Hola Amigos,
Yes, it's been a while since I've updated my blog.
The scoop: we arrived back in the U.S. on September 10, 2010. We are here to finish selling our house, so we can return to Guatemala and spend the next 2 years working with the children and families there. This could mean we return in a few weeks...or...several MONTHS!! We ran out of funds at the end of August and cannot continue until our house is sold and we have a balance in our account. Minor details, I know, but...

So...we are here, no money and no jobs, but here. John has secured a job starting next week. He will be driving to Kansas City 3-4 days a week for 12 hour shifts. A steady income...when it arrives, but somehow we will need to pay for the gas for him to get back and forth. I have applied in 3 districts to substitute teach...hopefully that will begin soon. Also, yes, I've applied at Wal-Mart.

Marisol is happy to be back home and every time we see someone we haven't seen for a while she says, "They're going to be so happy to see me. They haven't seen me since I flew to Guatemala." At the same time, she is anxious to get back. She keeps saying that as soon as we get our house sold we'll go back, because everyone there misses us. She also really misses her school.

Last funny Guatemala story before we return: walked Marisol to school, one last time, and thought we'd try crossing in a different spot. It is closer to our destination, but we also walk along the main, 4-lane, road most of the way. So...this day we start out as usual, umbrellas in hand, just in case, and begin our walk. Mind you, Marisol did not bring her rain boots, it's not raining and she got them wet on the inside playing in a puddle in our yard. Couple of blocks from home the rain begins, and it's not a gentle rain, IT'S A MAJOR GUSHER!!!! No problem, open the umbrellas and keep going. NO...this is a sideways, swirling, buckets rain!! We are getting pretty wet anyway. Then John takes Marisol's hand and, unlike my cautious guiding around puddles, he walks her straight through a deep puddle and the water pours into her shoes! As she squishes a few more feet along the road, the cars fly by and COMPLETELY DRENCH US!!! Tidal wave style! Oh, and did I mention, our only clean clothes have been hanging outside for 3 days trying to dry?! Note to self...stick to the old route.

So, for now I thought I'd include pictures of some of the obstacles of our daily walk to and from the children's home in Guatemala. They include the height, and length, of the walking path over the road and, the 4-story bowling pen at the other end of the walkway. And I picture of how the rain got in Marisol's boots.

A huge thank you to all who supported us through prayer, encouragement and donations. We have been bleesed beyond measure by all of you. I would send individual thank you's, but only know the amounts deposited and not who deposited them. Every little bit made our work possible. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!! Love you all and talk soon.

Here are more pictures to go with the previous blog, and smoe shots of the picture John painted on the children's home clinic wall. Enjoy!!

The week has turned around. Got over myself, and went on with life.
Took a day off from the children's home on Tuesday. John was really sick, stomach problems, fever and chills, and I just needed some time to feel sorry for myself and do a little soul searching.

We returned on Wednesday and after some time with the kids all is well. How could you sit holding 2 babies under 2 weeks, while a 2 month old lays on the sofa next to you grinning and not have a great day?! Also, there are the 3 year olds laughing and playing around us. Life, after all, is really good.

Tonight, on the other hand, was, well....not dull. Marisol had a complete meltdown on the walk home in the pouring rain. She stomped in EVERY puddle. Had on rain boots, but managed to stomp in a deep enough puddle to overflow into the boots. Kind of a shocked look on her face and suddenly walking a little more carefully. Couple of more meltdowns when we got home. Can't remember over what, but then she went to our bedroom, closed the door, and all was quiet.

Not a good sign with a 3 1/2 year old. Carefully opened the door and peered into the room. There she sat with 7 stuffed toys and her hair bands/clips box open in front of her. lined up along her mat were about 10 different hair bands. Looking closer I could see she had put hair clips and bands on all the animals ears as they sat patiently in a circle around her. Left the room the way I came, not to dangerous. Made dinner and called her for dinner. She said she couldn't come because she was at a party. Told her to tell her Friends she had to eat and would return after dinner. She arrived at the table with her hair carefully clipped up in back. Said she needed to put it up so it wouldn't get in her spaghetti. Really looked cute.

