I have 3 more months left in Ecuador then back to the States. I've been feeling awfully sad and not feeling well the last couple weeks. Last week I woke up unbelievably sad. I don't now what it was. I had particular reason to be sad, I didn't watch any sad movies before going to bed, no one had died; I just sad. I took the next couple days off because maybe I was coming down with a cold and my body needed to rest. Maybe there were some built up emotions I wasn't allowing to get out but they still never came. However, I did sleep for two days so maybe that's all I needed....
This week my stomach has been killing me. It's some sort of gut-wrenching pain that won't subside. I've been drinking a lot of chamomile and honey tea to see if that will help. Isn't there some sort of tea out there that helps with stomach issues? I think so but I don't know which one. I just went with the one that tastes good! Hopefully it helps...
I haven't been spending a whole lot of time with the children lately. I want the volunteers to have their opportunity at the volunteer experience so it's been keeping me distant. Maybe that's why I'm so bummed? I haven't spent a lot of the time with the kiddos.
The children are all doing well and are healthy. Last month we had a Superhero Birthday Party for Martin and Christian. Christian turned 16 and Martin turned 18. We had superhero decorations and funfetti cupcakes. We played a bunch of games but my favorite was showing them all Pie Face. I had brought it back with me to play with the children and the tias. It was a blast! The tias were kind of hesitant but of course Catalina, Ana Maria, Juan Diego, and Amy got right in there. Martin wasn't sure about getting cream in face (he doesn't like getting dirty!) But Jorge and Laura loved it! Jorge busted up laughing when the cream went on his face! I didn't think Laura would do it because she doesn't like getting dirty but when I asked if she wanted to do it, she ripped off her blue poncho and wheeled herself up to the table. She was ready for it! The cream went on her face and she just giggled and continued to eat it. It was great! The boys got some fun gifts; kites, puzzles, notebooks, and colored pencils. The best present was their brand new blue wheelchairs! They loved them!
Also last month, we held the 2nd Annual Fall Ball. All the girls were in dresses and the boys were all in shirt and ties. Everyone looked so nice! We danced, ate cookies, and had a balloon drop. We also crowned a prince, princess, and queen for the dance. The Principe was Martin Chavez, Princesa was Laura, and Senorita de Otono was Jenny. We received a crown, flower, and lollipops. It was a lot of fun to have "prom" again at OSSO.
Next up we have Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Still lots of fun to be had before leaving. Let's just hope I get feeling better and gain a little more umph!
