Fun with teams.

We have been so busy this vacation from school. It has been a lot of fun.

A month ago we had a team come through to visit us led by a man named Brian. He had been here before and had adopted a son from Guatemala. They came on a Friday night and had a big pizza and ice cream party. We were too busy eating pizza to get any pictures but here is the group serving up the ice cream.

Of course, the food was a big hit. And the kids enjoyed playing with the adults before and after dinner. After we were stuffed with good food, the kids got a big surprise. Each child was handed a "birthday card" with some money inside. This was an even bigger hit than the food! They were told they could spend it any way they want. Tomorrow we are going into the Capital City to window shop before Christmas and they are all excited to spend it then.

Brian handing out his card to Edgar.

Maria just checking out her card. Maybe thinking about what she wants to buy?

The next day the group came back and painted the girls house for us.

They did a good job and left the girls house looking like new! It is always fun to have visitors and these guys were no exception. Thanks for coming!!

A couple of weeks ago we were visited by a group of teen boys who attend a Christian school about an hour from where we are. They are studying to become mechanics. A group of them had made bracelets and other things to sell and wanted to buy our Home something. We don't always have a lot of fruit so they brought us about 8 or 9 different fruits. They were good! Then they played a good game of soccer with some of our kids. Our kids love to play soccer at any time and love to play with other people.

Daniel and Luis waiting to play.

Maria preferred the swings.

Soccer is a pretty serious game around here. (Edgar)

We love having visitors of any type so if any of you ever want to come visit us, you are more than welcome!!! God bless.

Flying kites!

A few weeks ago the wind began. I have been told that there is about one month of really good wind every year at this time. The kids took advantage of being free from school and pulled out the kites. It was a fun and relaxing afternoon.

Getting ready to fly!

It's up!

Daniel flying a smaller kite. We had multiple kites going that day. To my surprise, none of them crossed paths.

Lying down on the job!

Checking for wind.

Time for bubbles.

And some practicing of picture taking. Some turned out better than others:

This one just makes me laugh.

Dennis. It is hard to get a true picture of him smiling. So even though this is a side view, I still love it.

Since then we have had a lot more kite flying. It has been a lot of fun for the kids. Happy Monday to you all! Have a great week.

My mom came to visit!

My mom was here in the middle of October for her first ever visit to Guatemala. It was so nice to have her here to see where I live and what I do. She can better understand now when I tell her stories and explain things going on in my life.

She was at the Home with me a couple of afternoons. She helped out with a baking class, played with the kids, held them, and gave out presents. She loved being here at the Home. The kids are so loving and accepting and she liked to watch how I interact with them. Even when I punished them! :)

We also did a lot of shopping. We bought my Christmas and birthday presents and then went to the Artisan Market in Antigua to buy more typical things for her to take home. I had a very good Christmas! Moms are made to spoil their daughters, right?

It was fun to have her here and the kids loved it as well. When she wasn't there they would ask about her and when she was coming back. She knows that she will definitely be returning!