the girls and I had a great time with Martin. I sure do love that kid!

Just Another Day...

We received a couple yesterday, Brigham and Vanessa Lindsay, so I was able to be in Casa Esperanza this morning. I miss working shift! Esperanza is my home so it was good being in there this morning. The Lindsay's are doing awesome. They are both full of energy and willing to get to work. The Milagros boys LOVE it went men come to visit. Martin kept Brigham busy all morning with puzzles. They're doing great and I'm happy to have them here, if only it is for a one week.

Lucy was of course being sassy but I absolutely love it when she knows I am there. She likes to tease me but her smile and laughs make my heart melt. I love that girl with all my heart! Martin was zoned out this morning but by lunch he was laughing and screaming. I do love Martin's smile and when he laughs. Maria Jose was happy today. She has the sweetest smile. She is a definite angel sent from above. Gabi was sad today. I don't think she is feeling very well but I got to hold her for a little bit. I love my snuggle time with Gabs! Nothing new with Vanessa and Edi. Vanessa still is very content just doing nothing and Edi sitll gets mad when you stop walking and feeding him. I think it's pretty funny. But all my kiddos are doing well. I just love them all!

Big Bryan was giving me hugs today. He's not feeling very well so he was in bed majority of this morning. I went in to talk to him at lunch and he was giving me hugs as I layed on his stomach. It was sweet! I love this kid. He is so dang smart and full of life. It saddens me of the physical limitations he has been born with. He's amazing!

Life is good though. Other than our visitors, only Angie, Sam, and Amy are left here. They leave in May and then after they leave, the summer rush hits. It'll be nice to have a busy time because come this fall, it will be slow again.

I love life. I love being here.

Salsa Dance Lesson...

The Spanish school we were going to, Simon Bolivar, offered salsa dance lessons on Wednesday nights. Well, one Wednesday night we decided to take them up on their offer. It was hilarious! We all caught on pretty well but definitely not up to Latin standards. We were sad to have to change Spanish schools because we were looking forward to coming back and learning more! Dang it!

 

Kirstin * Javier * Katie * Angie * Amy * Sam * Michael

Funny moments: Michael is from Germany. Angie and Amy were calling him Bradly Cooper! It's not a very good picture of him but I could see the resemblance. 

We began dancing outside but then it started raining a little bit. Javier asked us if the rain was bothering us and we all answered no! He looked a little nervous and asked again... Angie blurted back with sass, "Is the rain bothering you?" I couldn't stop laughing and then we continued inside!

Sam thought she was hot stuff, Shakira or something! We were all laughing at her because Javier had to keep telling her to stop and wait for his commands instead of just assuming what was next. She never got the point!

Park Day...

Today I went to the park with some of the children. It's been raining a lot lately, must be the rainy season! So we took our chances and went to the park for a couple hours in the afternoon. There was Vanessa, Lucy, Martin B., Antony, Roman, Cosme, Cristian, Dayana, Dome, Manuel, and Bryancito. I was in charge of Lucy. I haven't been hanging out with the children as much so it was nice to be able to spend some time with them without all of the volunteers around. Lucy was being so funny! She's actually been in a really good mood lately. She was being a big tease but then would hold my hand and lay on my arm... until she wanted to bite it! Such a big tease!

The children got new wheelchairs this past week so I was trying to figure out the legs on Lucy's chair. I put them down so she could rest her legs on them. I turned to talk to Martin and then turned back at Lucy and her chair legs were up. I was so confused. I bent down to look at the lever to make sure it was working properly and then Lucy swung her leg up, making the chair leg go up. She smiled and laughed. I put the chair leg down and then up it went. It was a game to Lucy. Down I put it and up it went with her leg. A game and good therapy! She would just smile and laugh. She knew what she was doing. Lucy is so smart and always knows what is going on. I love this girl so much!

Martin wasn't feeling so good but Cosme has been so much fun recently. My guess is his medication got lowered so he's a little more with it now. He hasn't had seizures in awhile so my guess that medication got lowered. He's been so verbal this past week. Even though it's just a bunch of "hmm hmm hmm", he's always doing it. At the park he was smiling lots and even giggling to himself. It was adorable! This is the most responsive I've seen Cosme since I've been here. It's been great!

Although the park wasn't too exciting since we didn't play soccer or anything, it was still a great park day! I loved hanging out with Martin, Cosme, and Lucy. I just love these kids. They are my whole heart.

Quick Trip to Hat Factory...

 

 

There's no such thing as graffiti here in Cuenca... it's pure art!

Putting Amy to work!

Amy * Sam * Hailey * Kirstin