After dinner she returned to the party and all was quiet again...John's turn to peek in. He smells something and asks if I brought nail polish. I don't remember bringing any. Follow him in, Marisol looks sheepishly up and me and I break out laughing...she has bright red lipstick smeared all around her mouth and nail polish half way down each finger (so I guess I did bring polish, but not remover). Of course, I had to take some pictures (special thanks to Jeri Shumate for letting me use her camera). Then John calls me back into the room and tells me to look down. There sit all 7 stuffed animals in a circle with hair pretties, lipstick and polish on. And, yes, a pig with lipstick is still a pig, but a MIGHTY CUTE ONE!! So is a bear, dog, lamb, duck,..... Okay, I should have been really mad, but what could I do about it now? and it was just so funny.

There is something about spending time with kids that makes it impossible to stay upset! If you're feeling down, find a child and everything will turn around. Enjoy these pictures, they should be a lot more fun than the last ones.

Just a little clarification, in case anyone got the wrong idea about the use of donated money. 300q is equivalent to about $36, for a family of 3. We also spent part of the money on formula, wipes, etc. for the children's home. Didn't mean to sound like we went out and partied as soon as we got a little money. Love you all.

The week started out strange enough. After receiving a donation, we indulged in a meal out. Overpriced taxi driver charged us 80 quetzales for a 40q ride. leaving me 200q and change in cash. Well, we had just checked our account online and were in good shape, so we had dinner knowing we could put it on our debit card. Great meal, Marisol had a wonderful time and got a balloon. Now the bill arrives and I had the waiter my card. He runs it, says, "rejected". I say, "No way!! We've got plenty." Tries again, REJECTED! Tries John's card, REJECTED!! So...I walk to a bank across the mall and try their ATM...balance 0.00q!! NOW what do we do? Return to the restaurant, where Marisol has picked up more than I thought she understood, and is beginning to panic that the police are coming for us (crossed my mind, too!). Starting to recall all those documentaries on foreign prisons, NOT PRETTY!! Bill is 300q and I've got 200q (and change, needed for taxi home). After back and forth discussion with management and a promise to leave John's license and the 200q, and return tomorrow night, we are graciously allowed to leave. Straight home. Check balance online. Still shows no problem. Can't do anything till morning, so spend the night in panic mode. First thing in the morning call bank in the US and are told there is no problem, we have a adequate balance. I walk to an ATM in the early afternoon to try again, so I can call the bank back if needed, and have no problem withdrawing cash. Back to the mall Tuesday night, bargaining with the taxis for a fare rate, pay the bill and eat somewhere else. All's well that ends well. But...are week was just starting...

...Tuesday night 2 new children arrived at the home, a 3 yr. old boy and his 2 yr. old sister. The little girl was extremely emaciated, covered in injuries, some of them very infected. Her legs and arms were like broom sticks, and she could barely carry her own weight. The little boy is in better shape, small for his age, and covered with sores (cigarette burns he tells me, but very bright and a great personality. Marisol and the little boy hit it off and play beautifully together. Marisol is very worried about the little girl and can't understand why a mother would treat a child this way...hard to explain to a 3 1/2 yr. old.

By Thursday the little girl was very listless, not eating, and hardly responding to people, and running a high fever. She did, however, cling to John and I, and trust us to give her medicine. We decided that with her low body weight she could take a turn for the worse very rapidly, so I walked her down to a clinic. The doctor was very upset that she had arrived at the home in this condition, and had not been sent to a hospital first. She gave us medicines to give her, to add to those John had already started her on, and we returned to the home. Her weight was 19 lbs, that of a 12 mo. old. She was wearing sized 6-9 mo. clothes. We were hoping she would see a pediatrician that night, or go to a hospital, but he was in surgery.

Friday morning we arrived at the home and could see a sparkle in her eyes. We were told she was eating a little better, and she even laughed when John tickled her. The plan was for her to see the pediatrician first thing that day. She spent the entire day at the doctor, par for the course waiting in line here. On her return we were told she would be going to a public hospital right away, where the poorest of the poor go and conditions are minimal. She would be in a special unit that brings malnourished children back to health. Her stay would probably be for at least a month. We received a call that evening from Cinthya telling us things were worse than expected...she tested positive for HIV, and God Bless the Children is not allowed to take HIV children. Apparently there are 2 homes that specialize in HIV, and she would eventually be sent to one of those. In the mean time, there are limited nurses at the public hospital, so families are required to have someone there 24/7 to care for the child. With an extremely limited staff, Cinthya and one other person were put on the list to do the care. John has volunteered to do some night shifts if needed. The positive about needing 24/7 care is that she will have someone familiar present at all times and not feel that she was, once again, abandoned. All of the other children will now be tested for HIV.

