Now I no longer have to type on a computer with crumbs stuck in the keys, no battery, and missing the letter A.
So here are some recent pictures, One question "When did this little girl grow up?"
Sunday, September 28, 2008
And we're back
Thanks to my wonderful husband, and our great friend "The Bean", I am back up and running.
Now I no longer have to type on a computer with crumbs stuck in the keys, no battery, and missing the letter A.
So here are some recent pictures, One question "When did this little girl grow up?"
Now I no longer have to type on a computer with crumbs stuck in the keys, no battery, and missing the letter A.
So here are some recent pictures, One question "When did this little girl grow up?"
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Still here, still disconnected, but with an urgent message
Now that Guatemala has halted adoptions there is nowhere for the orphans to go. Babies are being left in grocery stores, children roam the streets looking for food. People who had orphanages and cared for these children have sent the kids away or simply put them on the streets and closed their doors because they are not making money any more.
My friends Julia and Kerry have started a missionary called Global Orphan Team and right now they are focused on the orphans of Guatemala. GOT has already made two trips to Guatemala and distributed countless items and food to the orphans.
She said that the orphanages she went to didn't even ask for clothes or toys or toiletries. They need food just to keep these children alive.Global Orphan Team is giving me the chance to help these children. All of the money you donate will go towards helping these children survive. They are a non-profit organization and can give you a receipt for any donation that you make.Please go to JuJu's Blog and read her post and seriously consider donating. I don't like asking people to donate money but this is something that I truley support and will support forever. These ladies are doing something amazing.
I often think of what Liv's life would be like if she had not been adopted. Would she be living on the street, begging for money. Or would she be with her older brother and sister scavanging through the garbage dump trying to find food. Luckly we'll never know, but for thousands of children this is their reality.
So please empty your jar of change, and donate it. Or use your weekly coffee money, every little bit helps!!!
http://www.globalorphanteam.com/
My friends Julia and Kerry have started a missionary called Global Orphan Team and right now they are focused on the orphans of Guatemala. GOT has already made two trips to Guatemala and distributed countless items and food to the orphans.
She said that the orphanages she went to didn't even ask for clothes or toys or toiletries. They need food just to keep these children alive.Global Orphan Team is giving me the chance to help these children. All of the money you donate will go towards helping these children survive. They are a non-profit organization and can give you a receipt for any donation that you make.Please go to JuJu's Blog and read her post and seriously consider donating. I don't like asking people to donate money but this is something that I truley support and will support forever. These ladies are doing something amazing.
I often think of what Liv's life would be like if she had not been adopted. Would she be living on the street, begging for money. Or would she be with her older brother and sister scavanging through the garbage dump trying to find food. Luckly we'll never know, but for thousands of children this is their reality.
So please empty your jar of change, and donate it. Or use your weekly coffee money, every little bit helps!!!
http://www.globalorphanteam.com/
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Out of Order
My computer has offically passed on, pause for a moment of silence!!!!
That virus really got it and even with all my tlc I could not save it.
So I am left to try and check emails from Vinay's computer, or at my Mom's. Hopefully I will be able to get my new comptuer sometime this week, or next. Sorry to all my faithfull readers, and fellow blog friends. I miss you guys and hope to return soon!!!!!!!!!!!
That virus really got it and even with all my tlc I could not save it.
So I am left to try and check emails from Vinay's computer, or at my Mom's. Hopefully I will be able to get my new comptuer sometime this week, or next. Sorry to all my faithfull readers, and fellow blog friends. I miss you guys and hope to return soon!!!!!!!!!!!
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
Day 4, The Widow
You are probably sick of reading about how great Casa Angelina is, but it really is that wonderful, and anyone who knows me, knows that I am a skeptical about everything. Another example of the wonderful things that happen around Casa Angelina, is the way it helps the surrounding village. Tuluche is your typical Mayan village. Dirt roads, tin shanty's, and farmland.
The staff had heard about a Widow living in the village who was 82 years old, and living in the worst of conditions. Her house was made out of cornstalks for the walls and a tin roof. She had an open fire pit within the house, that she used for cooking. There was no chimney. So she was essentially living in a closed fireplace.
Casa Angelina raised the funds to built this poor woman a safer home, made of cement, with a real cooking stove, and a functional bathroom, which she did not have. They also dug her a well so that she could have clean water.
On day 4 after working, painting, and sewing. We walked down the dirt road to visit with the widow. Unfortunately I can't remember her name and neither can my aunt.
The road up to the village. On the road we passed a church, a tiny school, and even a little store. The road is torturous, the Widow is no longer able to make it to church, because of the road.
What is this, a walking cornstalk? No it is a man carrying all of that on his back. Walking down this dangerous road with this strapped to his back. He will then board a bus and bring this to market to try to sell it. Most likely for less than 2 dollars, for all that work.
