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.