Thank God for whatever neighbor or passerby called the authorities and got these children help. How can a parent so severely abuse an innocent child?? In spite of all she has been through, the little girl seems to be very intelligent and has not suffered any brain damage from the malnutrition. Sorry the pictures aren't much fun, but this is the reality we face. Please keep her in your prayers.

Thursday started out with a BANG!! The 3 1/2 year old had had a toothache since getting it capped a week ago. We decided it had to be tended to, and with no working cars on hand one of the employee's Dad came to give John, the child and I a ride to the dentist. To say this was traumatic is an understatement!! This is a child who has to be held down by 2 people to have his temperature taken...under his ARM! The last visit to the dentist included both Cinthya and the dentist being bitten and numerous hits and kicks with 3 people holding him. This time it was John and I. After being up all night in pain and taking pain medication, he slept in John's arms the 1 1/2 hours we waited for the dentist to arrive. Of course, having been toilet trained only a few weeks, this also meant wetting all over John's lap. Well, the 2 of us held his upper body and arms, and lower body and legs, soothing him the whole time, and the dentist and nurse worked on the head and mouth. He shrieked hysterically as the dentist pulled the offending tooth, but the moment it dislodged he looked up at the Dr. and said repeatedly, "gracias, gracias, gracias." A happy boy returned to the children's home, sticking close to John and I.

Spent a wonderful Thursday evening with a man and his daughter we met when out to eat several weeks ago. His daughter is Marisol's age and adopted from Vietnam. Marisol was thrilled to have a girl to play with that she could communicate with. He is a teacher from Arkansas, who has lived here 2 years. While the girls played, Lance introduced us to Guatemalan coffee from a friend's finca (coffee plantation). Not being coffee drinkers we were drinking it to be polite, but low and behold, we loved it!! He sent us home with a bag full and we've been enjoying it. After some play time and coffee drinking Lance took us out for a delicious meal. We reallllly appreciated a full meal! Both girls fell asleep in at the table, and we made plans to join them at their home another night for a home-cooked meal.

Friday we arrived at God Bless the Children to our first female resident, a 12 day old little girl. She reminds me of baby pictures of Marisol. It turned into a very busy day, with 3 babies to hold, feed and put to bed, and the little boy to entertain on a rainy day. There is nothing more difficult than keeping him busy in doors. Limited attention span and down time bringing on separation anxieties keep John hopping. However, after Thursday's excitement he had really attached to John and I and needed a lot of holding and cuddling. Were supposed to receive a 1 1/2 yr. old girl and her 2 1/2 yr. old brother, but that plan didn't happen.

This morning we walked the mile or so to a church that Lance goes to, Iglesia Evangelica Jeriel, Edificada Por Dios, Para Edificar Vidas (translated Evangelical Church of Jeriel, Building for God, to build up lives. We really enjoyed the service, including contemporary Christian songs, a baby blessing, and a wonderful lesson-sermon. Don't agree totally with all of their views, but was impressed with the frankness with which they discussed topics like homosexuality and abortion. Also appreciated the fact that above all they preached love for ALL people above any habits or characteristics we might not agree with. Their whole philosophy is about loving the people FIRST. You know, like Jesus did! Not turning ANYONE away for ANY reason, but accepting everyone for who they are, a child of God. The greatest lesson I learned was, we might not all view issues in the same way, but that does not get in the way of respecting everyone!

The rest of the day, after we made the walk home, has been nothing but rain. Glad to be indoors! Made play dough with Marisol and had a great time. Although, coloring it was unique. Apparently food coloring is rare in Guatemala, so someone at the store suggested a concentrated juice people use for cakes. Worked wonderfully, Marisol had chosen orange and it was a really deep, carrot orange. Mental note: bring food coloring next time.

She took herself to bed before 6:30pm and was out like a light. Well, at least until about 7:30pm when she woke in a panic, walking around the room in circles yelling and walking into the glass wall. She kicked and fought as I picked her up and lay with her till her body relaxed. Tends to be a sleep walker and won't remember a thing in the morning.