Corn growing in front of the Widows house.
This is the Widows daughters house, on the right, that is the only sink, for washing clothes, dishes, and bodies.
Here she comes on the left, out of her house, the sweetest lady I ever met. That is her new house with the open door, to the left is her little bathroom.
She was so proud of her little house, with it's hand painted bed, a small wood burning stove, a few pots and pans, and one chair.
Here is a broom I saw outside. I will never complain about vacuuming again.
Here she stands on the left, with her granddaughter in the middle and her daughter on the right. Three generations. I can not fathom the hardships these woman have endured. If you look closely at the Widow's hands, you can see how large they are, from years of hard work.
She was so happy we visited her she sang a song for us. We all gave her a little money and some food before we left. I wish we could have spent more time there.
It was so inspiring to me to meet this woman, she was so filled with happiness and love and yet she had so little. But what little she had was the world to her.
The staff had heard about a Widow living in the village who was 82 years old, and living in the worst of conditions. Her house was made out of cornstalks for the walls and a tin roof. She had an open fire pit within the house, that she used for cooking. There was no chimney. So she was essentially living in a closed fireplace.
Casa Angelina raised the funds to built this poor woman a safer home, made of cement, with a real cooking stove, and a functional bathroom, which she did not have. They also dug her a well so that she could have clean water.
On day 4 after working, painting, and sewing. We walked down the dirt road to visit with the widow. Unfortunately I can't remember her name and neither can my aunt.
The road up to the village. On the road we passed a church, a tiny school, and even a little store. The road is torturous, the Widow is no longer able to make it to church, because of the road.
What is this, a walking cornstalk? No it is a man carrying all of that on his back. Walking down this dangerous road with this strapped to his back. He will then board a bus and bring this to market to try to sell it. Most likely for less than 2 dollars, for all that work.
Corn growing in front of the Widows house.
This is the Widows daughters house, on the right, that is the only sink, for washing clothes, dishes, and bodies.
Here she comes on the left, out of her house, the sweetest lady I ever met. That is her new house with the open door, to the left is her little bathroom.
She was so proud of her little house, with it's hand painted bed, a small wood burning stove, a few pots and pans, and one chair.
Here is a broom I saw outside. I will never complain about vacuuming again.
Here she stands on the left, with her granddaughter in the middle and her daughter on the right. Three generations. I can not fathom the hardships these woman have endured. If you look closely at the Widow's hands, you can see how large they are, from years of hard work.She was so happy we visited her she sang a song for us. We all gave her a little money and some food before we left. I wish we could have spent more time there.
It was so inspiring to me to meet this woman, she was so filled with happiness and love and yet she had so little. But what little she had was the world to her.
Sunday, September 07, 2008
The one with the end before the middle!!
OK I know I shouldn't do this, but I have been working on this montage for Vinay's work, and I finally finished it, so I had to share!!
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Day 3, So many stories with a happy ending
Casa Angelina is an 18 acre sanctuary. On day three Jeremy picked us up and then we went to pick up the rest of the team who were staying at a hotel a few blocks away. The ride to the Orphanage is north up the main highway. You pass coffee plantations, small Mayan villages, various farms and you go thru the town of Chimaltenango. It took about 40 minutes to get there.
Upon first entering the gates, I was just astonished at how utterly beautiful the view is from up there. I'm not sure of the altitude but it is pretty high up. Some of the team members were feeling the altitude, short of breath, headache, but luckily I didn't feel it. The air is so clear and sweet up there, and the weather was perfect. Warm in the sun but the air was cool.
Casa Angelina is made up of different houses in which the children live. There are about 10-15 children in one house with 2 house parents. This makes for more of a home environment, and the kids can get more individualized attention. They have an on site nurse at the clinic, and a full time psychologist who sees each child at least 2 times a week.
One of the incredible views!!!
The kids playground and more of the view.
When we first arrived, the toddlers were so happy to see us.
In the middle is Wendy. This little girl stole my heart, she would not smile for the camera at first.
But after awhile she couldn't stop smiling. Wendy Maritza, on the left, came to the orphanage with her little sister, and older brother. Their father use to strangle them when he was mad. So many heartbreaking stories. Johanna on the right is 7 years old but she is the size of a 4 year old. She was so malnourished, she had to be fed only liquids when she arrived. Now both girls are happy and safe.
My Aunt holding baby Laila. Laila and her 3 older siblings were abandoned in the Guatemala City garbage dump. The oldest Sister, 10year old Mercedes, was taking care of them all and feeding little Laila coffee and soda. This poor little girl was 10 months old when she got here but was the size of a 4 month old. Now she is plump and growing rapidly along with her older siblings. Thank God they were rescued and sent to Casa Angelina!!!
