perspective
I have almost completely fallen off the radar for the last few weeks. I have really been struggling to wrap my brain around the fact that I'm going to be a mother. It's not like I'm not excited or anything, it's just been a really hard concept for me to grasp. Maybe it's because I'm a slow learner, I don't →
I loVe OrpHanS LiKe fAt kiDs LoVe CAkE
This last week and weekend have been really busy for me. On last Tuesday I drove to St. George last minute to attend a Board of Directors meeting for the orphanage. I had to skip out of work early to make it on time, but I'm so glad I did because we had alot of really important stuff to talk →
Journal Day 7: Thursday
This morning Guillermo picked us up at at 5:30 to head to the airport. Kari sat up front with him and pretty much translated the whole way. It was way too early for me to really say a whole lot, so I just did alot of listening. Guillermo played us 2 yr old Brandon's favorite song. I think his parents →
Journal Day 6: Wednesday
First thing Wednesday morning, Kari and I finished putting away the supplies. Unfortunately, we had to leave a little early because we were waiting on Kevin and Jesse to finish the shelves. Thanks to those who finished that for us!!! By 11:00 we were heading back up MOunt Everest to the orphanage to spend the last day with the kids. →
Journal Day 5: Tuesday
This morning Kari and I stayed at the Volunteer house to sort, organize, inventory, and put away all of the donation items that were needing to be stored. This turned out to be a much bigger project than I had anticipated, but it was great because I have a REALLY good idea of what we have, and what we still need. We →
Journal Day 4: Monday
This morning we went to the orphanage at about 8am. We helped them do their chores, swept the whole orphanage and courtyard, played games and read to the children. Kari and I opened the little school room and got a few of the games out. They will sit down forever with us and play a simple game. I think they →
Journal Day 3: Sunday
This morning we got up, Kevin and Jesse made us Breakfast and then we got ready for church. When we got to the orphanage almost all the kids were ready and they were anticipating our early arrival. We stayed there for a little while and took pictures with the kids and then we all left together to walk into town →
Journal Day 2: Saturday
Last night we arrived at the airport and we were met by Mandy, Guillermo, President Rivera, and his son Angel. We loaded our ba-zillion bags and headed for a Wendy's. It was alot of fun, and we were all a little wired with excitement. I sat next to President Rivera and Angel, and we had tons of fun. He's 17 →
Journal Day 1: Friday
I"m back on the plane again, a mere few hours away from the Guatemala City Airport. I'm not totally sure how we're getting picked up, but I'm starting to learn that maybe that's just the way they roll here. It always seems to work out in the end, so whatever we have to do, it'll be fine. This morning as I →
Here I go again…..
Tomorrow morning Kari and I will be boarding a plane: Destination - Guatemala. I'm not going to lie, I'm getting a little nervous and excited all at the same time. I'm just so glad that this is not my first time going to the orphanage because I feel much better prepared, and I have a better idea of what →
The bigger picture….
I just got an update last night about Estuardo, Deanna, and Paula. They went home to family a couple of weeks ago, and we got our first update last night from Guillermo. Their parents are either unwilling/ or unable to help care for them, so Grandma has done an amazing thing and totally stepped up for the kids. She is →
My Weekend
I have had a very busy weekend. I took the day off on Friday from work, and drove down early in the morning to spend the day with my family. It was so nice to see my Grandma, I don't get to see her nearly enough these days. My mom, Aunt Suzanne and Uncle Robin were there visiting, and of →
Here we go again…
This week I have purchased the plane tickets for my next trip to Guatemala. The extra fun part is, one of my best friends Kari Nash is going with me!! It will be fun to travel with a friend this time. She was the one who originally helped me collect donations for the orphanage drive a few months ago. →
Home
Well...it's 6:30 on a Saturday morning and I can't sleep. I've been tossing and turning for a while now. I can't stop thinking about the kids in the orphanage and it's been a week since I've returned home. I just received an email from Mandy last night. They were supposed to receive 3 newborns this week. Unfortunately, 2 of them →
Love Notes
Make a Smilebox slideshow I received a couple hand written notes from the kids. Some were hidden, and tucked away for me to find later. They are so cute, and special...I thought I'd post them so I can always see them. I also received am email from Alejandra. It made me cry, and I wish I could adopt →
Journal: Day 8
Last night was our final evening. We made hot dogs and nachos for all the kids. They all thought it was awesome! We even planned on roasting smores over a campfire, but it started pouring rain as soon as it was time. We took one final group picture, and happily played for the rest of the eve →
Journal: Day 7
Eating Lunch at Pana The kids are doing great. They are starting to realize that we leave soon, and are so sad. I can't even think about saying goodbye to them. Last night we had a dinner at the church with all the members of their ward. The food was incredible, and everyone had tons of f →
I was told about an experience that happened at the orphanage and I thought it was really kind of neat in a weird way....so I wanted to write it down so I won't forget it. One night there was a knock on the orphanage door. Guillermo opened the window, and there were a couple gang members at the door. →
Journal: Day 5
It's been a busy day. Mandy and I rearranged th e nursery, playroom, nanny bedroom, and the boys rooms. I am exhausted! That was a huge project, but I think everyone's happy with the resu lts. We got horrible news about the cargo box. It's still being released from the port and we will NOT receive it →
Journal: Day 4
It's been an overwhelming 2 days. We received our first infant yesterday. We got him from the capitol when Guillermo and Mandy went to drop off more paperwork. The mother had just arrived and was in the next office ready to hand over the baby. When Mandy went in the room to take her baby she said that the →
Journal: Day 3
It's been a very long and busy day for me. I started off the day with a delicious breakfast of beans and eggs. The cook Martita is back, and she is awesome!! I pig out on her food, and she loves me for it. I'm determined to get her black bean recipe, and pancake recipe!! The Baby Nursery →
Journal: Day 2
We arrived late last night. Guillermo rented a van to pick us up, along with our luggage. Some of the kids were waiting for us to arrive, they were all very excited. There are also an additional 4 volunteers here that we weren't expect ing, nor were they expecting us! It was a little awkward, and →
Journal: Day 1
I'm sitting on the airplane flying high above the clouds, and I'm finally on my way. We will arrive in Guatemala City in about an hou r. I'm already exhausted, but anticipating our adventure. I'm traveling with Kevin, Mandy, and Mariyah . Kevin is President of the organization, and has a bigger heart than anyone I know. He's incredibly devoted →