Sitting her typing I have been watching a opossum walk along the the glass wall of our home, running his nose across the glass. First one direction, and then the other. Guess we have a new resident...

Oh, and I added a picture of Marisol trying to teach the 2 month old to crawl.

Okay, I guess it's time for an update.

Where to start...Sunday we had the best church service ever! Walked about a mile to a church. We haven't been in a month and a half, first friend taking us was a no-show, then the children started arriving and we were on duty 24/7, then got coverage and no one to take us, finally took it into our own hands. Anyway, after Marisol flying around getting dressed up, she was so excited, then walking allll the way, the church was empty. I guess they have services earlier. So, we started back home and it started to downpour. Used a little of our meager money supply to catch a cab home, he was really fair with us and that was nice. On the way home Marisol said we could have church and home. I said, "Where 2 or more are gathered..." And so, she set up all the chairs we have (6), filled them with her stuffed animals, giving each one a book she said was a bible, then compromised and they shared chairs so we could sit down. Got out a contemporary Christian music CD in Spanish and our bibles, and began the service. Marisol opened with prayer and included the children at God Bless the Children. We read some scriptures and Marisol sang from a hymnal, the words were kinda made up, but you could tell it was a worshipful tune. Then she had each of us pray, we played more songs while she did interpretive dance, really cute from a 3 year old, and she kept up with the beat. Then left Papi listening to the rest of the CD and we headed down 3 flights of stairs to the first open garden space.

We spent a good hour in the garden exploring and just enjoying nature. Discovered some spiders and learned what piles of dirt in the middle of the grass mean, step in it and you stir up an angry ant bed, found a monkeyish peat moss creation and bamboo. Garden time ended with us running up the 3 flights of stairs with our chairs on our heads and getting in the door just as the full torrent of rain came down.

After midnight Sunday night I got up to give Marisol some medicine, really congested. As I was getting the medicine I heard a noise behind me and in a dark corner of our living room saw something about 5" long moving. All I could think was tarantula?! Scorpion?! Summoned John out of bed ASAP! On closer inspection discovered it was a CRAB, yes, I said crab!! And no, we aren't anywhere close to the ocean! John used bread tongs to pick it up, and after dropping it a few times through it out the door. Okay, the next second I thought, "Man, we should have cooked that thing." After all, food is scarce right now. Oh well, maybe he'll return with his family and this time I'll be ready. Water's on to boil.

Oh, and hello Scott.

Today was a busy, hands-on kind of day. The 2 month old got 3 vaccinations yesterday and was in pain and running a fever. Needed alot of TLC. The 1 week old acted like a 1 week old and thought he should be fed regularly, can you imagine? The things is when one needed me the other decided within seconds that it was his turn. Also, the 3 1/2 year old has been having a lot of tooth pain and was especially needed today. He kept John on the go all day. Then he decided he needed me to hold him and Marisol decided that was crossing the line, I was HER Mami!! So she climbed up on the other knee and tried to crowd him out. Also, I had a killer headache all day. Overall it was still a fulfilling day, although, I could use another arm or two, and maybe another knee!

Tomorrow the 1 week old goes for his first vaccination!!

Came home exhausted, spent 42 quetzales (about $.50) of the 150 I had to my name, picking up food on the way home, we deserved it. Marisol was in a great mood all evening and as I tucked her in she whispered in my ear, "Mami, I'm sorry I was so mad at God Bless the Children today." Gotta love her. Told her that no matter how much the kids needed me during the day, we'd always come home to her, and she'd always be our favorite little girl.

This is just an addition to the previous post. Wanted to show you the volcanic ash that is still everywhere from the eruption in June. Also, Marisol's first day of school and her in traditional dress she picked out herself. The top is called a juipil and the skirt is a corte. Oh, and another view from inside our home.