My Aunt sewing some uniform skirts for the girls.
Home made tortillas, and Azucena, who is 14, and just the sweetest girl ever. She was always laughing.
Part of the wall I painted
Upon first entering the gates, I was just astonished at how utterly beautiful the view is from up there. I'm not sure of the altitude but it is pretty high up. Some of the team members were feeling the altitude, short of breath, headache, but luckily I didn't feel it. The air is so clear and sweet up there, and the weather was perfect. Warm in the sun but the air was cool.
Casa Angelina is made up of different houses in which the children live. There are about 10-15 children in one house with 2 house parents. This makes for more of a home environment, and the kids can get more individualized attention. They have an on site nurse at the clinic, and a full time psychologist who sees each child at least 2 times a week.
Casa Angelina has never done adoptions. Most of their children have no living relative to sign paperwork, or do DNA testing for adoption. And most are older children and sibling groups, that are hard to place. Instead they are saving these children and raising them like one big family.
After that first day I had renewed hope for the lost children of Guatemala. There is a wonderful place for them to go and it is being built from the ground. If only every orphan could be loved and cared for the way these children are.
Each child had their own nice quilt on their bed, and stuffed animals, and toys in the home. There was true laughter, love and a sense of family. It was so nice to see that some horrible stories have a happy ending.
One of the incredible views!!!
The kids playground and more of the view.
When we first arrived, the toddlers were so happy to see us.
In the middle is Wendy. This little girl stole my heart, she would not smile for the camera at first.
But after awhile she couldn't stop smiling. Wendy Maritza, on the left, came to the orphanage with her little sister, and older brother. Their father use to strangle them when he was mad. So many heartbreaking stories. Johanna on the right is 7 years old but she is the size of a 4 year old. She was so malnourished, she had to be fed only liquids when she arrived. Now both girls are happy and safe.
My Aunt holding baby Laila. Laila and her 3 older siblings were abandoned in the Guatemala City garbage dump. The oldest Sister, 10year old Mercedes, was taking care of them all and feeding little Laila coffee and soda. This poor little girl was 10 months old when she got here but was the size of a 4 month old. Now she is plump and growing rapidly along with her older siblings. Thank God they were rescued and sent to Casa Angelina!!!
My Aunt sewing some uniform skirts for the girls.
Home made tortillas, and Azucena, who is 14, and just the sweetest girl ever. She was always laughing.
Part of the wall I painted
Monday, September 01, 2008
Day 1 and 2
San Francisco El Grand Church
One of the candle stalls in front of the church.
The hotel. It is in a cute little neighborhood, about 5 blocks from the central park.
The entrance way of the hotel.
A little reading nook right outside our room.
My aunt would sit here each morning and call my Uncle as she drank her coffee. I would still be sleeping.
View of the volcano from the gardens.
Me picking some type of banannas, from a tree on the grounds. I tried to eat one but it tasted chalky.
Students in a procession in front of a church right next to the hotel.
Me and Auntie at dinner on day 2.
Hope everyone enjoyed their holiday weekend. For us it was so nice just to do nothing and spend time together as a family.
Arriving in Guatemala that first day was very surreal. I forgot that everyone had said that the airport had changed. I was amazed how much it had changed in 2 years since we picked up Liv. None of the little shops were in the airport. they had been replaced by 3 or 4 big shops that sold mostly liquor and were way overpriced. I was also shocked by the outside. I had remembered waiting for the Westin shuttle right across from the airport and all the street kids asking for money. This time I was prepared for them. I had brought a big box of the individual cheese/peanut butter crackers and a bunch of singles for them. But they were gone too. I suddenly felt very sad. Where had the children gone? Where were the little old ladies who ran the shops? I'm sure it was not their choice to leave. What were they doing now for money? It was on my mind the whole time I was there.
After my meltdown on day one, see previous posts, I was much better on day two but still filled with all these questions. We spent the day shopping after having a great breakfast at Cafe Condesa, I love that place. Day two was special because I got to return to the church where we had Olivia baptized on our pick up trip. The Church is San Francisco El Grand it is where the remains of Santo Hermano Pedro are.
He is known as the “St. Francis of the Americas,” Pedro de Betancourt worked and died in Guatemala. Pedro was born into a poor family on Tenerife in the Canary Islands in 1626. He worked as a shepherd until age 24, when he began to make his way to Guatemala, hoping to connect with a relative engaged in government service there. By the time he reached Havana, Cuba he was out of money. After working there to earn more, he got to Guatemala City the following year. When he arrived he was so destitute that he joined the bread line which the Franciscans had established… As quoted from Wikipedia (click to continue reading).
The church is just beautiful and outside of it is a courtyard with little stalls that sell all types of Guatemalan goods, but especially candles to be brought into the church and lit as an offering.
