Pulperia run

For those of you who know me you know that I LOVE ice cream. There are few desserts that I enjoy more! So lately I've spent time taking the kiddos to the local pulperia (family owned stories) for ice cream sandwiches. It is a chance for us to go for a walk off property and is a special treat for them if they behave for the day. I love how excited they get over such a small thing as ice cream. It is humbling for sure! 

Cindy Lou

Since being back I've been amazed at the changes I've seen in this little girl. She and her sister (Maryuri) came to live at Casa in October of 2006. Since then Cindy has proven to be one of our most difficult kiddos. At 6 years old this little one has seen and been through more than any full grown adult ever should have to. Her past has left her as promiscuous, rebellious, and down right stubborn as any child I've EVER known. Yet in the last month or so she seems to have made a complete turn around. She is polite and helpful. The fits that she used to throw and tantrums that left us feeling worn out from dealing with her seem to be figments of our imagination. Not once have I had to restrain her, endure her fits, or try to create ways to make her listen and behave. Instead she is one of our best behaved children. Whatever caused this turn around I pray daily that it continues. I pray that this isn't just a phase but that we have actually made a breakthrough with her.   

Papi

I've said time and time again that there is no rhyme nor reason to the way your heart gets linked to a special little one in this country. I've watched it happen hundreds of times as people and teams come through here. More often than not the kid picks you. You probably didn't see it coming and find it difficult to explain once it does happen. All you do know is some how ... for whatever reason.... God connected your two hearts for life. 

Little Daniela came to Casa last May almost afraid of her own shadow. She hid behind her older sister (Pamela) and for a long time battled with flashbacks from her scarred past. It took her longer than most to settle in here and warm up to all of us. 

However, it wasn't until March when my college friends came down that I truly watched her not only open her heart but latch onto someone. It became a known fact that if you saw Mike Daniela would either be in his arms or following closely behind him. By the end of his 10 days here she was calling him Papi and getting defensive if any of the other kids even tried to get close to him. 

Like I said in my last post Mike flew back with me 2 1/2 weeks ago when I came back. Watching Daniela's eyes dance and the grin on her face grow as she realized that her "Papi" was back brought tears to my eyes. She hadn't just enjoyed having someone to play with for that week in March..... her heart had forever been connected to his and he would forever be her "Papi." 

Since that day Daniela has once again clung to and savored time with Mike. Very rarely do I see him sitting down without her in his lap. Yet I'd be lying if I didn't admit how mutual the bond is. He is as taken with that little girl as she is him. There is no explaining why or how it happened... besides the fact that it was/is a God thing. God knew she needed a male figure in her life to fill that role of Daddy. It has healed her in more ways than even I could have ever imagined. 

The guys

I have been blessed to have two of my greatest guy friends fly down to Hondo with me this time. Chris and Mike were both here in March for 10 days. It was during that trip that they began dreaming and planning of returning this summer. It seems so hard to believe that the months have past and the time to have them here again has arrived. Chris stays until this Wednesday (August 6th) and Mike stays until September 18th. It has been wonderful not only to have their companionship but to watch them love on and interact with my kiddos. 

Day at the Park

Cindy 

Pile up! 

Rosita

Pamela

Doris

Last Saturday Mike, Chris, and I took the kids on a picnic in the park. We all had a blast running around playing, picking berries, and just being goofy! 

Visitation

On the last Friday of each month signifies visitation day for our kiddos. It is the one day of the month that the parents are allowed to meet us in the city and spend a couple of hours with the kiddos. So each month as the much anticipated day draws near the kids begin coloring pictures for their moms and asking how many more days until Friday. When the day finally comes they get all dressed up and excited to head into the city. Since it is up to the parents to remember what day visitation is and save up money for the bus fare it is always a guessing game as to who will show up. Visitation days are rough on all of us. They are rough on those whose parents come because they often walk away missing their moms or rebelling because they think they no longer have to listen to us. It is rough on those whose parents don't show up because they feel unwanted, unloved, and just not nearly special enough to have a parent come see them. They struggle through watching the others play with their moms or eat treats that a family member brought them. 

This past visitation was no different. I spent the morning consoling a hurting Brayan as he continually made comments like "my moms not coming huh" or "mom didn't come." The two hours passed in a blur as I tried hard to distract and love on each of the kiddos whose parents .... for whatever reason.... didn't show up that day. 

Visitation ends at 12 so we always take the kiddos out to at afterwards. However, the timing of the visitation doesn't have as much to do with taking them out as the need to divert their minds and get them having fun. 

My Katty

She is as big of a stinker as ever... but still just as cute! :)