Okay, I know it's been a while, and a lot has happened. First of all we moved into our own place, YEAH!!!! We live in the basement of a vacant home, but the place is amazing. I'm including pics I took with my phone, still no camera. The whole back wall is windows and overlooks a tiered garden of at least 5 staired levels. Each level resembles a tropical forest with a little clearing in the middle. The bottom level is a make-shift soccer field that overlooks a tall woody drop off, and you can hear running water below. So far it's rained every evening we've been here, so the one time we went down Marisol and I wore our rain boots (tall grass). Our living area is a straight line: entry/storage area, kitchen, living/dining room, bedroom. Oh yeah, and a step (large step)up bathroom. Out the windows we see hummingbirds and woodpeckers, and swear we hear parrots. Last night I saw something furry, with a long furry tail run past. Don't know if they have squirrels, or if it was something else. Maybe a monkey, jaguar, lemur???

We walk at least a mile to and from the children's home each day, which includes a steep 2-story overpass. We should be in good shape soon. Marisol's been a real trouper, she hasn't complained once about the walk and never asks to be carried. She holds our hands when we cross streets or are in parking lots, because she says we won't be save otherwise. Isn't she a sweetheart?

Good news is when we returned the the US last year we donated our tiny propane stove, tiny refrigerator, table and chairs to God Bless the Children, and they still had them. They moved them here for us on a bus.

Marisol is attending a Spanish speaking preschool, called colegio (college) here. The bonus...she gets English lessons everyday, isn't that a hoot!? The other option was German, but 2 languages is enough. She went to the zoo on the bus Friday and was thrilled...not so much about the zoo, but the bus ride. She comes home beaming everyday.

Big adventure of last week? Spent 10 hours on the streets of Guatemala City with a 3 1/2 year old to stay away from the children's home while a verrrry narrow minded wealthy American and his group were there, because he didn't want us around and threatened to cut funding if we were. Try that on almost no money and with regular downpours! Just trying to find places to sit and shelter. Poor Marisol was exhausted.

Big adventure this week? Decided to attempt home-made pizza in the propane oven, with no temp. settings. It was a disaster, but the family was starved and ate well. It never browned, used home-made cheese from down the street and it ran over the sides and mostly off the pizza, a little doughy, but oh well, live and learn. Marisol was proud of me anyway.

Good news! tomorrow we get a 4 day old baby girl at God Bless the Children. Boy, am I glad I no longer do the night shift. I get to enjoy the baby and go home and sleep! Can't wait to see her. She is coming from Coban, several hours drive.

I added a picture of Marisol and one of the kids playing on rocking horses. Here's the neat thing the horses are also tall chairs when stood on end, and turned over they are desks with pencil holders! Enjoy the pictures and keep in mind they come from a phone.

IT'S FINALLY HAPPENED!!! We have an apartment. We will be staying in the basement apartment of a friend's Dad. They have a beautiful home and lovely garden. Can't wait to spend an evening sitting with my little family. We have searched for a month for a place to stay.

We spent the weekend in a verrrry small, 4 room, hotel that we stay at when we're in town. They actually had hot water in the shower, but after 1/2 a bath I turned it off and went back to cold. I guess I got used to it and preferred the cold. When we come the staff all know Marisol and come out to greet her and come out when we leave to say goodbye to her. It's extremely close to the airport, so the planes shake the room. Marisol loves it and runs out to see them go over. Every morning they bring us a home made breakfast. Marisol looks forward to it, so do I.

Saw some Headline news. Nothing really big new in the US. They also had several kids channels, which Marisol enjoyed. At the home we have a TV with rabbit ears and catch 3 channels, sometimes. Ahhh, the pleasure of modern conveniences.

Took in the children's museum. Lots of hands on activities for Marisol. She got to stand inside a huge bubble, grocery shop in a little kids grocery store, play with legos, etc. She enjoyed it, but was still a little dragging from a rough week. Fell asleep in the cab on our way back to the hotel. Picked up some supplies for the children's home at a large grocery store. Mostly just spent some much needed time together.

Monday morning Marisol was off on her first day of school. They call it colegio here. She is in a Spanish speaking preschool so she can pick up the language. She has the choice to sign up for a foreign language, English or German. We opted for the English. We figured 2 languages were enough for now. She has gym on Tuesdays and Thursday. She seems to really love school and it's another time away from competing with other children for her parents attention. Her class goes to the zoo Friday and she is most excited about getting to ride the bus.

We go see our new apartment tomorrow afternoon while the other kids take their naps. Marisol can't wait! I told John all I need is a bed, sofa and TV and I'm good to go! God Bless the Children still has the tiny stove and refrigerator we donated last year after living in San Martin Jilotepeque, and we'll us those. A table would probably be good, but not essential.