While we were in there I noticed a woman in traditional Mayan dress and her little daughter. Both of them were filthy. The little girl was about 4 years old and she was so good just kneeling next to her mother as she prayed. I continued to watch them as they got up and put a few coins in the collection box. I then noticed that the little girl had no shoes on. My heart broke. This could be my Liv. I wanted to get out of my seat and give them money, but should I do it in church. Would the mother be offended. I didn't know in Spanish how to say can I buy her some shoes.
They walked over to the left side of the church where the remains of Santo Hermano Pedro are in a ornate mausoleum type box. I tried to decide what to do. I watched as the mother prayed to the Saint. She was so passionate as she quietly mouthed her prayers. I could see her hands were very worn and rough, as she made the sign of the cross. I noticed my Aunt get up from the pew behind me and she was making her way to the left side of the church, I got up to follow her. As I crossed in front of the alter, I remembered to genuflect, just as i had been taught all those years ago in Catholic school. When I reached the Saints remains, I looked for the mother and daughter. I didn't see them. After a few minutes of kneeling and saying a few prayers to Saint Herman. We got up and went outside. Again I looked for the little girl with no shoes, and her mother. I didn't see them. I was so mad at myself. Why didn't i just get up and go over to them. Now this poor little girl will go on with no shoes for how long. But how many other children in this country are walking without shoes. Olivia has probably 20 plus pairs of shoes, most that she doesn't even wear because she doesn't like them.
I was frustrated and overwhelmed. We made our way back to our posh hotel and I felt like a hypocrite. I came here to do something, to somehow give back to the country that had given me my daughter, and I was finding it hard to not feel paralyzed by the enormous need.
The hotel. It is in a cute little neighborhood, about 5 blocks from the central park.
The entrance way of the hotel.
A little reading nook right outside our room.
My aunt would sit here each morning and call my Uncle as she drank her coffee. I would still be sleeping.
View of the volcano from the gardens.
Me picking some type of banannas, from a tree on the grounds. I tried to eat one but it tasted chalky.
Students in a procession in front of a church right next to the hotel.
Me and Auntie at dinner on day 2.Saturday, August 30, 2008
Home, digesting, and enjoying
Hi everyone,
I reached home about 10:30 last night. I had such a wonderful trip, so much to digest and then make sense of it all. But for now Liv needs my full attention, Vinay too. So I will return to blogging after the holiday weekend.
Thanks to everyone who prayed and kept me in their thoughts during this last week, it was an amazing experience.
Enjoy the long weekend!!!!!!
I reached home about 10:30 last night. I had such a wonderful trip, so much to digest and then make sense of it all. But for now Liv needs my full attention, Vinay too. So I will return to blogging after the holiday weekend.
Thanks to everyone who prayed and kept me in their thoughts during this last week, it was an amazing experience.
Enjoy the long weekend!!!!!!
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Update on Nik's Trip & a quick update from Olivia
I have been speaking with Nicole everyday. The trip is going well and they are getting a lot done at the orphanage. The trip however is somewhat bitter sweet because there is only so much the group can do in a week and even though she is excited to come home, it will be very emotional for her and her aunt to leave the kids.
She mentioned how well behaved the kids are and how much they appreciate things that we sometimes take for granted. Tommorrow they plan on giving out the gifts/donations that many of our friends gave to Nicole for the children. She promises to take alot of pictures so you all can see first hand the smile you put on these kids faces. I am sure that when Nicole gets back she will be able to provide more details as I am only able to provide you the cliff notes.
Olivia has a quick update of how her week is going with Dad:
Day 2 With Dad
Day two with dad was a little more challenging. I felt after day 1 Dad was getting a bit comfortable. So I decided to test his patience, I know it sounds a bit rough but it is what I like to call "tough love". It started first thing in the morning when I decided that I would not let him change me out of my pajamas. I have to admit I was pretty impressed he went for the usual bribe of giving me stickers (not today dad) you need to bring something a little more creative. Then he used a tactic I am sure he read in a book somewhere, he diverted my attention by letting me jump on the bed for a little bit and before I knew it I was in my clothes for the day.
Dad still has not eaten breakfast in the morning and I think he is losing some weight. I am not that concerned about this because mom says it wouldn't be bad if he lost a few pounds. I decided that I wasn't going to eat breakfast either, he looked a bit frustrated and tried some basic tricks. After a few failed attempts, he went for the old if I eat will you have something?? Mission accomplished I knew I would be able to get dad to eat breakfast!!
I figured that was enough "tough love" for the day. In addition, he started looking a bit flustered and I wanted to make sure that we had a good day together. We spent most of our time out and about and ended having ice cream with a few friends!!
