Thankful Hearts

Thursday-
Cecilia arrived after breakfast and we were headed to the private casa for a tour.  We have been very excited to see where A has been living.  We have many friends with children from here and we know that our girl has been receiving the best care possible.  We brought bags of donations for the kids including medications, band aids, tooth brushes and paste, stickers, markers, pajamas, paper, soccer balls, blankets, bottles, hair ties, socks, color books and books.  We also brought 2 cakes so that we could have a little fiesta while we were there with the children. 

When we arrived the social worker greeted us and took us upstairs for a tour.  We were greeted at the top of the stairs by the 24-36 month group of kids.  They were hugging my leg and wanting me to take their picture.  It was very sweet but also very emotional as you could feel the love they had to give and the love they wanted to feel.  They would giggle when we would show them the picture we took. 

We were very impressed with how clean everything was and organized.  We were able to see the baby room, toddler rooms, and were very impressed with the large windows and natural light in the rooms.  There are 3 floors and the top floor is a large open area that they use for a play room.  The little kids were there from ages 18 months-24 months playing and crawling around.  There is also a laundry area upstairs where there are a few machines and many many little clothes hanging out to dry and piles of clothes neatly folded everywhere.   

We then went to the little room off the outdoor play area where the kids have little activity tables where they play games and put puzzles.  We also toured the kitchen and eating areas.  We were able to see the room where A was and also the crib that she slept in.  Her name was still on it and I got a bit choked up.  We were also able to see some of the other children that she shared a room with. 

Once our tour was over we went to the eating area where all the kids were sitting and they served them the cake that we brought along with juice.  It was so cute to see them just loving it and having huge smiles on their face!!  Who wouldn't love chocolate cake at 10 am! :-)  We took a few pieces upstairs to the children that were smaller and were able to help them eat it.  They loved every second of it.  We left another cake there as for the children who were at school.  There are about 50 kids in this private casa ranging in age from 1 month-8 years old. 

We were able to get a picture with A’s primary caregiver.  I hugged her and thanked her for the care she has given our precious girl.  She got a bit teary and so did I.  We are forever grateful for the care that these women give to these kiddos.  They are very well cared for given the situation.  You can tell their love for each child in their interactions and the kids seem very happy.  It is an amazing place and we are forever grateful to all of the people working here.   We have found out that our meeting has not been moved up so will remain next Thursday.  While it is a bit dispappointing we are trusting God that all will go well and this is time that we are meant to be here. 

Once back at our hotel we ventured out to el corral gourmet for lunch.  They have amazing burgers that are gourmet served with eggs on top or chipotle veggies or whatever combination you can imagine.  It was amazing food once again.  We brought our hotel staff malts to go.  Juanita was giving kisses to all of us when we got back! :-)

On our walk back I took some pictures of the flowers that we passed.  We will definitely miss the flowers here.  They are everywhere and so beautiful.  It is one of the many things I will miss about this place.  I believe this country is one of the largest exporters of flowers in the world.  

We ventured to a park and then back for nap as it rains almost every day around 3pm.  We were kind of bummed about this at first but it allows us time to get back for nap and do some school work and Jeff to do some work. 

Friday-

Today is Sara’s family last day here.  We are really going to miss having them around.  We are going to be the only family at the hotel for awhile.  We have been really spoiled by the staff and will continue to be I am sure! 

We went out for our daily morning walk and stopped at a store that Cecilia recommended and bought a puzzle.  We then stopped off at Juan Valdez which is a very popular coffee shop here, kind of like starbucks of the US.  Amazing coffee!!  Mornings are beautiful and we love to go for walks. 

We had lunch at the hotel and said goodbye to Sara and her family. I am so happy for them and I pray that Sara does well adjusting to her new home.  She is so outgoing and so sweet.  We grew to love her in just the few days we have been around her.  

We spent some time in the afternoon talking about all that we are thankful for on this journey thus far.  Here is just a few things we had on our list:

*A great place were we are staying and NO issues adjusting to the altitude other than a little breathlessness the first few days

*Baby A-she is absolutely beautiful, healthy and content most of the time

*Being together as a family

*Jeff being able to check in with work yet spend a lot of time with us doing things each day

*A-mazing food!! We were not sure what to expect but everything we try we LOVE!!

*Fresh fruit juice (literally fruit and water blended) so delicious and made to order breakfast every morning

*Parks and beautiful weather!!

I am going to try my best to take pictures without baby A in to post for now!  Here are a few from the last couple days!! 

The steps leading up to our girls room at the private casa

El Corral Gourmet

Playing a little catch at the park!

Sara and Isaac.  She is headed home today.  We will miss you sweet girl!!

This is a common site on our morning walks.  Cecilia says it is very "fashionable" to have a dog in the last couple years.  We see people walking from a dog walking service walking as many as 10 at a time.  I think Isaac needs a job like this!! :-)   He says he would not want to clean up after them! Ha!

Juan Valdez coffee shop!!

One of the new apartment buildings on the same street as our hotel!! 

John 14:1  "Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.