Today was the rainiest yet. It poured all day. Picked Marisol up from school carrying umbrellas and got soaked walking home in the afternoon. I can here the rain on the roof as I type. Rainy days are difficult for our 3 1/2 year old boy. If he is not kept busy outside he begins to moan, rock, and start calling for people he is not with. It is a challenge to keep him preoccupied as he has a limited attention span and fixates on one issue for a long time. Managed to keep him going until late afternoon, then it was hit and miss until bedtime. Outdoor play at least gives us a chance to sit and watch the children play every once in a while, but indoors we have to constantly be on our feet coming up with new ways to keep him stimulated.

Love the baby, but am definitely looking forward to sleeping through the night. When we move into our apartment a nanny takes over night duty, Yeah!!

Baby's back in bed, better sleep while I can. Here's to hoping a camera arrives.

Well, we traveled to San Martin Jilotepeque, Chimaltenango, Guatemala for the weekend, jumping on a bus to Chimal in Guatemala City, then spotting a San Martin bus (very rare), swithing buses and taking a more or less direct to San Martin. Did have to switch buses in Chimal, because the one we were on went by way of several other communities before heading in, so they dropped us right at the other bus. The easiest we've ever make the trip! Still a good 2 hours, and the Chimal to San Martin was up and down the mountain. The damage from mudslides was obvious, including parts of the road washed out. So, the ride was pumpier than usual. Able to get some photos using my phone. Oh, and lost my Guate phone on the way.

We stayed at our usual hotel. No hot water, a sack of lumps for a pillow and thread bare sheets, but the people are like old friends so we felt at home. After settling in we took a TukTuk (3-wheel vehical) to our old house. It is now a store! When our neighbors spotted us the kids yelled, "Marisol!" and the whole neighborhood came running to see her, oh, and us. Our neighbor had a baby boy since we were there last, Justin David, and the girls, Rosita and Carol were thrilled to take us home to see him.

On Saturday we tried in vain to reach the one church contact we have there. Then shopped the market for clothes and toys for the children's home. Spent the afternoon and evening with our old neighbors. The town was celebrating a TukTuk anniversary, so we walked down to watch the TukTuk parade. They were all decorated like different businesses (a banana split, bakery, cable, etc)and covered with balloons. We all ate ice cream and the TukTuks threw candy. Marisol was thrilled and filled her pockets with 5 whole pieces! Got caught in a downpour on our way back to the hotel, par for the course.

That night the TukTuk dance was across the street from our hotel room. No air conditioning, so no closed windows. A big rain storm hit and for about an hour the lights came on and went off, with the lights the crowd at the danced screamed then quieted, then screamed again, over and over. We laid in our room all 3 of us just laughing. Then the lights went out for good, and when the lights go our there is no water, since they use electric pumps. Washing up the next morning was a challenge, wet wipes and bottled water. Cooking was not disturbed as they all use open flames.

Sunday is the real market day, and buses, trucks, vans, motorcycles and by foot the people arrive from the small villages in the mountain. The small city is jam packed and walking is a challenge. During the week the market is pretty much every day needs, but on market day, you name it, you can get it there. Want meat? How? Cut up and hanging on a hook, dried, on the hoof.

Spent some time at the market, grabbed some lunch at the stands, paid for our hotel and jumped the next bus headed back to Guatemala City, standing room only. Still no electricity or water wehn we left. John and I have learned to put our hands on the seat bar in front of us so as we bump along Marisol's head smashes into us and not the bar. The seats are built for 2, but sit 3 each. Children on your lap ride free, so all children are squeezed onto laps. the remaining people stand in the isle or hang out the door. Marisol handles it all in stride, but the return trip she talked NON-STOP!!! I kept thiinking her mouth would get tired, but she was still going when we got home. Pushed our way off at the last stop and hopped in a Taxi to the children's home. Dropped our stuff at the home and went out for a dinner, just the three of us, before going back to 24/7 child care. Great trip, but a little worn down.