This week has been a lot of fun and even though we both are missing mom terribly I am really enjoying my time with Dad!! Well only a few more days before mom gets home!!
Yours Truly,
Olivia
She mentioned how well behaved the kids are and how much they appreciate things that we sometimes take for granted. Tommorrow they plan on giving out the gifts/donations that many of our friends gave to Nicole for the children. She promises to take alot of pictures so you all can see first hand the smile you put on these kids faces. I am sure that when Nicole gets back she will be able to provide more details as I am only able to provide you the cliff notes.
Olivia has a quick update of how her week is going with Dad:
Day 2 With Dad
Day two with dad was a little more challenging. I felt after day 1 Dad was getting a bit comfortable. So I decided to test his patience, I know it sounds a bit rough but it is what I like to call "tough love". It started first thing in the morning when I decided that I would not let him change me out of my pajamas. I have to admit I was pretty impressed he went for the usual bribe of giving me stickers (not today dad) you need to bring something a little more creative. Then he used a tactic I am sure he read in a book somewhere, he diverted my attention by letting me jump on the bed for a little bit and before I knew it I was in my clothes for the day.
Dad still has not eaten breakfast in the morning and I think he is losing some weight. I am not that concerned about this because mom says it wouldn't be bad if he lost a few pounds. I decided that I wasn't going to eat breakfast either, he looked a bit frustrated and tried some basic tricks. After a few failed attempts, he went for the old if I eat will you have something?? Mission accomplished I knew I would be able to get dad to eat breakfast!!
I figured that was enough "tough love" for the day. In addition, he started looking a bit flustered and I wanted to make sure that we had a good day together. We spent most of our time out and about and ended having ice cream with a few friends!!
This week has been a lot of fun and even though we both are missing mom terribly I am really enjoying my time with Dad!! Well only a few more days before mom gets home!!
Yours Truly,
Olivia
Monday, August 25, 2008
And the Guest Blogger is Olivia!!!
So after much deliberation I have decided to allow Olivia to blog her perspective of the week with dad... She is not sure if she will be able to blog each day but promises to give a few updates during the week. So here Olivia is in her own words!!!
Day 1 with Dad:
Mommy left for her trip yesterday, daddy and I are so proud of her and know that she will put a smile on all the faces of the kids she meets at the orphanage. We miss her so much and are looking forward to her coming back at the end of the week.
This is longest mom has left me to watch dad, yeah I have done a few long weekends but this is the "real deal." Mom assured me that at 408 months dad is pretty self sufficient but has left me with some very strict instructions specifically around sleeping, eating , and bathing.
Today was a fun day, I was a little concerned when I woke up, dad looked a little tired and did not eat much for breakfast. It is a good thing that I taught myself how to get out of the crib so this way I can check up on him to make sure that he is not staying up to late. You should of seen the look on his face the first day I climbed out, after watching the gymnist during the Olympics I began practicing how to manuever myself out of the crib. If this was an Olympic sport I would most likely get the gold!! Now back to my day watching dad, mom said that it would be a good idea if I kept him busy so I decided to take him to the mall. He seemed like he was having a good time and I even convinced him to buy me a little toy (sorry mom I know you said not to take advantage of him but it really is to easy). While at the mall, all I kept thinking about was that he did not have breakfast so I took him to the Ruby Tuesday's. He really enjoys there mini burgers but I made sure that he orderd the salad bar as well, mommy always says make sure he gets enough vegetables. After the mall, I took him on his first play date!! He had a great time and I kept myself busy playing with my friend. After the playdate, he looked a bit tired, little did he know that I was probably more tired then him. Taking care of dad though very rewarding is a lot of work. For dinner we had some pasta, I figured carbs are good after our long day.
Well that is my recap of day 1 of watching dad, I can tell you that I am really enjoying the one on one time I am spending with him!! I look forward to sharing some more highlights of the week on my next post.
Yours truly,
Olivia
Five more days till mom gets home!!
Day 1 with Dad:
Mommy left for her trip yesterday, daddy and I are so proud of her and know that she will put a smile on all the faces of the kids she meets at the orphanage. We miss her so much and are looking forward to her coming back at the end of the week.
This is longest mom has left me to watch dad, yeah I have done a few long weekends but this is the "real deal." Mom assured me that at 408 months dad is pretty self sufficient but has left me with some very strict instructions specifically around sleeping, eating , and bathing.