While in San Martin Jilotepeque we asked the people we knew about how Tioxia, the remote mountain village where our church is located, fared in the aftermath of Hurricane Agatha. We were told that they were some of the hardest hit. They lost a lot of livestock, which is like gold here, lost most crops, and a house collapsed on a mother and daughter. The mother made it out, but the little girl was killed. For a people who make the equivalent of $5 a week, rebuilding will be very difficult. Our neighbors told us that they have all been in tears, because everyone knows someone who was effected. We continue to pray for the people of the area and plan to return soon. The house is quiet, everyone is temporarily asleep. Ahhh, peace. Love to all,

Our littlest baby is now sleeping for 3 hour stretches at night. He is a very good baby: eats, sleeps and looks around. Marisol likes to pick his clothes and diapers. She wants to see his poop, but then runs off saying gross.

the 3 1/2 year old boy is still have a hard time adjusting. He is delayed in every area and can not understand that he will not see the only person he has known as Mami again. It appears that everything was done for him and he has no idea how to dress, eat with fork or spoon, drink from a cup or hold a conversation. He is content to swing for hours and begins to cry for Mama when every he does not get what he wants or has to be in the house. Luckily we have had longer stretches without rain the last couple of days so he and Marisol could play outdoors.

It has been in the low 60's the last 3 nights and the breeze during the day in nice and cool. All laundry is washed in a cement tub out back and hug around the yard to dry. Intermittent rain makes getting clean laundry very difficult. There is a washer and dryer in the home, but no one knows how to hook them up. When the number of children grows there will be daily laundry and hand washing will be out of the question. We do not want the staff to be responsible for ours and are looking for someone we can hire for that. In the mean time we are out of clothes.

We do not yet have a place to live but continue to look. Marisol realllly needs some only family time. Her emotions are up and down and sometimes she just wants Mami or Papi. We are hoping to have someone cover this weekend so we can take a break and take 2 buses to San Martin Jilotepeque, Chimaltenango, where we lived last summer, and see how all of are Friends are doing, and how much damage there was from mudslides. We will be dropped at a very busy highway intersection, where we will wait and run when a bus going our direction comes through. Then when we reach Chimaltenango we run to catch one of only 2 buses that heads on up the mountain each day to San Martin. Then we will get a room at the only hotel in town and hope it is a weekend that they have water, hot is out of the question.

We celebrated another staff birthday today. The children loved it! Here they sing Sapo Verde to you, Sapo Verde to you. Translated Green Frog to you. Followed be a traditional Spanish song. The kids sing it over and over on the swings, and laugh and clap when we sing it. We gathered for tostadas with a red sauce and grated cheese or refried black beans, followed by cake.

We have received an abundance of material donations and it is all greatly appreciated, but it will be of little use if we can not pay the rent and salaries. It would mean so much if anyone could donate any small amount or even a monthly donation. It is greatly needed and would further the work the the children's home, www.godblessthechildren.org. Below is the information for donations. You can mail it to the Bank or take the info to any Bank of America bank to deposit money in their account:
Bank of America, N.A.
New York, New York 10001 USA

ABA: 026009593
SWIFT: BOFAUS3N

To be deposited to the account No. 1901734945
In the name of:
Banco G & T Continental
6a Avenida 9-08 zona 9
Guatemala, Centro America
Contact: Lorena Luna
Phone: 001-502-23386801 or 001-502-23386868
SWIFT: GTCOGTGC
For further credit to:55-2800008-1
In the name of: Cinthya Vallefo Morales


A Friend has put out a plea for the donation of a camera to replace the one Marisol broke, and may have found someone who will send us one. You may joke about snail mail, but we are talking 3-4 weeks at least, so sorry about the lack of pictures.

John is feeding our tiniest baby as we speak, so I can finish up this blog. I will update you all when we return from San Martin Jilotepaque as to how the people are doing and the adventures along the way.

I better go help John with the children. Love to everyone,

Hello everyone! Sorry I haven't gotten back sooner. I has been a hectic few days. We looked at an apartment...but it comes with an older woman...nice place, but the concept is to give Marisol a place to be alone with just her family after a full day working with a home full of staff and children. The women was very nice, but I dn't know how much she would want to visit, and I like some down time in the evening, and we would be using bedrooms in her home with no real space of our own. Maybe we're to picky, but we'll keep looking.