Today was a fun day, I was a little concerned when I woke up, dad looked a little tired and did not eat much for breakfast. It is a good thing that I taught myself how to get out of the crib so this way I can check up on him to make sure that he is not staying up to late. You should of seen the look on his face the first day I climbed out, after watching the gymnist during the Olympics I began practicing how to manuever myself out of the crib. If this was an Olympic sport I would most likely get the gold!! Now back to my day watching dad, mom said that it would be a good idea if I kept him busy so I decided to take him to the mall. He seemed like he was having a good time and I even convinced him to buy me a little toy (sorry mom I know you said not to take advantage of him but it really is to easy). While at the mall, all I kept thinking about was that he did not have breakfast so I took him to the Ruby Tuesday's. He really enjoys there mini burgers but I made sure that he orderd the salad bar as well, mommy always says make sure he gets enough vegetables. After the mall, I took him on his first play date!! He had a great time and I kept myself busy playing with my friend. After the playdate, he looked a bit tired, little did he know that I was probably more tired then him. Taking care of dad though very rewarding is a lot of work. For dinner we had some pasta, I figured carbs are good after our long day.
Well that is my recap of day 1 of watching dad, I can tell you that I am really enjoying the one on one time I am spending with him!! I look forward to sharing some more highlights of the week on my next post.
Yours truly,
Olivia
Five more days till mom gets home!!
Here and safe
Hi everyone,
I am here and I am safe. With this report coming out yeaterday, Plane crash in Guatemala kills 10 - USATODAY.com Vinay got some calls, asking if I was ok. Thank God I called everyone yesterday so my family had to not worry.
Leaveing was very hard for me and yeaterday was full of tears.
I felt so bad leaving because Saturady afternoon, Olivia decised that for the first time she would climb out of her crib during nap time. I was devastated, I raelly didn´t think that was coming for awhile. Then going to bed she trew a fit and was screaming and crying in the room but after 5 min, she stopped. When I went in to check on her there she was sleeping face down outside of the crib. All I could think was how can I leave Vinay to all this, but i had to. So after a restless nights sleep I boarded the plane.
Arriving in Guatemala was bettersweet. I missed Liv so much and all the emotions of our pick up trip came flooding back. Jeremy from Casa Angelina´s staff and his family picked us up and that got my mind off things for the drive into Antigua. The hotel is beautiful, like something out of a movie. No iternet though.
So once I sat down to unpack and out fell some pictures of Liv and the tears just started. How could I come here without her. She should be with me on this trip. Well my Aunt gave me a hug and I tried to pull it together.
We went out in search of buying a cell phone, we did buy one, which made us fell a litttle more connected to home, boy is our spanish rusty. Then we went to eat at Cafe 2000, we had a glass of wine, and watched the movie "Breaking up With Sara Silverman", and it was just the laugh I needed to get me over my blues.
We were back at our hotel and in PJ´s by 7pm Time change plus the traveling, kicked our butt. Just as I was about to brush my teeth, all the lights went out. I screamed and jumped into my Aunts bed. What in the world, we thought we heard thunder, but just rain could cause a blackout of the hotel. by the time I lit a candle, the lights went on and all I could say was "thank you Jesus". Yes I am that much of a wimp. Well the night was uneventfull and we both had about 10 hours of sleep so I am in better spirits. Today is a free day, more of the mission team is arriving so we won´t be at the orphange till tomorrow.
I will try to upload pics tomorrow or the next. You really forget how wonderfull this country is untill you visit it again.
Hope to blog again, soon.
Nikki
I am here and I am safe. With this report coming out yeaterday, Plane crash in Guatemala kills 10 - USATODAY.com Vinay got some calls, asking if I was ok. Thank God I called everyone yesterday so my family had to not worry.
Leaveing was very hard for me and yeaterday was full of tears.
I felt so bad leaving because Saturady afternoon, Olivia decised that for the first time she would climb out of her crib during nap time. I was devastated, I raelly didn´t think that was coming for awhile. Then going to bed she trew a fit and was screaming and crying in the room but after 5 min, she stopped. When I went in to check on her there she was sleeping face down outside of the crib. All I could think was how can I leave Vinay to all this, but i had to. So after a restless nights sleep I boarded the plane.
Arriving in Guatemala was bettersweet. I missed Liv so much and all the emotions of our pick up trip came flooding back. Jeremy from Casa Angelina´s staff and his family picked us up and that got my mind off things for the drive into Antigua. The hotel is beautiful, like something out of a movie. No iternet though.
So once I sat down to unpack and out fell some pictures of Liv and the tears just started. How could I come here without her. She should be with me on this trip. Well my Aunt gave me a hug and I tried to pull it together.
We went out in search of buying a cell phone, we did buy one, which made us fell a litttle more connected to home, boy is our spanish rusty. Then we went to eat at Cafe 2000, we had a glass of wine, and watched the movie "Breaking up With Sara Silverman", and it was just the laugh I needed to get me over my blues.