Our second little boy arrived yesterday, and there is nothing more heart wrenching than sitting with a young child for 2 days that wants his Mami and has no concept of why he is not going back to her. Dropped here with just the clothes on his back and no piece of home for security. In between tears and begging for Mami, he and Marisol have a great time together. They play outdoors in the yard as much as possible, until the daily rains start up again. Then there are the quieter times indoors when the tears well up. John has been amazing with him! He plays with him (DID A CARTWHEEL IN THE YARD!! new pains), sits and holds him, changes his diapers and bathes him.

Cinthya took the children our for the afternoon and gave us a chance to spen some time with just Marisol. It was nice...when the rain slowed down we walked the the corner store for ice cream and then just enjoyed each others company. The down side was the little boy going in a car. He was sure he was going home and you couldn't convince him otherwise. He came back and the tears didn't stop, except while in John's arms, until he went to sleep.

Until a weekend and evening nanny are hired we have 24/7 duty and I am up every 2 hours with the baby. I think my body wants to shut down...but the break today really helped.

We've had wonderful emotional and Spiritual support from our freinds, family and church brothers and sisters from far North America to South America and Argentina. They keep us grounded and at peace that we are where we are meant to be and no negative input can keep us from Christ's work.

One last note...Marisol tested out my camera before bed and dropped it. There may be no pictures for a while.

It has been an amazing day! We all went to bed last night feeling a little defeated...funds were not coming in and it was one problem after another, but today is a new day!

First thing in the morning Cynthia Vallejo, God Bless the Children's founder, picked up John and the two headed out to a wharehouse where they picked up an abundance of soaps, diapers, food, and other goods donated by the wharehouse. They said we could have all we wanted if we came with a bigger vehicle...tomorrow they take a truck!Cynthia had helped there organization a month ago and they called out of the blue to offer supplies. All hands on deck to unload Cynthia's SUV. Marisol put herself in charge of all 48 boxes of cereal, loading them in Luvia's arms and carrying them herself.

While they were gone I received word that donations had come in to help John, Marisol and I with our expenses, and a couple showed up at the children's home wanting a tour. Following the tour they offered to donate medication to be used in the remote communities that are helped by our organization.

Wait...there's more!!Today was Luvia's Birthday. She is the cook and housekeeper. So...we had cake and tea, and sang songs to celebrate. Marisol was thrilled! As we celebrated we received more news...our first baby was to arrive today!!

We were not to be certified for at least another week, but the judge insisted the baby come here because we were the experts with new babies. What a surprise!!! Jose Edwin, 23 days old arrived at 5pm into the loving arms of the entire staff. My blog is late since I spent the evening rocking, feeding, changing, bathing, and burbing. He sleeps like a baby as we speak. Marisol is a great helper. She picks his clothes, rubs lotion on his belly, and attempted to feed him. He is beautiful and very alert. I was the first to receive him into my arms and as I talked to him he smiled contentedly.

Tomorrow we look at an apartment at 11am, but will delay moving in until Jose has settled into a routine and I have trained a night nanny. Marisol loves Jose, but needs a little me time. She switches between loving helper and sudden tears. But the tears are few and far between. A simple hug and being given an important responsibility brings her back to smiles.

Our cup runneth over...we have been greatly blessed this day and will continue to grow as our hearts are filled.

Spent the day organizing the girls room of the children's home. going through donated clothing and sorting it by size. The rain continues...Saw a note on TV about Vocano Pacaya erupting again, hope to hear more tonight. Marisol spent the day having a tea party with her stuffed animals and pretending to send emails to everyone in the office. She is just tall enough, standing on the stairs to peek into the office and she passes books through the window saying they are emails.

We have our first resident in "God Bless the Children." It is a little stray dog, they named Benji. Marisol is crazy about him and loves to play chase around the yard. Since homes are walled in here and there is no air conditioning, the front door often stays open and she has the run of the yard. She is back to no shoes 90% of the time, unless required for a trip away from the home.

Tomorrow we look at 2 possible apartments to stay in while working here. It will be nice to have our own place.

Well...here we are on day 3 and the rain continues to fall. We are stuck indoors with no transportation and no key to the facility if we leave. We won't see anyone else until at least 3pm. Oh well, make the best of it. We'll watch World cup Soccer and root for Espana. Marisol is building a mountain out of sofa cusions and bedroom pillows. Still no place to live, but we'll start a search tomorrow.