We were back at our hotel and in PJ´s by 7pm Time change plus the traveling, kicked our butt. Just as I was about to brush my teeth, all the lights went out. I screamed and jumped into my Aunts bed. What in the world, we thought we heard thunder, but just rain could cause a blackout of the hotel. by the time I lit a candle, the lights went on and all I could say was "thank you Jesus". Yes I am that much of a wimp. Well the night was uneventfull and we both had about 10 hours of sleep so I am in better spirits. Today is a free day, more of the mission team is arriving so we won´t be at the orphange till tomorrow.
I will try to upload pics tomorrow or the next. You really forget how wonderfull this country is untill you visit it again.
Hope to blog again, soon.
Nikki
Saturday, August 23, 2008
1 more sleep till Guat
I am all packed up and ready to go. 10 hours till we take off and I think I am fully ready.
I am full of both excitement and nervousness.
Vinay will try to fill everyone in on my trip, if I have no access to my blog. But I will try!!!
Buenas Noches Amigos
I am full of both excitement and nervousness.
Vinay will try to fill everyone in on my trip, if I have no access to my blog. But I will try!!!
Buenas Noches Amigos
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
My friends are awesome
Friends and family have been loading me down with donations. I must say I am in awe of everyone who is just so willing to help people they will never meet, know barely anything about, and without asking for a thing in return. No one even said "oh can you bring me something back". You guys have really made me get so excited for this trip. I am bringing a piece of you all with me to Guat!!!!
I wish I could promis to blog while I am away, but my sick computer is staying home. Vinay will be filling in, and I will call him daily to hear his and Liv's voice. Oh I am missing them already.
Here are some pictures of the loot!!!
Pocket full of toothbrushes
If I can't fit it all in my suitecases I will ship the rest down when I get home.
Everything in that box needs to fit in that blue suitcase.
Small suitcase full of donations for the Casa Angelina clinic that cares for the surrounding villages.
Just organizing and packing while Liv naps, otherwise she thinks everything is for her, and can't keep her little hands out of the packages!!!
I wish I could promis to blog while I am away, but my sick computer is staying home. Vinay will be filling in, and I will call him daily to hear his and Liv's voice. Oh I am missing them already.
Here are some pictures of the loot!!!
Pocket full of toothbrushes
If I can't fit it all in my suitecases I will ship the rest down when I get home.
Everything in that box needs to fit in that blue suitcase.
Small suitcase full of donations for the Casa Angelina clinic that cares for the surrounding villages.
Just organizing and packing while Liv naps, otherwise she thinks everything is for her, and can't keep her little hands out of the packages!!!Monday, August 18, 2008
Virus, stomach and computer
First and foremost thank you to everyone for their nice comments, emails, and calls. I know I am a big baby, and thanks for all the pep talks, you guys are fabulous
Yes we are infected.
My computer has had a virus since last week and McAfee does not want to get rid of it so I'm just living with it for now. I might have to ask for an early b-day present and get a new computer when I get home. This computer is old and Miss Liv took off a few of the keys, the enter and shift keys on the left side and the A, and I constantly eat while on the computer so there are crumbs stuck all in it, It's really a mess.
I think I also have a little stomach virus, up going to the bathroom all last night, and today my stomach is in pain. Not sure if it's something I ate or my nerves or a virus. So I'm just living with it for now also. I just hope Liv DOES NOT get it!!!!!!!!!!!
I am in awe of the donations that are coming in. Vinay's work each took a child's name and got them a gallon ziplock bag of goodies. My friends were in charge of getting needed things for the clinic Casa Angelina runs. Those have been coming in and wow everyone is just so generous. I didn't ask for donations on the blog because I knew that I would be overloaded with things and I would love for bloggers to concentrate on loading up Julia and http://globalorphanteam.blogspot.com/
So I am officially starting to pack!!!
T minus 6 days and counting!!!!!!
Yes we are infected.
My computer has had a virus since last week and McAfee does not want to get rid of it so I'm just living with it for now. I might have to ask for an early b-day present and get a new computer when I get home. This computer is old and Miss Liv took off a few of the keys, the enter and shift keys on the left side and the A, and I constantly eat while on the computer so there are crumbs stuck all in it, It's really a mess.
I think I also have a little stomach virus, up going to the bathroom all last night, and today my stomach is in pain. Not sure if it's something I ate or my nerves or a virus. So I'm just living with it for now also. I just hope Liv DOES NOT get it!!!!!!!!!!!
I am in awe of the donations that are coming in. Vinay's work each took a child's name and got them a gallon ziplock bag of goodies. My friends were in charge of getting needed things for the clinic Casa Angelina runs. Those have been coming in and wow everyone is just so generous. I didn't ask for donations on the blog because I knew that I would be overloaded with things and I would love for bloggers to concentrate on loading up Julia and http://globalorphanteam.blogspot.com/
So I am officially starting to pack!!!
T minus 6 days and counting!!!!!!
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Oh selfish me!!!
Just when I should be focusing on leaving for my trip, I have immersed myself in everything but. I have been going crazy looking for a preschool for Olivia. Calling every school in a 20 mile radius, visiting schools, asking questions of the teachers, interviewing directors like Liv will be staying at the school till college. I mean come on she will be in a two year old class, all she is going to do is play.
I have also been surfing the Web for info about other mission trip. What other people did, who they went with, looking at pictures from their trip.
In other words I have totally created diversions for myself. Why? Because I am scared sh*tless. I am nervous about so many things, so let me just run with this and get it out of my system so that I can move on and get my act together.
I'm scared to leave Liv. I know she will be fine but I don't want to miss her. We are so attached at the hip, sometimes I feel like she is such a part of me, and that I am only half a person with out her. I am also wishing I could spend the week on vacation with Liv and Vinay. Vinay has been working so hard lately, and we haven't had much family time, and I would love to just have the time to hang out with them. I know it's a terrible way to think.
I'm scared to leave Vinay. It's been a long time since I've traveled without him. If things get rough, like the room next to ours is making too much noise, or I don't feel well and I need to find a DR, or I forgot to bring enough shirts, it's Vinay who makes it all better. He has been taking care of me for a long time and I'm scared to not have him by my side. The sad part is Vinay wanted to come with me, and I told him "No I need to do this for myself". Stupid move Nik
I'm scared to do hard labor. Now I am a hard worker, don't get me wrong. But real physical work, can be hard for me, I just don't have the stamina that a 30something woman should have. Partially because I don't work out, and partially because of my Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
My Aunt who is going with me is a hard worker too, but she is almost 60, and she has Epstein Barr Syndrome. What were we thinking signing up for this.
I'm scared of what it will do to me emotionally. I did see some of the poverty in Guatemala when we were picking up Liv, but I was in happy lala land of finally having my baby. This will be so much more, and I want it to be. But I know that once I have seen this I can't go back. Can't go back to thinking that everyone lives like us. Can't go on pretending that everyone has a stocked pantry like mine. Can't go on believing that everyone has the opportunity to live a good life. I know that I will forever be changed, and I'm scared to be changed.
I know that this is something I want to do, need to do, but the selfish part of me is so strong. I never pray for myself, I don't know why, I guess I don't want to be selfish, but I am praying lately, that I can do this.
Thanks for reading this rant, and seeing yet another horrible side of me.
I have also been surfing the Web for info about other mission trip. What other people did, who they went with, looking at pictures from their trip.
In other words I have totally created diversions for myself. Why? Because I am scared sh*tless. I am nervous about so many things, so let me just run with this and get it out of my system so that I can move on and get my act together.
I'm scared to leave Liv. I know she will be fine but I don't want to miss her. We are so attached at the hip, sometimes I feel like she is such a part of me, and that I am only half a person with out her. I am also wishing I could spend the week on vacation with Liv and Vinay. Vinay has been working so hard lately, and we haven't had much family time, and I would love to just have the time to hang out with them. I know it's a terrible way to think.
I'm scared to leave Vinay. It's been a long time since I've traveled without him. If things get rough, like the room next to ours is making too much noise, or I don't feel well and I need to find a DR, or I forgot to bring enough shirts, it's Vinay who makes it all better. He has been taking care of me for a long time and I'm scared to not have him by my side. The sad part is Vinay wanted to come with me, and I told him "No I need to do this for myself". Stupid move Nik
I'm scared to do hard labor. Now I am a hard worker, don't get me wrong. But real physical work, can be hard for me, I just don't have the stamina that a 30something woman should have. Partially because I don't work out, and partially because of my Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
My Aunt who is going with me is a hard worker too, but she is almost 60, and she has Epstein Barr Syndrome. What were we thinking signing up for this.
I'm scared of what it will do to me emotionally. I did see some of the poverty in Guatemala when we were picking up Liv, but I was in happy lala land of finally having my baby. This will be so much more, and I want it to be. But I know that once I have seen this I can't go back. Can't go back to thinking that everyone lives like us. Can't go on pretending that everyone has a stocked pantry like mine. Can't go on believing that everyone has the opportunity to live a good life. I know that I will forever be changed, and I'm scared to be changed.
I know that this is something I want to do, need to do, but the selfish part of me is so strong. I never pray for myself, I don't know why, I guess I don't want to be selfish, but I am praying lately, that I can do this.
Thanks for reading this rant, and seeing yet another horrible side of me.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
The many faces of Liv
Some more shots from our photo shoot
This is the "I'm not to sure of you look"
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
Angel baby
I finally took Liv for her 2 year old pictures, I know i'm 3 months late. Here are a few in her wings and tutu!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
